Use your head like Sadio and subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has explained why both he and Virgil van Dijk were pictured in a fierce debate argument during the Reds 1-0 win against Napoli.

Both players rose to a heated argument after the centre-back's challenge on Dries Mertens - which resulted in the Dutchman being shown a yellow card meaning he will miss the Reds' next Champions League match.

The duo gesticulated towards each other, with both clearly trying to get their point across amid the din of the crowd which surrounded them following the tackle.

Henderson was asked about this and said he loved the confrontation because it shows that Liverpool are a top team with top players who can demand more of each other.

(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"I love stuff like that because it shows you're a proper team, and it shows you care and want to win," the central-midfielder said.

"Top teams have that demand from each other.

"I was having a go at him and he was probably having a go at me! That's the relationships we've got here.

"Everything on the pitch is to help the team and afterwards if you want to speak about it you can sort it out.

"We need people demanding from each other and digging in deep when it's tough. I think we've got that and that was just a little instance of that, I'm sure it happens more often than not. The more of that the better for me."

Van Dijk was also asked about this following the game, and his side's general willingness to put across their point strongly to each other, after the game.

(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

"You have to," he said. "You need to be hard with each other. When things aren’t going right you need to tell each other, otherwise it’s going to be too easy.

"I think that’s a sign of a good team. When people are shouting at me I take it because they want to make me better and their mistake they take it as well if I shout to them. That’s how it is, we’re all grown-ups, we take it and after the game if you’re not happy with it then you discuss it.

"It is what it is."

These type of discussions often take place between most players.

But it just shows how intent the Reds were to seal their passage into the last 16.

And Henderson said that it was just the passion being shown throughout the club.

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

He added: "All top teams need that. They need that demand from each other, they need to be telling each other how they can improve and what they can do better. I certainly as though we’ve got that here.

"There's a really good mood at the minute here. The lads are confident obviously with the performances of late and the results we've been getting have been very good. Training has been good preparing for this game and hopefully we can get another good result this weekend."

Liverpool face Manchester United in a Premier League showdown at 4pm on Sunday afternoon at Anfield.