Ian Rush believes Liverpool's title inexperience will not affect Premier League race
Monday 15 April 2019 11:00, UK
Ian Rush is not concerned by the lack of title-winning experience in Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side as they seek to end a 29-year title drought.
Liverpool lead the Premier League by four points from Manchester City, who boast a number of multiple winners with the vast majority of their current squad integral to last season's record-breaking league triumph.
By contrast, Liverpool have just James Milner - part of City's successes in 2011-12 and 2013-14 - as their only Premier League winner.
But Rush, who had the benefit when he signed for the club in 1980 of joining a squad which had already won league and European Cup titles, does not believe a lack of experience will be pivotal in this season's title race.
"How do you get the experience if you haven't won the title since 1990?" Rush said.
"It's that long ago I actually played the last time Liverpool won the league, which shows how long it's been.
"A lot comes from how the manager and coaches keep the players' feet on the ground.
"I think supporters are quite right to be excited as they are in a position they haven't been for a long time but players have to take each game as it comes.
"Beating Brighton was fantastic as it wasn't a great game, against Crystal Palace they came back from being behind so I think everything is in a good position for Liverpool."
Rush believes there are a number of factors which can help end the long wait.
Defensively they are stronger than they have been for years, conceding just 13 goals in 23 matches, while last year's star performers Mohamed Salah (19 goals), Roberto Firmino (11) and Sadio Mane (10) continue to score with regularity, although not in the huge numbers they managed last season.
"It is no good scoring three goals if you let in four," added Rush.
"I think they have tightened it up at the back. (Virgil) Van Dijk organises the defence and says 'Leave those three (Salah, Firmino, Mane) up front to do what they want'.
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"That's what they used to do with myself and Kenny (Dalglish). We could do what we wanted while the rest organised.
"And with that front three scoring goals, that puts you into a title-winning position."
Salah is once again the Premier League's leading scorer with 16, two better than Tottenham's Harry Kane and Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
"Last season, for me, he was the best player in the world - and that's a big statement," he said.
"It was just unfortunate we didn't win a trophy. If we had won a trophy I think he would have been player of the year worldwide.
"This year has been a bit different because teams are sussing him out and putting two players on him but I think he has overcome that now.
"He may not score as many goals - it was always going to be more difficult this year - but seems to be a better player and that is why he is the league's top scorer."
