Flying winger Chris Taylor has established himself as the best player in League One, according to veteran Andy Liddell.

Liddell, who is 35 and a seasoned operator at the highest level, spoke out about his team-mate after the two teamed up for Latics' equalising goal at Southend on Saturday.

Taylor's bullet header - his eighth strike of the campaign - drew the visitors level and paved the way for Lee Hughes to volley home his side's winner.

Liddell arrived at Boundary Park in summer 2005 and witnessed Taylor's big break into the first team later that season as he starred in a 3-0 home win over Nottingham Forest.

The pair have played regularly together since and Liddell feels the tricky winger is just getting better and better.

"I don't think I've seen a better player this season, to be honest," he told Latics World.  "Chris has been scoring goals with his head and with his feet and we are very lucky to have him at the moment.

"He was a totally different player when I first joined the club, although he was just a young kid back then.  Even then he was good, but he's progressed even further and he's now better than League One."

And Liddell has backed his midfield compatriot to achieve at the highest level if he stays committed to his game.

He explained: "Chris can definitely play at a higher level, though whether he can play at the highest is up to him.  Hopefully he can play at a higher level with Oldham.

"He is a fantastic player.  He can go both ways, pass, shoot, cross and he works hard for the team.  One of Chris's best aspects is he buys us time - he gets the ball and just runs and runs, taking players on.

"If there's a better player around at this level this season then I haven't seen him yet."

Watch footage of both Athletic's goals at Southend on the Latics World Freeview Player now on the right-hand side of the home page.