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Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes the blossoming understanding between Philippe Coutinho and Christian Benteke spells danger for Premier League defenders,

The attacking duo have led the charge for the Reds so far this season with Coutinho’s stunning winner at Stoke followed by Benteke’s solitary strike at home to Bournemouth.

They also combined expertly during Monday’s goalless draw against Arsenal. As well as hitting the woodwork twice himself, Coutinho provided the ammunition for Benteke to fire.

Rodgers wants to see more of the same in Saturday’s showdown with West Ham at Anfield.

“Good players can play together,” Rodgers said.

“That’s clear. You see the runs and the movement. I’m glad for Christian because he came here and all the headlines were about how he was just a battering ram up front.

“I think he has shown quite clearly, especially in the game the other night, he’s a wonderful footballer as well.

“Some coverage was a bit misguided because of his size and frame, but I see him in the games close hand and in training and he has a wonderful touch for such a big player.

“His movement, you can see him run in behind, he’s athletic. He just needs to practise his overhead kicks! But that combination of him and Phil and the other guys is improving all the time.”

Anyone can see this is a player who should be in the Brazil team

Coutinho was a surprise omission from the Brazil squad for next month’s friendlies against Costa Rica and the United States.

However, the Reds attacker has now been called up by Dunga, along with Barcelona’s Rafinha, after Chelsea duo Oscar and Ramires dropped out due to injury.

Rodgers has saluted Coutinho for not allowing that initial snub to dampen his spirits.

“I think he’s a very proud man,” Rodgers said.

“He wants to play for Brazil and anyone can see that this is a player who should be in that squad. There’s no doubt.

“I know they have got other top class players, but this is a kid who should have a big future with Brazil. He’s not one who lets that affect him.

“His focus when we speak is always about Liverpool and doing the best he can for here and you’ve seen how much he’s grown up and developed in the couple of years he’s been here.”

In stark contrast to last season, Liverpool have seen many of their new signings make an instant impact so far this term to help them take seven points out of a possible nine.

Liverpool more streetwise than last year

As well as Benteke, Nathaniel Clyne, Joe Gomez and James Milner have also caught the eye, while Roberto Firmino made an encouraging full debut at the Emirates.

Rodgers believes the new personnel, coupled with some tactical tweaks, makes this a more streetwise Liverpool side than last term.

“We have a team that can cope with whatever the game throws at them,” he said.

“We can play football and the football will get better but I’d like to think that all of my teams will have a certain element of steel and that’s important because there are different ways to win a game.

“In the games we’ve had so far there have been different questions asked, mentally, physically and tactically, and we’ve answered them.

“This team will not lose out for fight and steel and commitment, and then we know we’ve got the quality so it’s just about consistency and keeping it going.

“James Milner’s been absolutely exceptional. You know he’s a good player but you don’t realise how good until he comes into your club. He’s a proper man in terms of how tough he is but he’s also an outstanding footballer and he’s added massively to this squad in terms of mentality. He’s a winner and his work with the players has been outstanding.

Players have come in with a real pedigree

“Clyne has been playing professionally since he was 17, he’s got experience of the Premier League and he’s coming in with that. Christian has been in the Premier League for three years so he’s brought in experience also. These are guys who are coming in with a real pedigree and a certain mentality.

“You need that at this level. Talent alone is not enough. You have to have character. The expectancy here is huge.

“It’s not like you can play one game a week and just be live on the telly when you’re good. This is a team which throughout the world is iconic and everyone focuses on it. Whether you have been good, bad or indifferent, you will be in the headlines.”

With captain Jordan Henderson (foot) and Adam Lallana (quad) still hampered by injury, Rodgers is likely to name an unchanged side from Monday’s draw at the Emirates.