'He's been exceptional'

As Jose Enrique prepares to face his old club Newcastle for the first time with Liverpool in the final game of 2011 tonight, the Spaniard will do so with a big seal of approval from a Kop legend.

Double winning captain Alan Hansen believes our No.3 has been an astute capture by Kenny Dalglish, so much so he named him in his team of the year.

"Enrique has really impressed me since moving to Liverpool from Newcastle at the start of the season," Hansen said.

"I always knew he was a good player, but he has been exceptional at Anfield.

"Enrique has been consistent, however, and the highest praise you can pay him is that he looks as though he has been at Liverpool forever with his awareness on the ball significantly improving."