Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is unfazed by comparisons to Barcelona great Xavi after the 24-year-old has struggled to cemented his place in the Reds side.

After following Brendan Rodgers to Anfield from Swansea City in 2012, Rodgers commented on a resemblance which the Welshman has arguably failed to live up to.

But the midfielder explained that he is now looking to become a key player in Liverpool's squad this season and that the comparisons to the Spaniard do not affect him.

"For some people the Xavi comparison could probably be an albatross," he told reporters.

"It is some player to be compared to. I don't take things like that too seriously."

Allen helped Liverpool to a second place finish last season which secured them a return to the Champions League.