Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has revealed that Joe Allen understood he needed to leave Liverpool in the summer.
The Wales international, who was deemed surplus to requirements by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, was snapped up by Stoke on a five-year deal during the summer transfer window.
Allen has thus far scored four goals and provided three assists in all competitions for the Potters and was recently shortlisted for inclusion in the UEFA Team of the Year, following his splendid displays in the European Championship in the summer.
And Hughes, who hailed the impact Allen has had at the Bet365 Stadium, explained that the midfielder knew he needed to quit Liverpool.
"Joe has made a real impact for Wales and for ourselves, and that has highlighted him to everyone”, he said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
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"He has carried on for us from where he left off in the summer. He has been outstanding and has given us a real drive and impetus.
“He has given us goals too. It has been a good match, him and us.
"He understood he needed to leave Liverpool and has come here and prospered.
"He really enjoys it here. I don't think anybody who has seen him this season won't say they have been impressed.
“His work rate and technical abilities are tremendous. The goals he has scored has raised his profile further too."
Allen, who followed Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool from Swansea City in 2012, amassed 132 appearances for the Reds, netting seven times and setting up five goals.
The 26-year-old also has 34 caps and two goals for Wales to his name.
