Jurgen Klopp believes 'outstanding' Adam Lallana can only get better for Liverpool

Adam Lallana can keep improving for Liverpool, according to manager Jurgen Klopp as the midfielder gets set to take on his former club Southampton.

After some impressive performances that saw Southampton finish in eight place in the 2013/2014 season, the 28-year-old joined Liverpool the following summer in a big money £25m ($32m) move.

Lallana initially struggled under Brendan Rodgers in what turned out to be a disappointing season overall for the Reds, finishing in sixth place.

However, the England international has since become a key figure under Klopp and is having his most prolific season yet with the club, contributing to 14 goals in 28 league games so far.

Having returned from a thigh injury recently, Klopp believes the former Southampton man can only get better.

"He can for sure," Klopp said, as quoted on Liverpool Echo. "We talk a lot, he's a good talker, a smart boy. It's all about maintaining consistency and making the right decisions in difficult situations."

"Of course he can get better. That's the nice thing about this game, you stop learning the moment you finish your career."

Lallana's performances this season have seen him win many plaudits but Klopp is perplexed as to why it took so long for the media to recognise his talents.

"I've no idea why it took so long, I'm not sure it did," he added. "When he played at Southampton people really loved him and when he came here he had a difficult start, and it's always hard for a big signing."

"When you have a big price on your back it doesn't make life easier but that's how it is in football. He's an outstanding football player, there was not a second of doubt that he would succeed in the end. Two footed, good decision making, wonderful dribbler, good shooting, maybe a little bit of a late starter but he has a lot of things going for him.

"I'm not interested in the time before I came here, but since I've been here he has been a very, very important player for us. I don't think there is any doubt any more about his qualities."