Raheem: I'm settled and in the zone
Training alongside a squad packed with elite talent every day has pushed Raheem Sterling to express his precocious ability as he establishes himself as a firm part of Brendan Rodgers' set-up.
The 19-year-old has thrived for Liverpool this season, clicking perfectly with Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez in attack as the Reds have pulverised defences throughout the Barclays Premier League.
Sterling has found the back of the net seven times in 2013-14, including a close-range double against Arsenal when the London outfit were routed 5-1 at Anfield in February, to continue his rapid progress.
He explained: "When you train with players like Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez, it's a bit nerve-wracking at first but you get used to it and start expressing yourself.
"I'm in that zone now where I can express myself and come out of my shell. I'm really settled and happy to be in the team."
Rodgers has overseen the England international's development with a keen eye since taking the reins, and the boss has been factored as another key element in the forward's confident mood.
Sterling continued: "I'd say he has got me settled off the pitch and he's made me realise that I'm here on merit because of what I've done in the youth team.
"He's told me to do what I've been doing in the youth team and just be confident and get on the ball."
Having spent the majority of his time in the Liverpool first team stationed on the wing, the No.31 was fielded in a different role at Old Trafford on Sunday, playing at the apex of a midfield diamond.
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Rodgers' charges were clinical in downing their great rivals 3-0, with Steven Gerrard notching twice from 12 yards and Suarez sealing the result with a third as the encounter concluded.
"Everyone is excited by the big win," Sterling reflected, before lifting the lid on the positive atmosphere around the club.
"To go to Old Trafford and score three goals is great and we're really happy with the performance, but the most important thing is to get the three points.
"It was a great atmosphere after the game in the changing room. Most games we try to attack but at the weekend we did what we need to do defensively and then counter-attacked.
"We try to take every game slowly. The United game we just wanted to try our best and get the three points.
"We will try to take it step by step and then hopefully we will be where we need to be at the end of the season - right up there at the top of the table."