With seven new arrivals in the summer and January signings Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll having hardly played alongside each other in the latter stages of last season it has taken a while for things to knit together at Anfield. But there is increasing evidence that the building blocks for a cohesive team unit have now been established. And that points to Liverpool being less reliant on virtuoso performances from the likes of captain Steven Gerrard, which is important as the England midfielder has yet to enjoy a long run in the side this campaign. Having been out for six months after a groin operation in March the 31-year-old made five appearances before an infected ankle sidelined him again, ruling out participation in Saturday's visit of Swansea and England's two forthcoming friendlies. But while his absence has been - and will be - missed it is not as detrimental as before as Charlie Adam has slotted in alongside Lucas Leiva in central midfield. Up front Suarez and Carroll are starting to develop an understanding but by far the most successful link-up this season has been the one down the left between Jose Enrique and Stewart Downing, both summer signings. "The squad is the most important thing, then it becomes the team then the partnerships between people on the pitch and their understanding and getting to know each other," said the Reds boss. "They get to know the idiosyncrasies of each individual player and their team-mates; for Jose and Stewart I don't think it is any different from any other pairing on the pitch. "The more they play and train together the better their understanding will be. "There have been a few new players coming in so it might take them a little bit of time to understand it but I think some of the football they have played up to now has been fantastic for them. "The quality and the goals and the chances they have made has been brilliant and everyone has chipped in on that. "Stewart fills in if Jose goes forward but that is only part of their relationship and it is the same all over the pitch, there are relationships to be bedded in. "To their credit the have done it a lot quicker than a lot of people would have expected." Such has been the form of Enrique, who made his debut in the opening match of the season just 24 hours after moving from Newcastle, he has played every minute of all 10 Premier League matches so far. That has had his name mentioned for a potential first international call-up for Spain. Dalglish believes the 25-year-old is more than capable of playing at that level - although he admits there are a few barriers to be overcome. "He got thrown in at the deep end against Sunderland because Fabio (Aurelio) got injured and he slotted in straight away - maybe that was a blessing in disguise for him being thrown in as soon as he did as he didn't have much time to think about it," said the Scot. "He has certainly played very well for us but I think he has to concentrate on getting a game for us first and then he can worry about Spain. "If he gets called for I don't think there is any level in the game that he couldn't play well at. "If he gets in the Spanish squad he will be a very lucky guy to get a game in that team." Despite being a consistent performer at Premier League level and Spain's apparent current lack of depth at left-back Enrique has not come close to an international call. Dalglish felt there were some mitigating factors, however. "I am sure when you win the World Cup and European Championships I don't think you have picked too bad a team. "I think it is probably the strength of the opposition in front of him rather than a reflection on Jose but you certainly cannot criticise the Spain team. "If you are not playing in that team you could still be a hell of a player."
