Dalglish admitted that he wouldn't like to ruin a fantastic feat, whilst also claiming that Liverpool's main objective was to claim the Europa League spot.
"He's been fantastic this year and really grown in stature. He's been a real asset for us.
"He gets credit from the people who really matter - the people here. He wouldn't have played every game if not."
"I don't think they were too happy but they've got the chance to put that right on Sunday," said the Scot.
"Training has been good - it's always good. They are looking forward to the game but the disappointment should be there.
"There were some positive vibes that came out of the game on Sunday."
"Everyone knows the results from most matches whether it's the first, last or middle game of the season. You know what's going on at most places.
"It'll be no different on Sunday but we'll concentrate on our own game and see if we get any favours from somewhere else."
"The most important thing for us is to win the game on Sunday and see where it takes us," he said.
"If we're in the Europa League we're in it, if we're not we just have to get on with it."
"On developing young players, we're going into a competition next year that will help develop young players in Europe. That's not an issue."
Aston Villa have nothing but pride to play for on Sunday having secured their top-flight status despite a serious illness to their manager Gerard Houllier.
In his absence caretaker boss Gary McAllister has overseen some impressive results, including a victory against Arsenal last weekend.
Dalglish added: "The illness to Gerard doesn't help but they are both fantastic footballing people and they've done the most important thing - keeping Aston Villa in the Premier League.
"I'm sure Gary would much rather have Gerard in the role he was meant to be in when he went there, but fate took over. He's done well to keep them up.
"Villa had a fantastic result last week at the Emirates. It's their last home game and I'm sure they'll want to finish the season on a high. They'll be well up for the game."
Also hinted at the possibility of Alberto Aquilani returning to Anfield next season:
"He went out on loan and has done very well over there.
"If he was to come back here, for me that would be like a new face coming in. I don't know of any deadline, I wasn't privy to the conversations that were had. "
"We've got to assess what we need, and that includes the players who have been out on loan," added Dalglish. "They'll assess where they've been and the other clubs will assess them.
"Alberto is the highest profile but we've got decisions to make on (all) those players.
"We've not had time to sit down and discuss the players who have been out on loan apart from Alberto."
Meanwhile, Dalglish thinks comings and goings are inevitable at Melwood this summer - but he has strict criteria about adding players to his squad list.
"The people we'll be looking at are of the highest calibre, because the players here have done really well since January," said the boss. "It would be disrespectful to them not to look at players who are high calibre.
"We've had a great end to the season. There will be lots of work done in the close season and we'll take it from there. Movement is part and parcel of a football club in the summer. We'll be no different.
"Although it might affect them, players themselves expect new faces to come in and give the place a lift. It'll happen and they know it'll happen.
"We've had a lift from our own young players coming in and freshening it up a bit.
"If we get some quality people in to go along with the people already here, that will help everyone. It always helps to freshen up the dressing room.
"But if we're bringing anyone in they've got to be better than what we've got - and that's going to be a big ask."
"When you're on the outside you don't always see the effort and commitment they have," he said. "I've noticed that since I've come in.
"I had no pre-conceived ideas. You have an opinion but it's not definitive.
"A lot of the performances have exceeded what I thought we were capable of. That's a great compliment to them, or maybe I'm just thick and didn't appreciate what we had here!"
Quizzed on how his 3 year contract affected him:
"I wouldn't say it's been a great help - played one, lost one!
"For me, the planning was going on anyway, irrespective of who was coming in because you can't leave it until the last minute. For training and some of the pre-season matches, planning had to be done. If you're sitting in this chair you've got to make the decision about what you want to do and when you want to train.
"Regarding players, there's only one person who can decide that, and that's the manager. That's something we need to get our skates on with to make sure we get the right players."
