Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was delighted with Adam Lallana's performance for victory over Aston Villa.

Klopp has praised the performance of the England international while underlining the reasons for his inclusion having featured in the same role in the League Cup win over Arsenal in midweek.

"It was not so difficult because we had a look at the things we needed against Villa and I think you saw how good Adam Lallana worked in that system," he said.

"It's a game (Villa) where we had a lot of possession. We had to see how Adam recovered from midweek, but at the moment he is fine. The decision was not so difficult.

"Adam did really well, he played a really good game. In a game like this, you need that kind of deeper playmaker. That's how it is.

"From that position, pass the ball, chip the ball, all that stuff. And he did that. He had a lot of ball recoveries, was good in the air, it was a good game."

Lallana is out of contract at the end of the season, but Klopp added: "I don't know what happens in May - for anybody, actually - but the best thing as a footballer is when you get the opportunity to play well, to do so. That is what Adam is doing.

"A second game in a row, and when he came on against (Manchester) United he was good. He has played really good games and is brilliant in training.

"After a long time with some injuries, he is in outstanding shape physically. That's the most important thing for his career. As for the rest, we will see."