Fulham manager Martin Jol has reserved special praise for the integral role being played at Craven Cottage by Fulham skipper Danny Murphy.
The playmaker arrived at Fulham from former club Tottenham in 2007, when Jol was in charge at White Hart Lane, and questions had been raised as to whether the duo could maintain a strong relationship upon the Dutchamn's return to Premier League management this season.
However, Murphy has retained the captaincy with the west London side following Jol's arrival, and the ex-Ajax boss has since hailed the 34-year-old as a "brave footballer."
"Danny is a link up player from the back and he never hides," Jol said.
"He's always available and that is what I love about him. He's a brave footballer. Even when he's under pressure he will demand the ball.
"Link up play and keeping the ball is so important and with a player like Danny you've always got the guarantee that you will play football.
"I feel that we should be very proud of Danny. I remember watching a few years ago when he scored that goal against Portsmouth to keep Fulham in the Premier League. He's very grateful that he plays here and we should be very grateful that he's here."
Murphy has been an ever-present for Fulham so far this campaign, and having seen Paul Scholes come out of retirement for Manchester United recently, Jol is sure the former Charlton man has a few more good years ahead of him.
"It depends in his own mindset," continued Jol. "If he wants to play he will play. I've had the experience with players that sometimes they will last six months and sometimes they will last another couple of years."