'Clean sheets breed confidence'
Four clean sheets in the last six games for the Reds have not gone unnoticed by Martin Skrtel – and the Slovakian defender feels that increased stability at the back is improving confidence in all areas of the side.
The centre-half has become one of the most consistent performers in the country during the past two years and has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Daniel Agger throughout 2012-13.
Skrtel cites a 'tightened' defence as crucial to a run which has seen the Reds lose just once in 10 Barclays Premier League fixtures and progress to the knockout stages of the Europa League.
"For me as a defender, but also for the whole team it is good when we don't concede a goal because that is where we start from," reflected the 27-year-old.
"If you don't concede a goal you have a good chance of winning the game and I think we have tightened up in recent weeks. In the last few weeks we have started to play better and we are stronger at the back.
"In the last three weeks we have got better and the confidence is growing. It was a big game in Italy and we knew we had to win and we got it to get through to the next round.
"We just have to carry on this way and be better and better now. The period up to and over Christmas is very important and I think we have to get as many points as we can going from game to game and try to get closer to the top four."
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Looking ahead to Sunday's latest league outing, against in-form West Ham United at Upton Park, Skrtel revealed he relishes the chance to face physical opponents.
"For me personally it is better if they play with a big striker because that is what I like. I am more comfortable than playing against smaller guys," he added.
"They are all dangerous and we have to focus and be careful for 90 minutes and don't let them score.
"I am looking forward to it and I'll try to do my best to make sure they don't. It is going to be a difficult game because it is going to be physical and we have to be ready for that.
"We have to play our game and try to beat them and I hope the quality is on our side and we can beat them."