'Markovic is a great signing'
Jordan Henderson admitted he was excited by the debut of Lazar Markovic, who shone in the opening 45 minutes of Liverpool's 1-0 win over Olympiacos in Chicago.
The Reds triumphed against the Greek champions in their first game of the Guinness International Champions Cup in a match that saw the return to action for many of the squad's first-team regulars, including the game's only goalscorer, Raheem Sterling, as well the debuting Markovic.
The Serb didn't disappoint on his first start; giving glimpses of just why he is so highly rated and one of the most coveted young players in Europe, during the first-half of the Reds' victory.
Henderson, one of those making his first start of the pre-season tour since returning from World Cup duty with England, spoke to Liverpoolfc.com after the match and had glowing praise for his new teammate.
"I thought he was brilliant," said Henderson. "It's his first game and he gelled really well. He kept getting the ball, taking players on; he looked really lively so I think he'll be delighted with his game.
"He's very creative; he's great with the ball, playing one-twos and [making] runs in behind all the time so he's a great threat for us going forward, especially on the counter-attack.
"He's a great signing and a great plus for us."
Prior to the kick-off, Liverpool had announced the arrival of another signing in the form of Croatian centre-back, Dejan Lovren, who Henderson also reserved praise for.
"[He's] another brilliant signing. We've done some really good business in the summer and he's a top defender.
"I've spoken to Adam [Lallana] and Rickie [Lambert] about him and they say he's a brilliant defender and a great player, so he should be a great addition to the squad."
On the match itself, Henderson was pleased with not only the result, but the fact that the squad's hard work in the training camp is paying off and translating successfully onto the pitch.
"The main thing was to make sure we're putting the work in in training, then taking it out onto the pitch and making sure we're winning games, so today we're delighted with that.
"They [Olympiacos] have got some good players and kept the ball well at times, but I thought we done well and controlled the game, making sure we were getting up to the ball and pressing it as high as we can. There were a lot of positives to come out of that.
"It's a great crowd, a great place to play and we won."
The Reds now leave Chicago and it's on to New York for the next fixture of the Guinness International Champions Cup, where lying in wait is a familiar foe - Manchester City.
"We've come here and it's been brilliant," said Liverpool's No.14. "Boston was the same. Hopefully, when we go to New York, that will be the same as the fans have been amazing.
"It will be another big game. Obviously we know what Man City are about; they've got some fantastic players so it's another difficult task, but one we'll look forward to."