David Moyes is confident Liverpool are capable of challenging for the Premier League title on the evidence of their early season form.
The Reds endured a difficult campaign by their own recent lofty standards and missed out in Champions League qualification.
Jurgen Klopp responded to that disappointment by sanctioning the departures of several club stalwarts including the likes of James Milner, Fabiho and former club captain Jordan Henderson.
Those loyal servants have given way to a clutch of bright new talents, the majority of whom have hit the ground running and powered Liverpool to four wins from five matches.
The form of Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai has been particularly eye-catching, while the return to full fitness of Luis Diaz and the continued excellence of Mohamed Salah means the Reds are again looking like the relentless winning machine that pushed Manchester City all the way in recent years.
West Ham will represent a stern test of Liverpool’s credentials this weekend but Moyes has noted the recent upturn masterminded by a rejuvenated Klopp.
He said: ‘They can challenge for the title. People say we’ve made a good start to the season but Liverpool definitely have as well.
‘They’ve won all their games and they’re introducing new players into their squad.
‘From a distance, they look like they’re getting back into their best form.
‘I finished above Liverpool a couple of time as Everton manager and got a few good draws too.’
The Hammers, themselves, appear set for another solid campaign following their own impressive summer recruitment drive. James Ward-Prowse has slotted in perfectly in place of Arsenal’s record signing Declan Rice, while another headline purchase, Mo Kudus, got off the mark in last night’s Europa League win over Backa Topola.
‘I’m pleased Mo has made a big impact for us already. He’s still getting used to us and we’re getting used to him, but he made a big contribution last night for us,’ said Moyes.
‘James has settled in brilliantly well. We felt he had a good chance of settling in quickly due to his Premier League experience, but bringing him in was always a chance to see if he could bring goals and assist to us.
‘He’s a Mark Noble-type player for us in many ways, in terms of what he brings to the team.’
MORE : Brighton stumble on Europa League debut as Liverpool and West Ham win
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