Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was pleased with Lucas Leiva's return for victory over West Bromwich Albion.
His role as defensive linchpin often goes unrewarded but Rodgers knows having the Brazilian in a holding role gives his more creative players much more freedom.
"When you play that system you are looking for someone to have that controlling role because that allows the two advanced (midfield) players to go forward more," said the Reds boss.
"Lucas came in and filled that really well. I thought he was excellent - as was Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard.
"They were always available for the ball, it was very good.
"It was the best 90 minutes of the season. I thought we looked a very good team.
"The confidence was good, how we pressed the ball was good and the front two are as good as it gets and the support behind that is very good - and we have players like (Philippe) Coutinho to come back next weekend."
