Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has heaped praise on the progress of David Ngog.
Yet Ngog, 20, has made such a fist of it that Wednesday's opener in the 2-1 win against Wigan was his sixth goal in just eight starts this season.
Midfield hardman Mascherano said: "David has taken his chances really well and it is very important for him.
"It's not easy to play all the time if people are expecting David to do the same job Fernando does.
"That is just not possible, so he is under pressure all the time. But quietly he is doing a good job.
"When he has had to play, he has scored goals. He is trying to do the right thing and he is doing well for us and the manager."