Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson believes Raul Meireles is now finding his feet in the Barclays Premier League and beginning to make an impact.
The former Porto midfielder was an influential figure in the victory against Aston Villa on Monday after making a slow start to his Anfield career.
Hodgson said: "With Raul Meireles it was always just a question of time. He came from a different league but I never doubted his quality as a player.
"I always knew we'd get something out of him because of his exceptional ability. I'm sure we'll get even more out of him now, with the more games he plays as he settles more and more into life in England."
Hodgson is convinced his side, who face Newcastle on Saturday, have enough time to claim a place in the Champions League.
"We'd like to think so, " he told liverpoolfc.tv. "But when you start as badly as we did then it's sensible for us to keep our feet on the ground.
"We are in something of a rebuilding process. As many as 20 to 22 players have left since I arrived here and very few have come in.
"But right from the beginning I've had the impression that the players are behind the work we are trying to do.
"We didn't get the results at the beginning but I never doubted we would become a more solid team. It was just a question of when our quality players would bring their quality to bear."
Hodgson is pleased with the form of both Maxi Rodriguez and Glen Johnson, the England full-back who was criticised by the manager last month for his poor performances.
Hodgson added: "Maxi Rodriguez is a very intelligent player. Despite the fact I do not speak Spanish and he doesn't speak that much English, we've always had a good understanding together.
"He knows what I want and I've been happy to see him do it on the field."
Hodgson added: "Glen Johnson is now different to the Glen Johnson we saw at the beginning. He's playing with confidence and is doing extremely well.
"It's the same with Fernando Torres recently. He's different to the one in the opening games. Now we are working together every day and we are seeing better team performances."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments