Moreno: Just watch Sturridge and see
Alberto Moreno has not spent much time on the same pitch as Daniel Sturridge, but the Spaniard hasn't needed long to understand the striker's importance to Liverpool.
The full-back arrived at Anfield from Sevilla last August and featured alongside the Reds' No.15 in his debut at Manchester City and then a 3-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur.
But subsequent injuries denied Brendan Rodgers and his team the chance to utilise Sturridge's clinical skillset for five frustrating months, until his return on January 31.
Stepping onto the pitch for the final quarter against West Ham United, the Englishman required just 12 minutes to sneak into the area and dispatch a finish into the near post.
He found the target at the weekend too, beginning Liverpool's FA Cup fightback at Crystal Palace and inviting Moreno to join in his trademark dance celebration.
"You just have to watch him play to see how important he is," the defender told Liverpoolfc.com.
"After being injured for so long, he scored a goal with his second touch [against West Ham]. You can see the type of footballer he is from that.
"Sturridge is a top player and everyone on the team was wishing he returned as soon as possible - and he's done brilliantly. He's a very important player for the team."
While Moreno has been the player thriving on the left flank of the manager's 3-4-3 system for the past two months, a new face has recently been used on the opposite side.
Jordon Ibe was drafted in for the Merseyside derby and responded with a mature display at Goodison Park, which he emulated three days later against Spurs.
The young Englishman is another to have made a speedy impression on Moreno, who is confident that his fellow wide-man can continue to develop at Anfield.
"He is still so young and is showing his value already," the 22-year-old commented. "He's young, strong and fast - and he can play brilliantly using both feet.
"As well as that, he is from the Liverpool Academy and the fans enjoy having a first-team player from the club's Academy.
"I bet he will turn out to be a very important player for Liverpool and a great footballer."