Liverpool vice-captain James Milner has paid tribute to Takumi Minamino's ability to make an impact when drafted into the first-team setup.
And he says hard work on the training ground is paying off on the pitch for the Japan international.
Minamino was the Reds' hero on Wednesday night in the FA Cup fifth round, as he scored a brace in a 2-1 win over Norwich City.
The 27-year-old is behind the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino in the forward pecking order, but throughout the campaign he has made a number of decisive contributions.
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In the cup competitions, Minamino has been handed frequent starts and rewarded manager Jurgen Klopp with some productive displays, with his double at Anfield taking him to nine goals for the season in all competitions.
With Liverpool fighting on all fronts for silverware still, the 27-year-old will likely have an important role to play in the coming months.
Speaking to ITV Sport after the game, Milner said everyone in the squad is delighted when Minamino performs well.
"He's a great guy," said the veteran midfielder when asked if Minamino was the most popular player in the Liverpool squad.
"What a guy, what a player. He's been patient, with the players we have there is competition all over the field and every time he comes in he's ready and he delivers. He's such a nice guy and you're delighted every time he scores."
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Milner also praised Minamino's attitude and the graft he puts in on the training ground.
He added: "[Minamino] just carries on. Every single day he's at that level, he's brilliant in training. Great temperament no matter what is happening. And like I said, you can rely on him.
"He keeps coming in and keeps bagging goals, important goals as well. So absolutely delighted for him to get those two."
The former Red Bull Salzburg playmaker was key in Liverpool making it to the final of the League Cup, which they won on Sunday against Chelsea.
The Reds find out their quarter-final opponents in the FA Cup on Thursday, while the Premier League and Champions League are also in their sights.
