Allen: My respect for Brendan
Joe Allen has spoken of his admiration for Brendan Rodgers and claims the Reds boss has turned him into the player he is today.
The Wales international earned rave reviews for his display in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Manchester City, scooping several man of the match awards, and he insists he can only get better working under the Northern Irishman.
Allen said: "He certainly has been a key figure in my career so far. He's a brilliant coach and person, someone who you are desperate to please.
"When someone gives you responsibility and shows faith in you, like he did with me, it makes you desperate to pay it back.
"Although I'd been in and around the squad in previous years at Swansea, Brendan helped me progress my game.
"And a lot of the other lads in my age bracket felt the same way."
Liverpool's No.24 also revealed he has spoken to his new Anfield teammates and told them how they will enjoy working under the new boss.
"I've spoken to the lads and the feeling I get is that they are looking forward to working underneath him," he added.
"I think a lot of players will enjoy his training methods and his approach towards everything.
"From the moment he walked through the doors at Swansea, there was a feeling that he was going to take the club onto the next level. And he did."
Sunday's clash with the Barclays Premier League champions was Allen's Anfield bow since his move from the Liberty Stadium, and it was an occasion he certainly relished.
"Personally for me it was fantastic to make my debut and it was a great occasion and atmosphere, as I would have expected," he said.
"I'm looking forward to playing at Anfield throughout the season.
"It was a bitter sweet feeling, though, and I was disappointed we didn't beat Manchester City after we had twice taken the lead.
"But it's important not to dwell on things too much, just move on to the next match and focus on it."