Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has insisted that in-form attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho provides his team with penetration at the "top of the field", helping the strikers to score goals.
The Reds continued with their stunning form of late as they beat Premier League title contenders Manchester City 2-1 at Anfield yesterday.
The win allowed Liverpool to climb up to fifth spot in the league with 48 points from 27 matches, just two points adrift of fourth placed Manchester United.
And the 42-year-old manager gives credit to his young playmaker for instigating the team's recent performances, including the one against the Sky Blues.
According to Rodgers, Coutinho is the man who provides the strikers with important penetrating balls that help them to score goals.
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Rodgers also pointed towards the lack of penetration at the beginning of the season that led to his team's poor run of form.
"He has played very well", Rodgers said at a press conference.
"I think that period the team suffered at the start of the season, with our lack of penetration at the top of the field – he is the player that thrives on that.
"He is normally the player that makes the last pass for those players running in to score the goals.
"We didn't quite have that in the opening months. He had to stay longer on the ball and wasn't as effective, but now the dynamics in the team are very good, with the pressing and the movement off the ball.
"That allows him and his technical quality to really shine and he is starting to add goals to his game, and scoring some fantastic goals.
"Very importantly, he is contributing to the team and there are still improvements to make from someone so young."
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