But he has stressed continued progress will be achieved only with the right attitude.
Having taken over from Roy Hodgson in January Dalglish has led the club from 12th place, looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone, to sixth and still with a chance of securing European football next season.
Sunday's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur was the Scot's first at Anfield since returning to the job he left more than 20 years ago.
They may now be outsiders for the final Europa League spot after Spurs moved a point ahead with one match remaining but, the odd blip apart, the Reds manager has had nothing but praise for his squad.
front pairing
"They have played brilliantly since January, gone about their work and surpassed all expectations," said the 60-year-old."We are dependent on other people now (to finish fifth) when we could have finished it but it has been a fantastic effort to get close.
"We can only look after ourselves."
The performance against Tottenham was a reminder that despite the great strides the team has made under Dalglish there is still work to be done.
Striker Andy Carroll was pressed into action for that match because of an injury to Raul Meireles, breaking up the profitable front pairing of Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt, and it undoubtedly impacted on the way they played.
professional footballers
It raised questions in some quarters about how the £35m club record signing will fit into a system based on movement and exerting pressure on opponents by pressing high up the pitch.However, Dalglish insisted personnel mattered less than attitude when it came to carrying out his plans on the pitch.
"They are professional footballers. I don't think a change in the way you play should contribute to a change in your attitude," he added.
"Football teams change formations all the time, you just have to overcome these things.
"It it is not a disruption when you put Andy Carroll in your team."
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