Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was delighted with matchwinner Lazar Markovic after victory at Sunderland.

Rodgers has been encouraged by the winger's improvement during recent months - and that of his pre-season recruits in general as they settle into a new style and increased demands.

The Northern Irishman commented on Markovic: "He has been very, very good for the last six or seven weeks or so; it has just taken time.

"Look at Emre Can today, young Lazar, Alberto Moreno and the other players. It has just taken them time - they have come to a new country and there's a big spotlight on them because of what we did last year.

"It has been difficult for the team, but they are starting to settle into the philosophy of how we work and how we play.

"[Markovic] was fantastic - not just with the ball in his goal and the one that hit the crossbar, but his ability to press people and defend, which is important for us. He is only 20 years of age, so there's a big future for him."