I've always liked young Spearing - perhaps he might be seen as Masher's replacement in the short term? His height would be less of an issue (Makele was barely 5"6) and his natural game (tackles with bite, calm under pressure, terrier-like and good distributon) is suited to a defensive role evidenced by the fact he starred in central defence for the youth team some years back. This could be his avenue into the first team in time. I think he's the skills and intelligence to be a top player in the Masher mould.
Spearing was just one-year-old when Kenny Dalglish last brought the title back to Anfield and his early football memories are marred by triumphs down the M62.
The youngster's ascent towards the first team has coincided with Liverpool's re-emergence as genuine championship contenders - and he's desperate to play a part as the Reds look to finally overhaul their north-west rivals.
"For a local lad to win the league would feel even better but it's what this team wants," Spearing told Liverpoolfc.tv. "Any trophy is nice but the league is the one we've wanted for so long.
"I'm too young to remember the last time we won it. It was frustrating seeing United near the top all the time but in the past couple of years we've got closer. Hopefully this season or next our time will come."
Spearing is one of just six first-team players at Melwood during the international break ahead of a massive week in Liverpool's season which culminates in the visit of United.
First though, the Reds face a tricky trip to Sunderland before attempting to get back to winning ways in the Champions League against Lyon.
Though three victories would be the perfect tonic following defeat to Chelsea, Spearing does not believe next week will define Liverpool's campaign.
"I don't think it will be defining. There are a lot of games left to be played," said the youngster.
"Anything could still happen and any team can have a mix-up. We saw that when Wigan beat Chelsea. We've got plenty of time to get the good results that we need."
Meanwhile, Spearing has revealed how Rafa Benitez wants him to master the role Javier Mascherano has perfected over the last few years.
He explained: "It's more tactical understanding than anything else. Rafa wants me to become a defensive midfielder and to understand the role and the positional side of things.
"It's the heart of the team here because you've got to get forward if you can while protecting the back four. It's a key area that we look at a lot."
Spearing has made the bench five times this season without getting on, though he started our Carling Cup victory over Leeds.
The energetic midfielder is happy with his progression during what he believes is his most important season to date.
"You look at the positives and think about how you can change the game if you get on," said Spearing. "There's no point sitting there thinking, 'I'm not going to get on'.
"It's exciting. If you don't get on, you just get ready for the next game and hopefully the chance will come.
"The coaches have told me I'll be involved a lot more this season. This season I've been on the bench a few times and it's a big progression. Last year I made the bench maybe two or three times. I've doubled that already and we're only in October.
"It's the most important season of my career so far. I'm involved with the first team every day now and the boss, Sammy Lee and the rest of the players are there looking at me every day.
"This is the season where I've got to show I'm here to stay and show what I can do."
Spearing was just one-year-old when Kenny Dalglish last brought the title back to Anfield and his early football memories are marred by triumphs down the M62.
The youngster's ascent towards the first team has coincided with Liverpool's re-emergence as genuine championship contenders - and he's desperate to play a part as the Reds look to finally overhaul their north-west rivals.
"For a local lad to win the league would feel even better but it's what this team wants," Spearing told Liverpoolfc.tv. "Any trophy is nice but the league is the one we've wanted for so long.
"I'm too young to remember the last time we won it. It was frustrating seeing United near the top all the time but in the past couple of years we've got closer. Hopefully this season or next our time will come."
Spearing is one of just six first-team players at Melwood during the international break ahead of a massive week in Liverpool's season which culminates in the visit of United.
First though, the Reds face a tricky trip to Sunderland before attempting to get back to winning ways in the Champions League against Lyon.
Though three victories would be the perfect tonic following defeat to Chelsea, Spearing does not believe next week will define Liverpool's campaign.
"I don't think it will be defining. There are a lot of games left to be played," said the youngster.
"Anything could still happen and any team can have a mix-up. We saw that when Wigan beat Chelsea. We've got plenty of time to get the good results that we need."
Meanwhile, Spearing has revealed how Rafa Benitez wants him to master the role Javier Mascherano has perfected over the last few years.
He explained: "It's more tactical understanding than anything else. Rafa wants me to become a defensive midfielder and to understand the role and the positional side of things.
"It's the heart of the team here because you've got to get forward if you can while protecting the back four. It's a key area that we look at a lot."
Spearing has made the bench five times this season without getting on, though he started our Carling Cup victory over Leeds.
The energetic midfielder is happy with his progression during what he believes is his most important season to date.
"You look at the positives and think about how you can change the game if you get on," said Spearing. "There's no point sitting there thinking, 'I'm not going to get on'.
"It's exciting. If you don't get on, you just get ready for the next game and hopefully the chance will come.
"The coaches have told me I'll be involved a lot more this season. This season I've been on the bench a few times and it's a big progression. Last year I made the bench maybe two or three times. I've doubled that already and we're only in October.
"It's the most important season of my career so far. I'm involved with the first team every day now and the boss, Sammy Lee and the rest of the players are there looking at me every day.
"This is the season where I've got to show I'm here to stay and show what I can do."
