Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool's players are enjoying Trent Alexander-Arnold's new role but admits the tactical tweak is still a "work in progress".
Alexander-Arnold has featured more as a midfielder at times across the last three Reds games with the defender moving into the centre of the pitch in possession while operating more as a traditional full-back without the ball.
It's resulted in the No.66 registering four assists in his last three appearances for Jurgen Klopp's side as they secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon to make it four unbeaten in the Premier League.
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In Monday's 6-1 demolition of Leeds United, Alexander-Arnold was hugely influential, creating two assists - for Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez - while also playing 124 successful passes, which is the most in his professional career to date.
Alexander-Arnold also had a hand in another goal on Saturday, setting up Mohamed Salah for the winning goal from a set-piece delivery.
Van Dijk felt that Forest did a good job in containing Alexander-Arnold and the rest of the team's midfielders in open play but believes the change in system is one that can benefit the side for the long term once everyone is fully in tune.
"I think [Forest] did quite well today, they man-marked Trent, Fabinho and the midfielders generally, so it was quite hard to find them without pressure on them so yes, we have to dictate the play and come across quickly in order to get the ball as well," Van Dijk said.
"It's a work in progress but we all like it. We all have to be able to change in times and sometimes Trent has to drop, whereas sometimes he has to go higher.
"Other players then have to drop, so we keep working on it and I think the manager has been saying it many times with the counter-pressing, everyone comes across, makes the pitch as small as possible and we have a big chance to win it back if we lose it. Everyone has to feel the freedom in possession to feel important, so that is what we have to do.
"It's not only Trent, it's a bit of a snowball effect. Everyone can find spaces as well and it's about finding the right position or player to move and I think Trent is getting into that role as well. So like I said, it's a work in progress to be confident and keep working for the remaining games. So now we need to keep it going and stay confident."
Diogo Jota had two goals cancelled out by Neco Williams and Morgan Gibbs-White before Salah's 27th of the campaign won it for Liverpool after a tense second period at Anfield.
It leaves Liverpool nine points off the top four after Newcastle hammered Tottenham on Sunday with seven games left to play, starting with West Ham United on Wednesday night at the London Stadium.
Van Dijk added: "I think if you see this season, [talk of the top four], it's not a thing that should be something to speak about, it is all about the game at the time, finding consistency and trying to win, of course.
"But we just have to keep it going, be positive and try to enjoy the rest of the games. We need everyone for that stuff but definitely everyone around us in defence.
"I think the thing is that we are very privileged, we are performing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. And obviously you have to remind yourselves of that at times because everyone wants to win.
"No-one wants to make mistakes or lose and obviously we have won a lot in the last few years. We just have to find that joy and I think I am so buzzing and happy to be out there and get good results and enjoy it with my team. So it is important to get a run together."
On Salah, who went level with Robbie Fowler's haul of 183 Liverpool goals on Saturday, Van Dijk said: "I think most of the players that have played here [in recent years] have contributed to us winning all the trophies, so that is quite a big thing.
"You know, I think Mo will definitely be seen as a legend when he finishes his career, wherever. He is such an important player, so he has to keep doing that for himself but also for the football club and for us as well.
"I think in the later stages, he will definitely be appreciated a lot more by the outside world but we appreciate everything he is doing day in and day out. We see all the hard work that is being put in. We just have to keep it going and enjoy his game. So what can I say?"
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