Mamadou Sakho's superb recent form has been coupled with fully learning the English language, the Frenchman has revealed.
Sakho struggled with injury and form at the start of the season, but has been one of the Reds' best players since January, where Brendan Rodgers switced to a three man defence involving Sakho, Martin Skrtel and Emre Can.
Liverpool's form has took off, going on a 13 game unbeaten run in the Premier League before Sunday's defeat to Manchester United, where Sakho again impressed. This is worlds away from last season, where he struggled to break into the side following his transfer from French champions PSG.
This season didn't start particularly well either, as he stormed out of Anfield after being left out of the squad against Everton. Sakho however, is now feeling the benefits of knowing English as he prepares for international duty.
"I feel good. Language was a problem initially, as I am a man of character so I feel frustrated when I cannot express myelf, and it becomes worse when others fail to understand me.
"Some told me to speak French as it would have allowed me to feel a little more free, but when I spoke French on the pitch for things like substitutes, nobody understood me. I told myself that it was useless and I really needed to learn English. It took me a while, but now it is fine."