'He's massive for us, he's a world class player'
Adam Lallana has hailed Daniel Sturridge as a 'world class' talent after the striker returned to the Liverpool starting line-up with a crucial brace against Southampton.
Jürgen Klopp's team trailed with less than a minute gone of their Capital One Cup quarter-final meeting with Saints but were dragged back into the tie by two fine finishes from the No.15 in quick succession.
Sturridge went on to play an hour of an eventual 6-1 success at St Mary's, in what was his first start since the October draw with Everton at Goodison Park.
And Lallana was full of praise for his fellow England international, as well as his strike partner, hat-trick hero Divock Origi.
"It was [incredible], especially after the start we had. It was sloppy - they started the game well but I think we started on the back foot," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"But it was a great response from the lads, Studge has scored two very important goals tonight.
"He showed exactly what he's about and why we want him back and in the team.
"He's massive for us, he's a world class player. Within ten minutes he finished two brilliant chances and we're in the lead after a sloppy start.
"I think everyone worked hard to change the game because it was a disappointing start.
"Divock was brilliant again, he took his chances, and it was a great result and we're in the semis now."
Incredibly, Liverpool's six goals against Ronald Koeman's men came from just seven shots on target.
Lallana believes a clinical performance on the south coast and the attacking strength in depth the Reds possess bodes well for the future.
"It felt like we took most of our chances tonight," he added.
"I think if you look at the ratio of chances to created to ones scored it'd be high but sometimes that happens.
"We're on a great roll at the minute and we just need to continue with this momentum.
"You look at the squad, look at the bench - Firmino, Benteke, Jordan coming back, Milner.
"We've got a great, strong squad at the minute with everyone fit and I think it's making everyone raise their game."