No Surprise at Maxi Impact | Steve Clarke

Steve Clarke believes Maxi Rodriguez's impressive Chelsea display was just rewards for the Argentinean's professionalism in training.


The 30-year-old marked an energetic first Barclays Premier League start of the season by putting the finishing touches on a well-worked move to net the opening goal in the Reds' 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.


Clarke insists nobody within the Liverpool ranks was surprised by Maxi's impact and paid tribute to the way the forward has worked hard on the Melwood training pitches to ensure he was primed to take his opportunity.


The first-team coach told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Everybody here knows the qualities of Maxi.


"He's been unfortunate this year that he's not had an extended run in the team, but what it does say about him is that he is a complete professional.


"When you're not in the team, it's difficult to come in every day, work hard and be prepared for your chance. Maxi has worked hard every day in training.


"Not just Maxi, but all the squad of players - they've worked hard in training, they wait for their chance. When Maxi went in, he did a fantastic job for us."


Clarke added: "Everybody has spoken about the squad we've got this year. We feel it's an improvement on what we inherited when Kenny and I came to the club.


"The squad is stronger this year and I think the weekend proved that. If you look at the bench, it was very strong.


"What you try to create at a club like Liverpool is competition for places. Everybody has that competition for their place now and it can only be helpful for the group going forward."


Maxi was one of a number of stand-out performers for Liverpool on a highly-satisfying afternoon in west London.


Glen Johnson claimed many of the headlines, however, with his stunning solo effort on 87 minutes helping Liverpool clinch all three points.


It was only the England defender's fourth start of the season after injuries hampered the beginning of his campaign, but Clarke believes the goal proves he is well on his way back to peak form.


"Glen has been really unfortunate with injury this year," said the Scot. "He's slowly getting back to where we all know that he can be.


"It's another step in the right direction for him, it's another 90 minutes under his belt, and the fact he scored a goal and made a valuable contribution to the team means it will give him confidence in the games going forward. He's improving all the time."