Brendan appreciates 'courageous' Allen
Brendan Rodgers has shared his delight with the renaissance of Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen after the Welshman contributed to back-to-back impressive victories at Southampton and Manchester United.
The 24-year-old excelled as part of a central diamond in both fixtures, hassling the opposition with high-energy pressing, retrieving possession in advanced positions and attacking the area when possible.
At Old Trafford in particular, Allen's ability to support those ahead of him bore fruit; the No.24 burst forward into the Red Devils' penalty box a minute into the second half to win a crucial spot-kick.
As Rodgers prepares his charges for a trip to Cardiff City at the weekend, the manager highlighted the re-emergence of a man he brought to the club shortly after his own arrival to take the reins at Anfield.
He commented on Thursday: "Joe was outstanding at Old Trafford. I believe that he is one of the top Premier League talents.
"He came in here and started his first season remarkably well; in the first three months, I think he was the supporters' Player of the Month.
"He then had a difficult period, came back and did very well in training and then got injured. His first season was a bit up and down, just purely because of injury.
"But I know his talent better than anyone. He had a great pre-season but unfortunately then got injured again. He's such a courageous player.
"At Old Trafford, he covered more ground than anyone. The way he presses the ball and looks after the ball; in this country, sometimes it can be frowned upon.
"People look for midfield players that are either scoring goals and wanting goals or smashing into challenges.
"Joe is a really intelligent footballer; he understands the ball, he protects the ball really well for the team, and his work-rate and intensity is incredible."
And the Northern Irishman believes supporters can expect even more from the Reds' No.24 as his second-place team navigate the final nine fixtures of an unforgettable Barclays Premier League season.
Rodgers added: "He's going to prove to be an outstanding player here. At the moment, he's nearly at the top of his game and performing very well. I'm hopeful that will continue at the weekend."