Despite reaching two domestic cup finals last term the full-back believes the squad’s performances are more impressive this term under their new manager

Glen Johnson feels Liverpool have improved under Brendan Rodgers and insists the club are taking positive steps towards a top-four finish.

Liverpool won the League Cup and reached the FA Cup final under Kenny Dalglish last term, but registered a joint lowest Premier League finish of eighth.

Under Rodgers, Liverpool have fared worse in cup competitions this season, but the club look on course to finish no lower than seventh in the league, and Johnson believes such progress towards a return to Champions League contention is promising.

“Brendan was brought in to rebuild the squad and put Liverpool back into the places that it should be,” Johnson told reporters.

“He wants to put us back in the top four, but he wasn’t asked to do that in his first season. This season has been a step closer to that.

“Of course everyone – players, staff, fans – would love us to be back in the top four, but if we improve on last season, then it is a step in the right direction.

“You look at the squad we have, the feeling that there is around the place, the football that we are playing and, eight times out of ten, we have been battering teams.

“That wasn’t the case last season. We won a trophy last season and, of course, that was fantastic. Everyone wants to win; that’s what we are in the game for. But in terms of getting Liverpool back where they belong, we want to be back in the top four.”

The 24-year-old Ajax defender has opened the door to a switch to Brendan Rodgers’ side at the end of the season, but has ruled out joining a “mid-table” team such as Newcastle

Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld has spoken of his willingness to join Liverpool this summer, but dismissed a possible move to “mid-table” Newcastle.

The Belgium international has long been linked with a switch to the Premier League, with Brendan Rodgers and Alan Pardew reportedly courting the 24-year-old in recent seasons.

And Alderweireld says he is open to leaving the Amsterdam ArenA, but only for a club competing at the top of the England top flight.

“I do not want to play in an English club in mid-table. Unlike Newcastle, Liverpool meets my criteria,” he told reporters.

Rodgers is expected to sign a new centre-back in the summer with veteran Jamie Carragher set to retire and out-of-favour Martin Skrtel thought to be edging closer to the Anfield exit door.

Alderweireld has shined for Ajax this season, stepping up following the departure of former club captain Jan Vertonghen to Tottenham to make 36 appearances and notch three goals.

Sam Allardyce’s side defended doggedly at Anfield on Sunday afternoon to frustrate the hosts and come away with a vital point as they look to make sure of their top-flight safety

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers hailed West Ham’s “admirable” defending following Sunday’s 0-0 draw between the two sides at Anfield.

The Hammers put in an obstinate defensive performance on Merseyside, frustrating the likes of Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard to come away with a deserved point.

And, whilst Rodgers expressed frustration at the result, he accepted that the visitors’ stubborness had probably merited a share of the spoils.

“We’re very frustrated that we didn’t get the three points,” he told reporters. “I thought we were more than deserving of it. We kept pushing from the very first minute.

“I thought our intent in the game was very good and some of our quality arrived in good areas but you’ve got to give credit to West Ham. I thought they defended very, very well.

“Some of their blocks and some of their commitment to get their body on the line was admirable.

“For us, it was either a game where you’ve got to score early on to open it up or you need that bit of luck to get the goal.

“Unfortunately, when we did score, it was deemed offside, but if you see it again Daniel Sturridge was clearly onside.

“The performance of the players was really good, their commitment and concentration in the game was outstanding but unfortunately we failed to get the goal which could have led to two or three more.”

The Northern Irishman went on to laud the performance of January arrival Philippe Coutinho, who tested the West Ham defence on numerous occasions despite the Reds’ failure to beat Jussi Jaaskelainen.

“The little guy has got real magic in his boots,” Rodgers enthused.

“He’s a wonderful technician and I think everyone admires his humility, how hard he works for the team. He always wants the ball and is prepared to put his body on the line to work and fight.”

Rodgers’ West Ham counterpart Sam Allardyce later claimed that his side had deserved to win the game on the balance of chances.

“We should have won it,” he said. “We had the better chances in the game. They had the most possession, I know that.

“Our consistent, quality defending nullified the opposition’s frontline and allowed us to create the best opportunities in the game.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the point and the clean sheet and the lads are disappointed, having had the better chances than Liverpool, not to have won this game which would have been a massive bonus for us because it’s 50 years since the club have won here.

“A point is a very big point for us today, well deserved and when you’ve carved out the best chances you are a little disappointed not to have won it.”