InterviewJordan Henderson: We took a step in the right direction
Jordan Henderson was pleased by a 'step in the right direction' for Liverpool as they aim to build on Monday's Merseyside derby victory.
Jürgen Klopp's side secured a first Premier League win of 2023 against Everton at Anfield, with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo finding the back of the net.
The Reds now turn their attention to a visit to Newcastle United on Saturday evening, aiming to utilise the win over their city rivals as a basis for the rest of the campaign.
Inside Anfield: Behind the scenes of Liverpool 2-0 Everton
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"I thought the overall performance was top from start to finish," Henderson told Liverpoolfc.com after the derby. "Everyone was at it; we knew it was a big game for us – a derby game – and we delivered.
"It doesn't make up for the last few weeks in terms of our performance, but it is certainly a step in the right direction and it was certainly more like us."
The captain added: "It was a big week for us internally as well. We knew that after the last few weeks, especially the last game [against Wolverhampton Wanderers].
"We had a bit of time after the last game with it being Monday night – eight, nine days. But we knew it was a big week, training has been very good this week and we took that into the game, which is pleasing."
Youngster Stefan Bajcetic has been a standout performer for Liverpool in the heart of midfield in recent weeks, producing another impressive showing by securing the Player of the Match award against the Blues.
Henderson has been left impressed by the 18-year-old since his introduction to the first team, believing the victory over Everton can be the result when the whole squad reaches their optimum performance levels.
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"He's been outstanding since he's come into the team," said the skipper. "[He's] what we’ve needed over the last few weeks.
"Even though the performances haven't been great, he's been the one that has probably stood out and performed to the levels he's capable of.
"[Against Everton] was the same but the difference was that everybody stepped up and everyone else performed. When that happens, good things can happen. We deserved to win the game."