Allen: How I've had to adapt in the diamond
Joe Allen admits he's had to adapt his game to play an integral part in Liverpool's surge to the top of the Barclays Premier League table.
Prior to the clash with Tottenham Hotspur last time out, the Wales international started four consecutive matches, operating in a central position in a diamond formation utilised by Brendan Rodgers.
Allen believes it was a role he was required to acclimatise to, but ultimately a challenge he revelled in.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "You have to adapt a little bit. I think since joining Liverpool, as a player in general I've had to adapt a lot.
"I make myself versatile by playing in different positions, so I certainly see it as a good thing and really enjoyed playing that role in the diamond formation.
"I'm not used to taking care of opposition full-backs; it's not really been something I'm used to doing, but I've enjoyed gaining the experience of playing in that position and the chance to get involved further up the pitch as well, playing my part in creating chances."
Allen added: "I'm feeling good. Fitness-wise, I've been feeling match fit for a while now, so it's all been good.
"In terms of starting games, it's always great, but to be a starter in winning performances is what you strive to do. It's been a great time."
Allen was named on the substitutes' bench for Sunday's 4-0 win over Spurs, but entered the action as a 63rd-minute substitute as Liverpool reached the summit of the Premier League.
The 24-year-old feels such a performance in a game of high stakes demonstrated the strides forward the Reds have made.
"It certainly showed how far we've come as a team," Allen reflected. "It was tough opposition in Spurs, but the way we were able to win comfortably is a testament to how well we've all worked.
"There certainly has been a great buzz in training this week - there always is, to be fair. When you pick up a great win, you certainly get a great buzz and that extra bit of confidence.
"It's what it is all about. We give it 100 per cent and work hard every day to enjoy these moments. We're really looking forward to giving everything until the end of the season and seeing where that leaves us."
Liverpool are currently on an eight-match winning run in the top flight. Four of those victories have been achieved on the road.
Allen said: "There has been a change; at Anfield we've been pretty consistent throughout the season, but on the road there have been some ups and downs. Recently we've been a lot more consistent and the results have certainly shown that.
"It's purely down to focus with us. We know we're a hungry and determined bunch of players who are willing to work for each other on the pitch, and that's the reason it's worked.
"Everyone is willing to do it, so it's a great feeling to play in a team that you know are going to give it everything for each other."