From Liverpool Official Magazine:

Breaking Through

Midfielder David Thompson is hoping that his efforts last season (1998/1999) have placed him at the forefront of Gerard Houllier's thinking for the new campaign.
Thompson has finally made the breakthrough as a regular member of the first-team squad after years in the reserves and in the eyes of many judges, has shown enough to suggest a permanent place.

With Houllier strengthening his squad significantly, doubts remain whether Thompson will follow in the footsteps of young team-mates Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher.
Thompson says: "Last season was a really good one and I want to pick up where I left off. I have proved that I can perform at the top level. The Premiership is a tough league and you have to be a high-standard player to succeed. I have gone some way to proving myself but I need more chances.

The Next Stage

"The manager has told me that I'm in his plans and that's very important. Obviously he has liked what I have done over the past season and the onus is on me to maintain my standards.

"If I'm in the side then I want to play well enough to stay there, but if I have to keep fighting and working for a place then I'm determined to do that.

"Liverpool is a great club to play for. I don't want to be anywhere else and I'm very confident that this season could be a good one."

Liverpool have tied Thompson to a new long-term deal and manager Houllier believes the local-born player has a bright future.

Pleasing The Manager

Houllier reports: "The most important thing about team results is that it's achieved normally with about 20 players. David is learning his trade. He's channeling his abilities and gradually he's showing a little bit more in each game.

"There were a couple of games last season where I felt he was giving the ball away a bit too much. He's more concentrated now and that doesn't happen as often. He has more composure and that has pleased me.

"I'm very pleased with what he does. He won't be granted everything straight away, but he's for the future."

Early Troubles

Thompson endured some frustration early last season when he was sent off playing for the reserves, and was punished by Houllier, who sent him to train at the academy with the youngsters for a short spell.

"That was a bad time," Thompson admits. "In football you learn by your mistakes and I did make a mistake that night. I was disappointed in myself for getting sent off but I'm better from the experience.

"The staff weren't too pleased with me but I have gone some way to proving myself since. Every game I played towards the end of last season was a massive one and I gave one hundred percent all the time, as I always do.

Recognition

"People have come up to me in the street and said they think I deserve a chance in the team now that Steve McManaman has left. It's nice to be appreciated by the supporters because they are such a major part of this club.

It's disappointing that Macca has left because he's a great player but, if his exit does give me more chances in the team, I'll be delighted.

"The competition for places is intense and every player knows he has to perform or he'll lose his place, while those out of the team understand the importance of producing the goods when the chance comes along.

Taking Opportunities

"The gaffer has stressed to us all that football is a squad game now more than ever before. The game is much more than just the eleven players named in the starting line-up. Over the course of the season we'll all get opportunities.

"I really hope I get a fair share because I know I'm good enough to to hold down a regular place. I've been at Liverpool for a long time now and there have been moments when I felt as though I wasn't moving forward.

"Last season gave me great encouragement and I'm eager to continue the good work."

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