'That's why we bought Jordan'
Steve Clarke believes the assist claimed by Jordan Henderson for our winning goal at Stoke was an illustration of why the club were so eager to sign him this summer.
Luis Suarez may have hogged the headlines for his sublime brace, but Henderson's pass to create the Uruguay international's second also caught Clarke's eye.
"It's always been the case in football that the goalscorer gets the headlines but sometimes the assist is just as good," said the first-team coach. "For all Luis did the hard work himself for the first goal, it was a fantastic first-time ball in from Jordan for the second goal.
"A pass like that catches the defence unaware. If Jordan takes a touch the defenders have time to adjust and maybe we don't get the goal.
"That's why the club's made the investment in Jordan - he's one for the future but he's one for now as well. He's got great qualities, he loves working at his game, he wants to get better all the time and for a young player that's a fantastic attribute. You saw on Wednesday that he has the quality to turn games.
"He's got great energy on the pitch, he likes to get forward. His contribution is there to be seen."
The Reds travel to West Brom this weekend looking to protect a six-game unbeaten run in competitive action.
Last season Clarke and co came away with a rare defeat against the Baggies, who had just appointed Roy Hodgson as manager.
Clarke on Suarez
Despite an unsuccessful period at Liverpool, Hodgson is a more than capable manager according to Kenny Dalglish's right-hand man.
"He did a good job at Fulham and all his previous clubs before that," said Clarke. "Nobody has to sit and say that Roy Hodgson is a good manager, you know from his experience over the years. Wherever he's been he's done a good job and he's doing the same at West Brom.
"We remember last year we went down there and they beat us 2-1 after we'd taken the lead. It was really disappointing and we know to expect a difficult game.
"They had a difficult start to the season and maybe didn't pick up the points they deserved to pick up in some difficult games. They found it hard to get started but in recent weeks their performances have improved, their results have improved, and we go down there to face a team with confidence.
"But we have confidence and are doing well. We look forward to the challenge."