The Spaniard's future at Anfield appeared to be in doubt at the start of the season after failing to hold down a first-team place.
However, he has started the past five Premier League matches, and scored his first Reds goal.
The same can be said about our own under-fire defender James Perch, who suffered in his first season at the club ... but became a hero when he was moved into the ball-winning position in midfield.
That is all it can take to transform a player from "zero to hero"
Brendan Rodgers: "I think Jose has been outstanding.
"It is a great credit to him because he and I spoke earlier in the season about trying to improve his game.
"Further up the field he is a real threat going forward with his pace and power and you can see in the last three games how determined he is to get a goal.
"He has been a real plus for us and it is great to see because he has worked hard and it hasn't been easy for him.
"I am delighted for him because he is a good guy and wants to do well for this club.
"Every player will have a preferred position but I think he has the qualities to play the (midfield) role as he is not a defensive left-back.
"He is comfortable in the position, which is important, and it gives us a great thrust at the top end of the field.
"I have always stressed it is the team not just the midfield players, we want everyone to contribute and it is not for want of trying.
"We are just looking to improve how clinical we can be in those areas.
"I am not going to dwell on as it is highlighted often enough, we just have to keep working to find a solution.
"It is certainly something which is important.
"We have good balance in the team and defensively we have a good structure now the players have adapted to how we work.
"If we push on that bit more and add the finishing touches to some of our great play that will turn some of the draws (seven in 13 matches) into wins for us."
Source: Newcastle United Mad
Source: FOOTYMAD
