"I remember watching when they played at Arsenal and he was the best player on the pitch by a mile," he told the official site. "The distance he covered and he seemed to be playing in a more advanced role.
"I've played against him and trained with him and know he's a very good player.
"I think the first year he came was probably a bit daunting for him in realising what Liverpool is all about and things like that, but I think he's acquitted himself well this year and been very good.
"People forget he's still young. He's 22 and still has plenty of time to be a great player for Liverpool.
"This season has probably been another learning curve for him and hopefully he'll kick on to good things now - and with Joe Allen being injured, it gives him every opportunity to play."