Manchester City ace Kevin de Bruyne believes Premier League champs Liverpool will be as strong as ever - despite little summer transfer business.

Jurgen Klopp's Reds beat Man City to the Premier League title by a staggering 18 points last season, winning a first top-flight crown for 30 years.

The Citizens responded by snapping up four new recruits as soon as the summer window opened, including £40million Nathan Ake and £20m Ferran Torres.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have only signed left-back Kostas Tsimikas to play second fiddle to Scotland international Andy Robertson.

"Sometimes some people find it more difficult after winning to get that same feeling again. It is very difficult to recreate the same feeling even with the same team," the Belgian told the Daily Mail.

"There is so much in life that goes on personally. Every little thing can change you. Injury can change you. Football is all about circumstances and it's already difficult enough to try and win one, never mind twice.

"I think they [Liverpool] can reach the levels again. I don't think you need to change the team to have the same feeling or ambition. But I don't know how they feel. I don't know their desire. For everyone it is personal.

"Sometimes when you win something you can feel less. Sometimes it can give you extra hunger. So it's difficult to know. Let's see."