Javi: You realise why Gerrard is a legend
The more time Javier Manquillo spends in the company of Steven Gerrard, the more he realises just what the talismanic captain means to Liverpool Football Club and its supporters.
Manquillo arrived at Anfield as part of a loan deal with Atletico Madrid in the summer and was thrust straight into the starting line-up on the first day of the season against Southampton.
The full-back has impressed with a series of offensive showings en route to racking up 12 appearances for the club, while continuing to adjust into his new surroundings on Merseyside.
His settling period has been made smoother by a host of different characters at the club, including the skipper, Gerrard, who Manquillo singled out for particular praise.
"Gerrard's a legend here, and as each day passes by, you realise why," Manquillo told Spanish newspaper Diario AS. "He helps a lot and is a great person. People have enormous respect for him.
"I'm adapting. It's one of the hardest things to do, but I have help. Jose Enrique and Suso are some of my guides here. The Spanish players get together often and we spend our afternoons together.
"Brendan Rodgers speaks Spanish and that has helped me and Alberto Moreno to understand what he wants us to do."
[SLIDESHOW]
Manquillo has now experienced the Anfield atmosphere on eight occasions, including two Champions League nights under the floodlights, and the 20-year-old admits he's been blown away by the passion of the crowd.
"You can't describe Anfield," he said. "To be on the pitch and hear the crowd is amazing. It gave me goose-bumps the first time."
Manquillo's last start in the Barclays Premier League came in the 0-0 draw against Hull City at Anfield on October 25. The Spaniard was an unused substitute for the defeat by Newcastle United and did not feature against Chelsea last weekend.
However, he has been watching from close quarters and can vouch for the players' efforts at Melwood, insisting the side will return to the standards expected in the near future.
"The results will come because we're working well," said Manquillo. "There are many new players, but it's no excuse. We will be at the level that Liverpool demands soon.
"Liverpool is a big club like Atletico and has won five European Cups. Liverpool is an institution in European football and is a member of one of the best football leagues in the world."