Wednesday 9 November 2016 17:43, UK
Phil Thompson has high hopes of Liverpool finally ending their Premier League trophy drought this season, but says it's too early to call them title contenders.
The Reds currently sit top of the table but last won England's top-flight in 1990, and have finished as runners-up three times since the Premier League's inception in 1992.
Thommo appeared on Sky Sports Now on Wednesday morning to pick his Liverpool 'runners-up XI', made up of Liverpool stars from 2001/02, 2008/09 and 2013/14, as well as some from Jurgen Klopp's current squad...
Thommo's XI comprises of Sami Hyypia and Michael Owen from 01/02, Pepe Reina and Xabi Alonso from 2008/09, Luis Suarez from 13/14 and Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho (who also played in 13/14) from the current side.
Also included are Jamie Carragher who played in 01/02 and 08/09, and Steven Gerrard who featured in all three Liverpool sides that have finished second in the Premier League so far.
Thommo believes Liverpool's impressive start gives them a chance of glory, but did move to play down expectations.
"I can't say Liverpool will win the title," he said. "They've got as good a chance as anybody else but it's only 11 games in. Hopefully by the time it's 25 games we can sit here and say there's a real chance.
"We've done extremely well so far, and it's not only great to be top of the league, it's also the quality of the football that this side has played which has been truly fantastic to watch.
"[Klopp] has had plenty of time now to work on this high pressing and intensity game. They all understand what the manager wants and the signing of [Sadio] Mane has brought that extra pace which the team was lacking up front, he's been nothing short of sensational. [Roberto] Firmino has been truly magnificent as well.
"People say you need one player who will get you 25 goals and a secondary striker who will get you 15, but this side has players who are all chipping in, and we've also seen goals from the likes of [Jordan] Henderson and [Emre] Can. It's also how many chances they're creating at times, against Watford they scored six but it could have been far more."
Thommo also reckons that Manchester City and Chelsea, currently second and third in the table, will be Liverpool's biggest threats this season.
"[City are] the best-equipped squad," he said. "I've been impressed with the manager and how he's handled the problems they've had. I love Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva is great and [they have] Sergio Aguero as well.
"Chelsea also have a great chance but it's a case of whether they get found out somewhere along the line. The one thing for [Antonio] Conte is his big players like Eden Hazard and Diego Costa are enjoying their football now whereas they weren't last year."
