'We could see it straight away'
Stewart Downing has revealed how signs of the devastating link-up play witnessed so far between Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge were evident after just a couple of days in training at Melwood.
The pair have played together for just 114 minutes, but both were on the scoresheet in Saturday's 5-0 victory over Norwich City and have shown plenty of early promise when combining in the Reds' attack.
Downing admits it's not only Reds fans who have been impressed.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "We have been talking about it in the changing room. Even in the first couple of days in training you could just see it. They say good players can play together, and you could just see it had clicked.
"They're different types of players but they'll benefit each other.
"Luis drops into the No.10 role which he has played a lot, and Daniel can stretch in behind which gives Luis more room.
"You can see the performances we've had in the last couple of weeks and if those two can continue to click, we've got a hell of a chance of moving up the table."
Sturridge's strike against Norwich was his third goal in as many appearances since joining from Chelsea at the start of January.
It capped a well-crafted move in which Downing steered Jordan Henderson's pass across the face of goal for the No.15 to tap in.
Downing continued: "It was a good team goal. I was happy for Daniel - three in three is a great start for him - and pleased to set it up.
"Myself, Luis, Daniel and Raheem when he's played have clicked quite well since Daniel came in. He's got good movement, pace and has given us a different dimension.
"I'm sure Luis is going to enjoy playing with him. The goals we're now scoring are coming from different angles and are all different types of goals. I'm enjoying playing with him and hopefully I can set up a few more for him in the coming weeks."
The arrival of Sturridge, coupled with the return to fitness of Fabio Borini, has significantly bolstered Brendan Rodgers' attacking options in recent weeks.
Downing is relishing the added competition.
He said: "The first thing I noticed when I got back into the team was that if I didn't perform, I could jump three places back.
"Raheem has come into the team this season and done ever so well - the big thing for him now is to kick on - and Suso is also waiting to play.
"It's obviously tough for the manager because they're all good players, but it's something he'll like - strength in depth.
"It's good for the players who are playing because they know if they do well, they'll stay in the team and if they don't, they can be replaced. It's good competition and is what's needed at a big club like this.."