"It is competitions like these and the chance to win medals that was one of the things that convinced me to come to Liverpool," said the England international.
"Just coming to a country like Japan and playing in the stadium that hosted the World Cup Final a few years ago is a new experience for me.
"When I look back to what I was doing a year ago, this is a world of difference. We were fighting for our lives at the bottom of the table with Southampton back then. This is a totally different prospect.
"We are at the top. There are pressures attached to both, but I know which is more enjoyable. We are going great guns and a year ago I was scrapping for any kind of win.
"I have been settled at Liverpool for a while now and I've been doing the job expected of me, but just not scoring. I'm pleased with the two goals and the performance against Deportivo. The early goal settled us, and we never looked in danger of losing after that.
"It was a wait for me to get off the mark, but I'd like to think I contribute in other ways. But I still needed to be scoring goals as well, playing for a club like Liverpool.
"There was a time when I was not scoring, so getting that first goal settled me down, and I am going in to games more confident. I always felt I was doing the job, but hopefully I will contribute goals. That's what a striker is judged upon.
"I have a lot to thank the lads for. They have been top-class with me. I have settled in so quickly it's frightening. I want to do well for them. They have seen how I have been playing and what I have been doing for the team."