Liverpool's Maxi Rodriguez celebrates after scoring a goal as Chelsea's Cech reacts during their English Premier League soccer match at Stamford Bridge in London
Liverpool's Maxi Rodriguez (L) celebrates after scoring a goal as Chelsea's goalkeeper Petr Cech reacts during their English Premier League soccer match at Stamford Bridge in London November 20, 2011. REUTERS

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has lauded the performances and professionalism of Maxi Rodriguez.

The Argentine, who is 31 next week, has played a peripheral role at Anfield under the aforementioned Liverpool manager, but when called upon the midfielder never fails to deliver.

Rodriguez has scored 11 goals in just 12 starts for Liverpool at the latter stages of last season and this one, and Dalglish believes the player's demeanour despite his evidently frustrating role for the club, is an example to all young professionals.

The Liverpool supremo wishes Rodriguez was younger because he feels he could have played an even more important role than he has already.

"Maxi is a very intelligent footballer," The Liverpool manager told the club's official website. "He knows how to play, he loves to play but he is not going to play in every game and the same goes for Maxi as every other member of the squad.

"We have to manage him the best way we possibly can and when he plays he doesn't give you too many bad performances. He is a real credit to himself and if he was a bit younger we would have someone in our squad who would be top drawer." The Liverpool boss concluded.

Liverpool signed the Argentine international from Atletico Madrid on a free transfer in January 2010 and he has since established himself as one of the club's most trusted and consistent performers. The 30-year-old scored during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Blackburn at Anfield on Boxing Day.