Jordan Henderson hails Liverpool’s “team performance” at Porto & Virgil van Dijk’s impact

Jordan Henderson insists Liverpool are greater than the sum of their parts and that is why they can absorb the loss of Philippe Coutinho.

So far Jurgen Klopp’s side have not truly missed the Brazil international since his £142million January move to Barcelona.

There may come a time when that is not true but his departure is certainly being made easier by the individual and collective brilliance of 30-goal Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

“We still have a lot of quality players like Salah, Mane and Firmino who created chances,” said Henderson after the 5-0 win in Porto which virtually guarantees them a Champions League quarter-final place.

“We knew we would create chances but it was about the team. It was a team performance.

“I thought we started the game really well, very aggressive, very brave. We pressed up high to get the ball back.

“We defended well the whole game and with the quality we have going forward we were clinical as well.”

“We knew after half-time they would have a go so it was about staying calm and keeping playing football.

“We knew we would create more chances if we could find the space and we managed to do that.

“It was a good performance and a good result but that is it. We need to move on.”

As pleasing as the five goals was the clean sheet, their fourth in seven games in the competition, was equally important as for only the second time since February 2011 Liverpool kept out opponents away from home for the third consecutive match.

The £75million January arrival of Virgil van Dijk has contributed to that as the Dutchman brings an air of confidence and coolness to an often-nervy defence.

“Virgil has been brilliant since he has come in but again, the whole back four was very good,” added Henderson.

“The team defended from the front. It was a good performance and that is all I can say.

“We have to do that more often. I thought the lads, the whole team, were brilliant from start to finish. That should be normal for us.

“You have to keep that going in the Premier League and in this competition. There is another leg at Anfield to finish the job off so there is a lot we need to do to improve.”