Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum says finding the right balance between attack and defence will be crucial for his side’s clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Friday.

The fifth game of the Premier League season provides arguably the toughest challenge for the Reds so far, with a resolute and determined Chelsea side, who have picked up 10 points from 12 under the guidance of Antonio Conte.

The 25-year-old says the Reds will manage their desire to break forward in numbers with the need to be defensively solid.

‘Sometimes we are too excited and attack with a lot of players, and that also gives the opponent chances,’ Wijnaldum told the Liverpool website.

‘We must be aware that they have good players who can hurt us when we are too excited. But that’s football. You mustn’t change a lot from the style you are playing because it has gone well so far.

‘But we must be aware of the little things, that if we are not smart they can create a lot of chances.’

The Dutchman added that the Blues are a difficult team to beat this season having already won three of their first four Premier League games this season.

‘They have started well, 10 points from four games is a really good start for them. They have a lot of good players and they have bought a lot of good players,’ he added.

‘It’s a team who can be champions and a difficult team to beat. But we also have a good team and have already played against good opponents. It’s going to be a new test for us.’

Liverpool against Chelsea kicks off at 21:00.