Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has hailed Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino and claimed that the "world class" trio helped the Reds reach the top. Jurgen Klopp saw his side topping the table following their 6-1 crushing victory over Watford on 6 November.

Mane, who moved to Anfield from Southampton continued his impressive form as he scored a brace, while the Brazilian international duo scored a goal each in the last league tie. The three have collectively scored 16 goals and registered 10 assists in the league so far.

The Merseyside club are top of the table with 26 points after 11 games, one point ahead of second place Chelsea. Henderson pinpointed Mane, Coutinho and Firmino's ability to help Liverpool defensively, while suggesting that they are unstoppable when they are moving forward.

"I see them every day and for me they are world class players. It's a pleasure to be playing with them. It's our job to ensure that we offer protection for them when they are going forward and expressing themselves," the Liverpool Echo quoted Henderson as saying.

"As a team I feel as though we have a lot of quality and in the final third they've been brilliant. It's their understanding of the game, not only going forward, but also the work rate they all give for the team in terms of pressing and winning the ball back high up the pitch.

"They all help the team defensively. The three of them are fantastic at that and then going forward they are unstoppable when they are on it.

"It was very good from them against Watford but then I thought we were very good throughout the whole team," he added.

Mane-Coutinho-Firmino
Liverpool trio of Mane, Coutinho and Firmino have scored 16 goals in the Premier League Getty

Mane, Coutinho and Firmino's impressive form has seen Klopp drop strikers Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi on the bench. The England international has been used as a substitute on four occasions, which has seen him make eight appearances in the league this term.