Shaw: Martinez can get better and better

Shaw was part of the back four, with the Argentina defender, that kept a clean sheet against Newcastle United in the Premier League and was full of praise for his team-mate, on the back of the goalless stalemate.

“Unbelievable,” said Luke, when asked by reporters about the South American. “You can see that everyone loves him, the fans love him. His left foot is unbelievable.

“I think it always helps when you go with a left-footer on the side he naturally likes to come out and he’s fitted in really well.

“Of course, he can keep getting better and better and, so far, he’s been unbelievable this season. He needs to keep that up, his aggression, his passion."

Shaw added: “He’s everything we need in that backline and he brings that every game. I'm really pleased to have him in the team.”

Meanwhile, Luke gave a candid assessment of his own game, having worked his way back into the side following a difficult start to the campaign.

“I just had to keep training hard every day in training, so the manager can see that I was training hard and just waiting for my opportunities," he admitted. "I just had to wait and bide my time because the team was doing well and we were winning. So you can’t moan, you just have to be there every day with the team, being involved and helping the team whether you’re starting or on the bench.”

Highlighting on how he can improve, he added: “For me now, it’s all about consistency and, like I said, I just need to keep training hard and keep focus and, of course, give everything I can for the team.”

The Reds are now unbeaten in four in all competitions and Shaw believes recent performances have demonstrated progress on the pitch, particularly in reacting to the disappointing derby defeat to Manchester City.

“Very good signs, very clear signs of what this manager wants,” he said. "He [Erik ten Hag] wants intensity, he wants aggression, he wants us to play high and to press high and, when we have the ball, to play football.

“A lot of movements, a lot of playing in between the lines and, of course, we’re in a transition. It will take a bit of time but there are positive signs at the moment and us, as players, can see that in day-to-day training.”