Cissokho: I'm loving new role
Aly Cissokho has revealed how much he is relishing playing in the 3-5-2 system currently being utilised by Brendan Rodgers and feels the role gives him more freedom to participate in Liverpool's attacking forays.
The French left-back is currently enjoying an extended run in the starting XI with Jose Enrique on the sidelines due to injury, and is delighted to be playing regular football again after his start on Merseyside was delayed by an injury picked up in the Capital One Cup victory over Notts County.
Since his return, the defender has put in some enterprising displays on the left-hand side and admits he feels very comfortable in the new formation.
"It's a role I like a lot," Cissokho told Liverpoolfc.com. "I can get up the field a lot, whilst remaining safe in terms of the three behind me. We have three defenders in line as flat backline, which gives me a lot of freedom.
"My natural position is a left-sided defender, so this freedom allows me to give everything I can to the team.
"We have midfielders who work in line, so it takes a lot of physical and cardio effort to get up the wing and track back in case of danger and to defend as well.
"I'm very happy to be back playing again after a difficult injury, especially coming as it did at the start of my season.
"I've done everything I can to recover as best and as quickly as I can, and I'm glad to get a couple of matches under my belt thanks to the manager.
"The injury was very painful and it took all my energy to recover from the injury itself first, then to get back to form in terms of cardio and physical work.
"It's getting better a little at a time. I have some more cardio work to do but that's not too tough. It takes a big physical effort, but the manager demands a lot of effort in these areas among the defenders."
Luis Suarez was the star of the show when he fired a fantastic treble during Saturday's 4-1 win over West Bromwich Albion and Cissokho played a key role in the Uruguayan's second.
It was his cross that helped the No.7 thump an unstoppable header into the top corner of the net.
Cissokho added: "It's always a pleasure to provide an assist for a goal.
"It gives me a lot of confidence as it was only my second start in the league and I wanted to do things well, adapt to the team and the Premier League.
"I'm especially glad to be here at Anfield - it's an excellent stadium and it gives me confidence for each match still to come."
Cissokho also admitted he is glad to have Suarez and Daniel Sturridge on his side rather than have to play against them, and he described the pair as 'total forwards'.
He said: "I think they are total forwards. They have a good rapport, are technically very good, work hard and are one of the best attacking partnerships in Europe.
"Luis got a deserved hat-trick and Sturridge scored that exceptional lobbed goal. It's clear that they are world-class strikers who are going to score a lot of goals for us and will help keep us up around the top of the league."