'Lucas and co proved they can cope'
Brendan Rodgers believes the midfield axis he deployed during Liverpool's 5-0 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur proved beyond any doubt that they can step in and fill the void left by Steven Gerrard.
The Reds captain picked up a hamstring problem at Anfield during the 4-1 win over West Ham United - and it was later confirmed that Gerrard would be sidelined for at least four weeks.
In his absence, Lucas Leiva, Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson went toe-to-toe with Tottenham's imposing midfield line-up of Sandro, Paulinho and Moussa Dembele at White Hart Lane.
The three were relentless in their pressure, dominant in possession - and ultimately, they helped inspire Liverpool to a memorable win.
And with games coming thick and fast over the Christmas period, Rodgers insists he has full confidence in the trio to continue their fine form.
"I thought the three of them and how they complemented each other was outstanding," Rodgers told reporters gathered at Melwood.
"You had Lucas, who was in that controlling role. He did his job with the ball, moving into different lines to receive it and he was aggressive when he didn't have it.
"Joe is a dynamic player and he can control the possession while he's being aggressive in his pressure.
"Jordan is one who is comfortable on the ball with great running ability to get in and get goals. I thought the dynamic of the three was very, very good. We had a great performance, but what you can't rule out is the presence and the quality of Steven Gerrard.
"This guy is still a wonderful player. He's still the big captain of this club. He's a monumental figure here and I've always said that if he's in the team, Liverpool is a better team.
"It's just unfortunate that he's injured at the moment. He's working very well to get back. But what we showed was that it's about the team. We can't rely on one player.
"It really has to be about the model of our game. If we have top players in that, then of course it will make it better."
The win was Liverpool's third consecutive victory in the Barclays Premier League, and the club's first triumph over Spurs at the Lane since May 2008.
Luis Suarez netted two, Henderson volleyed home, Jon Flanagan grabbed his first ever senior goal and Raheem Sterling completed the rout with an assured finish.
The manager confirmed there is something of a feel-good factor around Melwood at the moment, but naturally, Rodgers warned against complacency.
"If any game defines what we're trying to do here in terms of our football, it was against Tottenham where the team was outstanding in every element," said the boss. "We feel that we're improving. That's what we have been looking to do all the way along on the journey here.
"I've always been concerned about the performance, because I know that when we perform well, the results will follow. Right the way through the club it's been brilliant.
"There's a real good feel on the field and off the field and the club is progressing. The headlines are about football, which is important. We still feel that there's a way to go for us.
"It was a statement of how we've been working over the last 18 months or so. We're looking to play the game in a different way and with different ideas of how to play our football, but always with the mentality and the will and determination to win.
"What we showed is that aggression in our game, with and without the ball. That can lead us to winning big games at home or away from home.
"That's what really pleased me - the performance level and how the players went into what is a really difficult place in White Hart Lane.
"To go there and play the charisma that we showed, as well as that steely determination was important for us. When you win to that level in a big game like that, of course it gives you that belief and confidence.
"I think there's always a high when you win a big game. After the game on Sunday, I went home and analysed the match twice before going to bed at half three in the morning, because we need to prepare for the next game."
Rodgers reserved a final word for Suarez, who was unplayable once again as he donned the captain's armband in the absence of Gerrard.
The Uruguayan has now notched 17 goals in 11 Premier League games - which is more than the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa have managed throughout the entire campaign.
"He's a man who plays football because of the love of the game," said Rodgers. "He's accepting the role and the responsibility that I have given him here as one of the senior players.
"He's not only a top player; he's one of the pillars of the group.
"We've got a young side. The average age of the team was the lowest it has been for a number of years in the Tottenham game and Luis has taken on that mantle in order to help and support those players, while having that real 'X' factor that he has to his game.
"He's in a good place, his family is in a good place, and long may it continue."