Coates: I have to be patient

Liverpool youngster Sebastian Coates knows that he needs to be patient before he can become a star in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old starred in the Reds' clash against QPR last week, scoring with a contender for goal of the season with a scissor-kick in just his fourth league outing.

Only Manchester United and City have conceded less goals than Liverpool in the Premier League this season and the Uruguayan admits there is no need to change a defence that does not leak goals.

"I feel more settled now. As the months and the time goes by the period becomes a lot more easy.” Coates told the club's official website.

"I am enjoying the football and I know I have to be patient to play more games, purely because the other defenders have been so consistent for a long time.

"That is the nature of defence. Especially in that position, when it is working, you don't change it.

"I gained this attitude when Diego Godin had an injury before the Copa America and I got a chance. Because I did well, I stayed in the team. So you must respect your team-mates when they perform. There can be no arguments."

Coates is currently gaining experience from international defenders Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel, as well as long serving centre back Jamie Carragher, and admits he feels honoured to train and play with top stars.

"It is a privilege to train and play with them," he added.

"Martin has been outstanding this season and is an example to me because he originally came from a completely different country with an alternate philosophy on football and has made himself a success.

"During the sessions I watch all of my team-mates closely because you can learn from any position, not just your own.

"You see the central defenders at Liverpool and they all have attributes that are different.

"Each one can defend properly, of course, but Danny is very good with the ball at his feet, Martin has the type of aggression any defender needs to succeed coming from abroad, while Carra is a leader - a communicator who has helped me a lot when we have played together."