Young Boys v Liverpool: Nuri Sahin ready to lead by example in Bern

Nuri Sahin has declared he is ready to lead by example ahead of Liverpool’s opening Europa League game against Young Boys on Thursday.

The 24-year-old has made just one appearance for the Reds since completing a season-long loan switch from Real Madrid to Anfield in August.

Sahin is relishing the chance to assume added responsibility as one of the more experienced members of Brendan Rodgers’ youthful 20-man squad which travelled to Bern – the average age is 21.

“I’m one of the players with the most experience on the field and of course, I will try to lead the team,” Sahin said.

“I play central midfield and I have to take plenty of responsibility. I am glad to do this, but we have a few other players who can lead the team as well.

“I only played a few games [for Real Madrid] last year and this year I want to play every game and every minute.

“I need games to get my level to where it belongs and this will be a good game for me to do this.

“I have played in this competition with Borussia Dortmund before and it’s a difficult competition. When the Champions League teams come in after the first group stage, it becomes a very difficult competition.”

Young Boys v Liverpool: Pre-match facts

• Liverpool have had two notable Swiss players: defenders Stéphane Henchoz (1999-05) and Philipp Degen (2008-10). Henchoz is remembered particularly fondly, having helped the Reds to win a treble of the FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup in 2000/01.

• Young Boys’ right-back Scott Sutter was born in England, and played youth team football for Millwall, Barnet, Aston Villa and Charlton Athletic before moving to his father’s home country and starting his professional career with Grasshopper-Club.

• Liverpool’s record in eight games against Swiss sides reads W5 D2 L1. Their only defeat against Swiss opponents came at Servette in September 1971, and they are now unbeaten in seven games against Swiss clubs.

• Young Boys lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the 2010/11 Champions League play-offs, their only previous encounter with English opponents. They won 3-2 in the first leg in Berne, but three goals from former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch helped Spurs win the return leg 4-0.

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