Liverpool are still unbeaten after 11 Premier League games and secured an impressive 1-1 draw away at Arsenal on Saturday.
One of the main criticisms of Jurgen Klopp, during his time in charge of Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, was that his sides struggled to pick up regular results when not performing absolutely at their rip-roaring peak.
But this current Liverpool team seem to have developed that so-called ‘hallmark of Champions’ – the ability to win when barely getting out of second gear.
The Reds haven’t quite hit the attacking heights of last season but they are still unbeaten after 11 Premier League games and just two points adrift of league leaders Manchester City.
And, speaking to Jim White on talkSPORT (5 November, 10am), former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes an improved back-line has suddenly transformed the Anfield giants into genuine candidates to seize the biggest honours.
The defence was arguably Liverpool’s Achilles heel in recent seasons but the additions of Virgil van Dijk and Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker, plus the rapid rise of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez and Andrew Robertson, has suddenly made the Reds a fearsome proposition at both ends of the pitch.
“They look very comfortable defending now. That back five is now looking like a really balanced unit. With their age and with a really good keeper, for the next five years this could be the reason why Liverpool compete on all fronts competitively,” Murphy said, reflecting on Liverpool’s impressive 1-1 draw away at Arsenal on Saturday.
“The back four have coped with an Arsenal side full of confidence, pace, energy, momentum, Aubameyang, Lacazette. This looks a special back four.”
Liverpool have conceded just five goals in the Premier League so far this season, just one more than Manchester City. And, if their attack starts to click in the way it did last season, there is no reason to bet against Liverpool ending their long wait for a Premier League title in the near future.
“Trent Alexander-Arnold, he’s young, he’s learning. Against the best players he sometimes has a problem. But his passing, his crossing and his calmness going forwards is brilliant.
“Gomez for me, I saw at full-back and I wasn’t convinced but he’s physically perfect. Van Dijk has got to be one of the best in the world, he’s absolutely awesome in every part of his game.
“And Robertson. He can play going forward, energy, tenacity but he can defend as well and he wants to defend.”
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