David Moyes dismisses Liverpool as title contenders

Former Everton and Manchester United manager David Moyes has dismissed Liverpool as title contenders for this season.

Jurgen Klopp’s side currently occupy top spot in the Premier League table after winning all six league games so far, as well as their opening Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain last week. The Reds are two points clear of defending champions Manchester City and fellow contenders Chelsea, and appear to have addressed their long-standing defensive issues while maintaining their electric attacking prowess.

However, Moyes believes Liverpool don’t have what it takes to win the league this season. Responding to the question of Liverpool’s ability to lift the trophy, he told Sky Sports:

‘No, I don’t think so. I think they’ve got a really good team, but you look back at teams over the years at Liverpool and they had great teams, when it was (Xabi) Alonso, (Javier) Mascherano, (Steven) Gerrard and (Fernando) Torres up front.

‘This is a good Liverpool team as well – I don’t know if it’s quite as good as that team at that time. They’re playing a good style, with forward players who are exceptional, and because of that I think they’re a real threat.’

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool celebrates after he provides the assist for Liverpool’s first goal, an own goal by Wesley Hoedt of Southampton during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield on September 22, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

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The side Moyes referenced was one he faced while managing Everton. Under Rafael Benitez, Liverpool were able to deploy Alonso, Mascherano and Gerrard in a formidable midfield triangle behind the unstoppable Fernando Torres and other substantial attacking threats like Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt. In the 2008/09 season, the Reds pushed Man United all the way but fell just short at the final hurdle, finishing four points behind in second place.

Despite the misgivings of Moyes, who had unsuccessful spells at Real Sociedad and Sunderland following his early dismissal from Old Trafford, many managers and pundits continue to back Liverpool to fight for the title this season.

Klopp’s side next take on Chelsea on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup.

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Source: anfieldhq.com