'Martin's form is up there with the best'
Brendan Rodgers spoke of his admiration for the way Martin Skrtel has gone from a spell on the sidelines to producing consistency befitting 'one of the top centre-halves' in the country.
The manager's high praise comes three days after the Slovakian broke new ground in his Liverpool career by scoring twice in the same game during the 5-1 thrashing of Arsenal.
His opener demonstrated all the poise of a poacher, seizing his chance to poke home from close-range, while Skrtel's second was a simply sensational header that would make any No.9 proud.
His exploits at the other end of the field in recent months have been equally impressive - and, as a result, his manager was moved to label the towering centre-back a 'class act'.
"He's up there with the top centre-halves in this league," the boss told reporters gathered at Melwood. "I'm delighted for him, because he's a good man.
"He's taken on a real leadership role, especially when there are so many younger players in the group and his performance level now is consistently really high.
"He looks a class act. I think it's a big credit to him that he's been able to prove me right."
Skrtel was used only sparingly in the Premier League throughout the second half of Rodgers' first season in charge at Anfield.
He then watched from the bench as Liverpool edged past Stoke City and Aston Villa in their opening two games of the current campaign - and it was at this point, Rodgers says, the No.37 was faced with a choice.
"I brought in a certain way I wanted to work, both on the training field and in the games and for the second part of last season, Martin didn't feature so much," he explained.
"So there's a choice; either you throw your toys out of the pram and kick up a fuss, or sit down with your coach and your manager and see where you can improve. You have to give all the credit to him."
Skrtel was back in the side for the Reds' 1-0 victory over Manchester United, and from there he has been a constant feature at the heart of Liverpool's defence as well as a model professional out on the training pitch, according to his manager.
"Martin took on the responsibility to want to become a better player," said Rodgers. "I think now you see a player who has got great intelligence in his defending. His use of the ball is composed now.
"He shows that even if you're an international player but you're willing to learn and improve, then you can. He's shown that and he's getting his rewards for it."