Brendan: That's the best I've seen
Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool's first-half performance during their 1-0 victory over Southampton on Saturday was the best he has seen from his side this season.
The Reds controlled the game and played some free-flowing football, particularly throughout the first 45 minutes, hitting the woodwork twice before Daniel Agger nodded home a Glen Johnson cross to put them ahead.
And Rodgers insists Saturday's performance illustrates just how far the team has advanced in terms of getting to grips with the footballing philosophy he is trying to implement at Anfield.
"I thought the first half was as good as we've played, consistently. We've done it over many bursts in games but it was systematic and continual," said the manager.
"We're seeing the ideas about passing and moving and passing and being free. We're building the game from behind and trying to tire teams out with the ball.
"I can see great improvements and I enjoyed watching my team today.
"The domination in the game was terrific, the method in our game, the way we passed and created chances was fantastic. Our only disappointment was the final ball. Apart from that, I thought we were sensational.
"The shape of the team was very, very good. They all shared the ball, they all pressed very well."
Lucas Leiva made his return to first-team action on the day and showed no signs of rustiness as he turned in a typically composed display.
It was the Brazilian midfielder's first minutes since late August, when he was forced to withdraw due to a thigh injury minutes into the home game against Manchester City.
"His coming back allows the two advanced midfielders to play in that central corridor higher up the pitch and getting in the box," said Rodgers.
"He gives us great stability when we haven't got the ball, he intercepts, his transition is good, he gets the ball back quickly. He knows the game, he can read the game."
The midfielder endured something of a difficult start to his Anfield career in the years after he signed from Gremio in 2007.
However, through sheer grit and determination, the No.21 has overcome plenty of obstacles to establish himself not only as a first-team regular but as one of the first names on the Liverpool teamsheet.
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"He is a wonderful example to other players," insisted Rodgers. "It was difficult for him, I know because I spoke to him at length and when he was sat in tears sometimes in the dressing room, it was so difficult for him.
"You have to have that inner belief and mentality.
"What is important is you have that support around you and I'm sure in those early stages he had wonderful support around him, and that's allowed him to continue and fight, and his own personality has won through.
"It will be the same here for other guys."
The one drawback to emerge from Saturday's encounter was the fact that Luis Suarez incurred a booking in the second half and will now not be available for the Reds' trip to the Boleyn Ground to face West Ham in a week's time.
Rodgers said: "It was going to be difficult to see that through until January but it's something I've looked at. We've tried other solutions in the 'What if' scenario."