'Stevie is still an absolute star for us'
Joe Allen has explained the size of the challenge facing the Welshman to claim a regular berth in Liverpool's midfield, particularly with the likes of 'absolute star' Steven Gerrard to contend with.
A driving force from the centre of Brendan Rodgers' team, the Reds' skipper has delivered a series of masterclass performances since switching to a deeper position in the opening weeks of 2014.
His displays have included seven strikes and nine assists in the Barclays Premier League - form which has prompted Allen to provide his personal appreciation for the talismanic No.8.
The 23-year-old commented: "We're talking about someone who's been, in terms of the Premier League, an absolute star.
"He's coming towards the end of his 16th season with Liverpool. His form has been incredible this season and he's still a really key player.
"Against Fulham, everyone spoke about the pass he played, but that was something you'd expect from Steven Gerrard. It was an incredible pass. That's the ability he's got.
"In terms of the position he's found himself in, he's able to take that on with ease."
An injury at the beginning of the campaign curtailed Allen's ability to contribute at the outset of 2013-14, while an abductor issue unfortunately affected the No.24 last December.
Now back to full fitness, though, the Wales international is determined to recapture a spot in Rodgers' starting XI, although he is under no illusions regarding the difficulty of doing so.
"I'm moving forward," he added. "Before Christmas, I enjoyed a good run in the team and I was happy with my own performances and the levels I was getting up to.
"Unfortunately, I had a little setback, but I'm now looking forward between now and the end of the season to staying fit and hopefully playing a big part in what could turn out to be a great season.
"It does get harder and harder to get into the team, but that can only be a good thing. That's something that's been great this season - the competition for places.
"Stevie's been playing fantastically in recent weeks, but also we were able to cope when he wasn't in the team. When Luis Suarez was missing at the start of the season, we coped with that. That's the difference this season.
"Every player in the squad has really played a part and that's a great thing to have."