The prospect of coming up against Liverpool’s legion of superstars like Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling is one of excitement rather than apprehension for Brisbane Roar defender Luke DeVere.
The EPL giants are heading back Down Under in July this year to play matches against Brisbane Roar (July 17) and then Adelaide United three days later.
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In what will be a golden month for football in Australia, the Reds tour comes at the same time Real Madrid, Manchester City and AS Roma will contest the International Champions Cup in Melbourne.
There is also going to be an Hyundai A-League All-Stars clash against another European club around the same time.
But it’s the visit of the Reds which is drawing DeVere’s attention, especially as he’ll be tasked with shutting down the likes of attacking trio Sturridge, Coutinho and Sterling.
“It excites me more than anything. The players they have got are world class but all our players are ambitious and will want to test themselves against the best,” DeVere told reporters on Wednesday.
"To get that experience against elite players, you don't come across those sorts of players every day.
“If you look at the stature of Liverpool as a club they are another step up for what they have achieved throughout their history. It will be that next level for the boys and the fans to experience.”
It will be Liverpool’s second time in Australia in the space of two years after more than 95,000 turned out at the MCG in 2013 for their clash with Melbourne Victory.
Roar have welcomed big European clubs in the past, taking on both Celtic and Everton in recent years and DeVere says it’s a beneficial exercise for the club.
"If you look back to the Celtic game, I believe that was Luke Brattan's debut game for the Roar," said the 25-year-old who is back at Brisbane after a four-year stint playing in Korea.
"It gives players an opportunity to show themselves at that level.
“It will be a great turnout and it’s always a great sight to see with some of the players they have at their disposal. I’m sure football fans in general will be pretty pleased.”
DeVere, a Brisbane junior, said it was an easy decision to return to the club and hopes to have an impact on the pitch as Roar aim to get into the top six.
Their next assignment is a trip to Newcastle Jets on Friday, the home side reeling after a tumultuous couple of weeks on and off the field.
The drama has Brisbane wary of an ambush.
"It's obviously some turbulent times for that club, but we won't look to speculate or worry about what they're doing down there," DeVere said.
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