Liverpool are now arguably the second-best team in English football. Manchester United are still second in the Premier League table but even the most passionate Red Devils supporter would find it tough to downplay Liverpool's recent form. With just one defeat in their last 20 top flight matches, Liverpool are heading in the right direction and could even challenge Pep Guardiola's Manchester City for the title in 2018/19.
Jurgen Klopp's side recently booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals after a 5-0 aggregate win against FC Porto. Liverpool have been simply sublime since Christmas – their FA Cup defeat to West Bromwich Albion the only blemish on their record. With Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah in attack, Liverpool will take some stopping in their pursuit of silverware in the near future.
Is there a better front three in world football on current form? Well, you could claim that City's forward line is just as good, but that Reds attacking unit optimises Klopp's free-flowing style of football. Firmino is the glue that holds everything together, Mane has the speed and skill to create, and Salah, now on 32 goals in just 39 Liverpool games, has the quality to score from almost any angle. He really is a special talent...
Defensively, there are still a few glaring problems but Liverpool are improving. At the time of writing, the Reds have conceded just one goal in their last five games. Loris Karius has stepped up in recent weeks and nobody would dispute that the young German is now Liverpool's number one. In addition, Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have both been fantastic in the full-back areas and both could shine at Anfield for many years to come.
As of March 7th, Liverpool are 1.06 in football betting odds for a top four finish and it would take a brave man to back against Klopp's men. A few nerves started to creep in after Philippe Coutinho left for Barcelona but the Anfield side are now in a stronger position. That is testament to the work of Klopp, his backroom staff and of course the Liverpool players – the Reds won't be far away in next season's title race.
Are Liverpool future champions?
Jurgen Klopp has attackers capable of winning the Premier League title, says Martin Samuel.
Read here: https://t.co/E2ljS44rSrpic.twitter.com/USLNEEN6LG — Sky Sports PL (@SkySportsPL) February 25, 2018
Getting close to Manchester City this season has been impossible; Pep's men have been a class above their rivals and deserve to lift the crown - though, Liverpool did beat the champions-elect earlier this season. If the Reds can keep everybody fit, they will have a great chance next season. The blueprint for a first Premier League triumph is there and Klopp could bring domestic success to Anfield if everything goes to plan.
Liverpool are one of England's biggest clubs and a first top-flight title since the early 1990s would send out a statement. The Reds, led by the charismatic Klopp, have enough quality in attack and an improving defence; that is the perfect combination for future success. Backing against Manchester City in 2018/19 may seem foolish given their dominance this season but if anyone can stop them, it is Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.
