Rodgers: I knew Jon had the personality
Brendan Rodgers insists Jon Flanagan's recent fine vein of form came as no shock whatsoever - because the young Scouser's attitude during a long spell out of the team was nothing short of exemplary.
Prior to his return against Arsenal in November, the last time Flanagan started for Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League was at Blackburn Rovers in April 2012.
However, when Jose Enrique was ruled out with a knee injury, the local lad seized his chance and turned in an unfaltering display against Everton at Goodison Park.
Since then, Flanagan has kept the likes of Martin Kelly and Aly Cissokho out of the side - and the 20-year-old even found the back of the net with a stunning strike in the 5-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
"I haven't been surprised because I've watched Jon for 18 months now," said the manager. "I've seen his training and his work and I've seen his quality improve.
"I always knew he had personality. He travelled to Seville with our U21 team just to go and play football. He went to Real Sociedad with the U21 team to get some game time and to play.
"He's shown that attitude since he came into the team. I think what's probably surprised a lot of people is the quality he's shown.
"He very rarely gives the ball away, his first pass is very good as a defender and when he has the ball, he gets up in support.
"I think the goal will give him great confidence. You saw his technique - when the ball landed, a striker would have been so proud of that finish. He's very good technically.
"As a defender, he's played against some really difficult opponents in the last number of games. He's always got the better of them.
"I know he will [continue to improve], because he's really grasping the opportunity to be in the team. He knows, like I've said to him before, to play the game as though he hasn't cracked it."