The return of Daniel Sturridge can help to transform the fortunes of Liverpool FC according to manager Brendan Rodgers.
The Northern Irishman's side have stuttered to just 11 points from seven games so far this season, but took a large step in the right direction as they defeated Aston Villa 3-2 to jump into the top half of the table.
Sturridge was crucial to the Reds' victory. Despite a low-key first-half, he burst into life after the break and fired two sublime goals within ten minutes to help Rodgers' side to a crucial three points.
It marked the first game that Liverpool scored more than one goal in 11 consecutive games in all competitions and was the first time they hit more than two goals since February as Sturridge struck his first strikes after a five-month lay-off after hip surgery.
Sturridge can be the difference maker, says Rodgers
And Rodgers believes the England international, who boasts the most prolific Premier League goalscoring record with 37 goals in 57 games, has the quality to lift them to a finish in the Champions League qualification spots again this year.
The Reds boss said that players such as the 26-year-old "make the difference" - as shown at Anfield on Saturday, as he played a vital role in their victory.
Rodgers referred to the fact that Liverpool scored three goals for the first time since he was a regular starter and added that his talent provies a "big opportunity to win games" and also to "compete at the top end of the table."
Sturridge, who has impressively managed to maintain an excellent record though his Merseyside career has been ravaged by injuries, is a "fantastic talent" in the words of Rodgers - who said the priority is now keeping him fit to feature regularly.
Rodgers admits Sturridge absence played a part in poor 2014-15
Sturridge's injury woes were an unwelcome part in the disappointments of last season, as he made just 12 starts in all competitions and missed the entirety of the Reds' abrupt Champions League campaign.
He also made only fleeting appearances throughout their quest for success in domestic cup competitions, as they fell in the semi-finals of both the Capital One Cup and the FA Cup - both of which he was absent for.
Asked whether Sturridge being unavailable took its toll on his side, Rodgers acknowledged the striker as an "elite band of player" who makes a big difference when fit and firing.
He added that, with Sturridge in the side, the Reds have demonstrated that they can create an attacking brand of football which he played a "massive" part in.
Rodgers stated that, if Sturridge "stays fit" and "others come into the reckoning" then they can begin to build "an exciting team" with players capable of making the difference in games.