Assaidi: There's more to come
Oussama Assaidi was left highly satisfied with his dazzling performance in Thursday's 1-0 win over Anzhi – but insisted that Liverpool fans are yet to see the very best of him.
The 24-year-old winger turned in an outstanding display down the left flank, with his array of tricks and skills causing havoc for the Russian defenders as the Reds went top of Europa League Group A with the victory.
It was Assaidi's sixth appearance for the club following his summer switch from Heerenveen and arguably his finest to date - but the man himself believes he's improving with each training session at Melwood as he adjusts to the demands of English football.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "I am very happy. We played very well and got the win. Anzhi are a difficult side, but we did well and everyone is very happy.
"It was an important win to go top of the group. We did a good job and I'm delighted.
"I think I played well. I should have scored a goal, but I missed. I played the 90 minutes and I am very happy to do that and to have been given a chance by the coach.
"I think I am improving. Every day I am getting better and better. I am getting more physical and fitter and fitter. I'm delighted to be a part of this big club."
Having impressed against Anzhi, Assaidi will be hoping Brendan Rodgers will consider him for a role in Sunday's Merseyside derby with Everton.
The Moroccan is looking forward to experiencing the occasion for the first time and claims the Reds will make the short journey across Stanley Park in buoyant mood.
He said: "It will be my first Merseyside derby and I think it'll be great to play against Everton in a derby. I hope I can get some minutes.
"We have been playing good football. It [successive wins] has given us confidence and I hope on Sunday we can continue that with a win against Everton."
Assaidi's sentiments were echoed by Brad Jones, who kept his second successive clean sheet with his shut out against Anzhi.
The Australian reflected: "I'm happy with the clean sheet and more happy to get another game - but it's even better when the team defend like that and you don't have anything to do.
"We did well. They could have been a dangerous team, but we pretty much nullified their attacking threat and controlled the game.
"The midfield did really well, the likes of Nuri Sahin and Stevie really controlled the centre of the park - and Jonjo did well in a more attacking sense.
"The boys at the back didn't give away any chances. That's the aim of the game - we don't want to be giving anyone cheap chances on goal. We did that and deserved the win."
Jones has started Liverpool's last two matches, but the custodian is unsure whether he'll figure at Goodison Park as first-choice Pepe Reina edges his way back to fitness following a hamstring injury.
He added: "It'd be amazing to play in the derby, but we'll see what happens. Pepe is close to full training now, so we'll see what happens, see how he is and then see what the manager does.
"It'll be a tough test. It's always going to be a big game and Everton have been flying this season. They're going to be dangerous and up for it - but it's a game we're relishing.
"We go into the game on the back of two wins - solid performances rather than anything flamboyant but that's probably better to be honest because of our team work ethic. We've gotten results by doing the right things and that's a big plus."