Monday 2 February 2015 08:09, UK
Jordan Henderson believes the return of Daniel Sturridge has boosted not only Liverpool’s goal threat but also confidence within the squad.
Sturridge marked his comeback from five months out with thigh and calf problems with a goal in Saturday’s 2-0 win over West Ham.
The England striker’s return was welcomed by a rousing reception at Anfield by fans desperate to see some decent build-up play finally get the finishing it deserves.
"It was obviously good for Dan to come on and get his goal so there were some positives," said Reds vice-captain Henderson.
"It gives the crowd a lift when they see such a big player coming back and he never loses his movement - even though he has been out for so long -and it was a great finish with his right foot.
"He is a huge player, he has such talent and he can change a game in a couple of seconds.
"He will keep getting better and better. It is a great boost for everyone involved the club and hopefully we will kick on and get some momentum going."
While all the focus will be on what is now happening up front, some credit should be given to what has taken place at the other end.
Three successive Premier League clean sheets were achieved for the first time since the opening month of last season and Liverpool have let in just five goals in seven league matches since losing 3-0 at Old Trafford in mid-December.
"The last couple of months, especially over the Christmas period into January, has been a good time for us," added Henderson.
He is a huge player, he has such talent and he can change a game in a couple of seconds.
"We have been really strong at the back, we are pressing well and the intensity is back, the pressing is like it used to be, and that comes with confidence.
"Obviously we have done work in training to be a lot more solid and the lads have taken on what the manager has said really well and there is a lot of communication when a set-piece comes in.
"We are defending really well, which is important, and they deserve a lot of credit.
"If there is any negative it is we need to be better in front of goal, we need to be a bit more clinical.
"We have some fantastic players but we have to make sure we stay solid defensively and then you have players like Adam Lallana, Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling who can unlock defences.
"If we can carry on doing that I think we can get some good results."
