Former Liverpool forward John Aldridge has spoken of his delight at how the “new-look” side is making the Reds once again a difficult side to compete with.
Aldridge has instantly picked up on the new approach heading into games, and is impressed with the squad that has been put together over the summer.
He wrote in his Liverpool Echo column:
We’re no longer as predictable as we used to be.
The 56-year-old also commented on the impressive signing of Belgian striker Christian Benteke: “You’ve got to change, you’ve got to evolve. And the purchase of Christian Benteke has been the most striking difference for us.
“Now, with Benteke an out ball and capable of winning most of hisaerial challenges, opponents are left with a decision.”
Aldridge is not concerned with the lack of goals at this stage, and believes that the Merseyside outfit have more than enough quality to start firing in front of goal soon.
He continued: “I’m not too worried. In fact, I’m confident we can score a lot more goals. And if those goals start coming in matches against our nearest rivals, we’ll become serious challengers for Champions League qualification.
“Believe me, speaking as a striker, the problem is when you aren’t getting into goalscoring positions and nothing is happening for you.
“Christian Benteke could have had three goals already this season, what with hitting the bar against Bournemouth and that top, top drawer save from Petr Cech at Arsenal.
“Philippe Coutinho, meanwhile, could easily be on four goals having been so unlucky with hitting the woodwork twice at the Emirates.
“The goals will come.”
Meanwhile at the back, things are looking even more promising, as Aldridge acknowledges: “Three games played, three clean sheets.
“In terms of our defending, it couldn’t have gone any better during the opening weeks of the season.
I’ve been impressed with both our new full-backs. They are quick and can get forward, but first and foremost they know how to defend.
“They stop crosses coming in, they look to stop players coming forward and don’t mind getting stuck in.”
The former Republic of Ireland international was relatively happy with the performance at the Emirates on Monday night, and is relishing the opportunity for the Reds to pick up three points at home to West Ham United on Saturday.
He wrote: “I was pleased with how we played against Arsenal. The Gunners had to rejig their back four, and in the first half we did everything but score.
“If we’d been two goals up at the break, nobody could have complained. Arsenal were all over the place, but Petr Cech was in fine form.
“Next up is West Ham, a team who are also having some selection issues.
“Win at Anfield, and 10 points out of 12 would represent a great start to the season.”
Away from recent and upcoming fixtures, Aldridge is seemingly content with the summer transfer business and new first team additions, including Brazilian attacker Roberto Firmino.
“The money brought in from the sale of Raheem Sterling has been used wisely,” insisted Aldridge.
“It’s going to take Roberto Firmino time to bed in at Liverpool.
“We’ve only seen glimpses of what the Brazilian can offer, but I thought he did all right on his first start at the Emirates.
“He’s entering a totally different environment but you can already see the quality he offers.
With James Milner, Christian Benteke, Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez all fitting in with a minimum of fuss, this summer’s signings are already making a positive difference, and in Gomez we’ve found a potential future star.
“It’s a complete contrast to last season, when the new arrivals never really convinced.”
The Liverpool legend then had time to comment on the situation regarding Lucas Leiva, and the potential breakthrough of Jordan Rossiter: “We’ll have to wait and see, but for me he’s a player we can’t afford to lose.
“It would be nonsensical to let him go but, if he wants to play regularly, Lucas may decide to go regardless. That’s down to him: it would a shame to see him go.
“That said, it was good to see Jordan Rossiter come on. As a local lad, you want him to do well.
“Jordan can learn his trade in the cup games and European matches. But for the big ones, we’re better off with Lucas.”
