Non-executive director Kenny Dalglish has written in his column for British tabloid newspaper the Daily Mirror that if Liverpool can sign the right players in January, and also hold onto Luis Suarez that they can be contenders for the Premiership title.
“A lot of the focus last weekend inevitably fell on Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal.
“It was a big win for United and their new manager David Moyes because it put them right back in the frame as title contenders.
“By stopping Arsenal, it also brought a lot of teams into contention again when they must have feared they were slipping out of the race.
“But I thought the teams that fared best were Southampton and Liverpool.
“They are the two sides that have been the surprise packages of the season so far and they appear to be the ones playing with the most freedom.
“They look fresh and eager and I think they are both being helped by the fact they don’t have to worry about European football this season.
“Of course, you want to be involved in the Champions League and the Europa League, if you can, but sometimes you can use your absence from those competitions to your advantage.
“We are not yet a third of the way through the season, but we are not far off and it is getting to the point where we have to take the claims of Southampton and Liverpool seriously.
“Nobody really considered either of them – especially the Saints – legitimate contenders for a top-four place this season.
“But they are reaping the benefits of not having to adapt to a new manager, as many of the leading clubs are having to do.
“It has got to the stage now where, if they buy in January, I think both might have a real chance of staying up there.
“We know that the top teams will all strengthen. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City will all buy in the next window.
“So, if they can – if finances allow it – then Liverpool and Southampton need to do the same.
“If they do that, the rewards could be considerable. They have got themselves in position. Now they have to try to seize their opportunity.”
Persistent rumours of Real Madrid’s interest in Luis Suarez refuse to go away yet Dalglish believes that the Uruguayan striker will stay at Anfield saying: “There will be speculation about Luis Suarez leaving the Reds. There always is. But I don’t think he’s going anywhere. “He’s thriving in this Liverpool team and everyone at Anfield knows he is crucial to maintaining a challenge.”
