Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on midfielder Adam Lallana for his starring role in Liverpool's positive early-season run.

The England international has scored three times in six outings for club and country this season, having been given more attacking responsibility in a central role.

Klopp admits that he saw little of Lallana from a Liverpool perspective prior to joining the club last year, but is glad to have the 28-year-old - who he lives next door to in Formby - on board for the Reds' potential title challenge.

"Adam was, from the first second, important. I knew him from Southampton and I thought he was a really good player," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "To be honest I didn't see too much from when he played for Liverpool but I knew from Southampton he was a brilliant player.

"Since we worked together it's always getting better. He can play different positions, he's quick, he's mentally strong, he's a smart player. He is very important for the team - as a person and as a player.

"Everybody who has the possibility to speak to him knows he's a very smart guy and he's really settled in Liverpool. He's a nice guy, even as a neighbour. I have a few other neighbours who are nice but they are not that good as footballers!"

Liverpool take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Friday evening, looking for their third Premier League win of the season.