Liverpool v Sunderland: Jordan Henderson credits Brendan Rodgers for improvement

The Reds midfielder has begun to come good on his potential this term

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers shares the joy of a hard-fought victory with midfielder Jordan Henderson (AP)

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson credits manager Brendan Rodgers with channelling his relentless enthusiasm into something more constructive.

The England international is a key component in the Reds' pressing game and his high-energy running has become some of a trademark this season.

As he prepares to face former club Sunderland at Anfield the 23-year-old illustrated why he is a completely different player from the one who arrived from the Stadium of Light in 2011 after Rodgers changed his approach to merely just running around.

"It's about using that in the right way," Henderson liverpoolfc.com.

"I feel as though in the past maybe I haven't used it how I should have but the manager has helped me do that.

"I think I've improved tactically and it's really helped channel my energy into the right direction.

"I've always been pretty fit and wanting to close and chase down but I think you've got to pick your moments and the time to do that.

"It's no good just running all over the shop and being out of position, which maybe a few years ago, when I look back, I was probably doing that. That's just enthusiasm, energy and wanting to do the right things.

"The manager has really helped me to channel that and focus on certain things. It's really helped."

Six successive league wins have put Liverpool in the title race just behind leaders Chelsea.

Having twice come from behind to beat lowly Cardiff 6-3 at the weekend Rodgers is wary of the threat another struggling side in Sunderland will pose.

"Sunderland have picked up more points away from home than they have at home," said the Reds boss.

"They have come off the back of a disappointing result at the weekend (losing at fellow strugglers Norwich) but they will come here with renewed motivation.

"We never take anything for granted. We prepare and analyse for this game as any other.

"Gus (Poyet) has done very well since he went into Sunderland as it was a difficult gig for him.

"He got to a (Capital One) cup final and they have shown against the big teams they can be a problem.

"He has shown he has great qualities as a manager. He will be fighting to keep them in the league."

PA