Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed satisfaction at the progress made by midfielders Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson so far.
The duo have caught the eye with a string of impressive performances, and both stood out in Saturday’s 5-1 demolition of Arsenal.
Coutinho arrived at Anfield from Inter Milan last year and has proved a valuable playmaker, while Henderson has also cemented a regular first-team place after being regarded as a fringe player for most of last season.
On Coutinho, Rodgers said: “He’s got wonderful technique but obviously coming into the British game and this league there are other components you need to play.
“He’s five foot seven, he’s got brilliant technique, he’s tactically cute and clever, but physically he’s has everything to cope.
“People always wonder about small players in this league, can they play and can they cope?
He’s not going to be diving in jumping into challenges but he can intercept, he can block, he can get up to people and press the ball.
“You see with the fourth goal against Arsenal how he intercepted. His positioning is good so he can block passes and intercept.
Rodgers also had high praise for Henderson ahead of Wednesday’s trip to rock-bottom Fulham, who Henderson almost joined two summers ago, and tipped him for a place in England’s World Cup squad.
“Jordan has got everything physically,” Rodgers added. “He has stature as a player and I have been mightily impressed with his tactical idea of the game and now he looks like he is ready to play for England for many years.” Rodgers added.
