Boss' dual delight for Daniel and the Reds
There was dual delight for Brendan Rodgers on Saturday as he watched Daniel Sturridge make a goalscoring return from injury and his young stars thrive to down West Ham United 2-0.
Anfield was the setting for Liverpool to record a third straight victory in the Barclays Premier League and extend their unbeaten streak in the competition to seven matches.
A testing opening period was no obstacle for the Reds, who secured a breakthrough early in the second half when Raheem Sterling pounced on a fine Philippe Coutinho assist to slot beyond Adrian.
An advantage in the game afforded Rodgers' charges greater licence for expression - which they grasped - and provided a platform for Sturridge to end five months on the sidelines.
The prolific striker required just 12 minutes to pick up the finishing baton, collecting another Coutinho tee-up and rifling a strike into the net at the near post from an angle.
"It was nice for him," said a satisfied Rodgers at his press briefing after the final whistle. "He has obviously been out a long time and worked very hard.
"You can see it is now just about managing his game time and introduction into the team. When he's in that area of the field, he has shown for us over a couple of years here that he is lethal.
"A great first touch, then he's got great power off both sides. It was a wonderful finish and I'm delighted for him.
"He has come back into the fold and it's just managing that integration into the team. I know he is really excited about coming into this team to play.
"On the back of 120 minutes in the week and going into extra time, we knew today was going to be a tough game.
"West Ham have been excellent this season, scored goals throughout the season and been very tough to play against.
"But after the first 15-20 minutes, when we had to compete and battle physically, the players earned the right to play. Some of their football today was outstanding.
"In the second half we had good control of the game, good positioning, got our goals and maybe could have had a few more. So I'm very pleased."
When Sturridge stripped off his tracksuit and stepped onto the field in red for the first time since August 2014, the noise reached a crescendo inside the stadium.
Rodgers' celebration as the No.15 thrashed a shot past the West Ham goalkeeper was notably emphatic, taking joy from the striker's comeback and the cushion in the tie.
The Northern Irishman was keen to praise the entire collective for their efforts, though, highlighting the positive elements in both attacking and defensive quarters.
He said: "With the introduction of him and young Jordon Ibe on the side, we looked a real threat going forward.
"We have been that over the last seven to eight weeks; the penetration and, slowly, the performance is getting better and better.
"Offensively, we were bright and the positioning of the team was good with really good tactical discipline in the team.
"And again, defensively, when they had to deal with the pressure - I thought Sakho was outstanding today, really aggressive and strong, with Martin Skrtel, both of them were very good.
"And Simon Mignolet coming and dealing with things in the box, because there were a lot of aerial duels that you have got to deal with.
"The team stood up to that very well, pressed the game well and got their rewards for that. It was an outstanding performance."
Rodgers continued: "I thought Adam Lallana was brilliant today; young Coutinho's two passes were phenomenal. Raheem is an outstanding talent and it was a very good finish by him.
"Young Jordon Ibe, Alberto Moreno - players that are improving and young players that are getting better.
"Then the two guys behind that, Jordan [Henderson] and Lucas Leiva, were brilliant in the defensive controlling role. The three centre-halves and goalkeeper were excellent.
"I'm excited about the whole collective, there are talents throughout the team, young players that are developing very quickly. It's good to see."