Allen: Suarez deal showed his desire
Joe Allen declared his delight at the news that Luis Suarez has committed his long-term future to Liverpool Football Club.
Allen's impressive run of form for the Reds has coincided with a special period for the Uruguayan, who has taken his season tally to 19 in 12 appearances in recent weeks.
Suarez became the first player in Barclays Premier League history to net 10 times in a calendar month when he curled Liverpool's third against Cardiff City on Saturday.
Allen insists the No.7's decision to put pen to paper has boosted morale around Melwood - and that the deal emphasises Suarez's commitment to the club.
"Luis is delivering week in, week out and that is the sign of a world-class player," Allen told the Liverpool Echo. "He is scoring goals for fun, creating goals and as a team we are killing teams off.
"His new contract was a massive boost for all of us players - not only going into the Cardiff game but also for the rest of the season.
"For him to commit his future here is fantastic news for the club and for the supporters. That is the kind of signal you send out when you want to attract some big players.
"It seemed to be concluded really quickly which shows Luis' intent and desire to be at this club."
The commanding 3-1 win over Cardiff at Anfield propelled the Reds to top of the table - a position they can retain over Christmas, should Arsenal fail to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight.
Manchester City await at the Etihad on Boxing Day, while a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea looms large for Rodgers' charges three days later.
Manuel Pellegrini's side have netted 32 games on home turf so far this season and currently sit second in the table - a point behind Liverpool.
"We're sitting on top of the table as it stands and it's a great feeling," Allen told the Liverpool Echo. "To be top near to Christmas is a great achievement so far.
"Naturally we will play it down a little bit but I think the next two games are going to be big ones. We will see where we are after we have played them.
"It's a massive challenge but one to look forward to," admitted Allen. "The run of form we are on and the way we are playing we are certainly looking to go to Man City and get a result.
"Man City have an incredible record at home, as do Chelsea to be fair, but records are there to be broken. We have got to be ambitious that we can be the team that goes there and do that.
"The dressing room is an ambitious one and we have a lot of determined and hungry players who are looking to achieve things at this club.
"With the history of this club there is no reason why we shouldn't be competing at that top end of the table.
"The blueprint the club has put in place over the last couple of years has been to build a young side who are going to grow together, improve collectively and play their best football at this club. The signs are certainly good if we can keep that going."
Allen has now played in four consecutive fixtures for the Reds since returning to the side after Merseyside derby disappointment against Everton in November.
The Wales international has operated efficiently as part of a midfield axis alongside Lucas Leiva and Jordan Henderson, in the absence of skipper Steven Gerrard.
"I am grateful to have the opportunity to be involved in some tough games," Allen said. "But also to be part of good team performances and more importantly victories. It has been a big boost for me personally.
"The key was to pick up another home win going into the challenge of the next two matches and we achieved that."