Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on midfielder Adam Lallana.

The England international has settled well at Anfield since arriving from Southampton in the summer of 2014 and has now emerged as a key player in Klopp's squad.

The German tactician spoke of his 28-year-old neighbour ahead of Friday's clash with Chelsea, bestowing approval for the way the former Saints star goes about his business on Merseyside.

"Adam was, from the first second, important," said Klopp of his first impressions of Lallana.

"I knew him from Southampton and I thought he was a really good player. 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!"