Sami Hyypia believes Liverpool's summer signings have provided the catalyst for the Reds' flying start.
Liverpool stalwart gives his verdict on the Reds' title credentials
Sami Hyypia believes Liverpool's summer signings have provided the catalyst for the Reds' flying start to the season.
Rafa Benitez's side top the Premier League 10 games into the 2008/09 campaign, leading the way by three points from closest challengers Chelsea.
Their unbeaten opening has ushered in a sense of belief around Anfield that the club are capable of ending their 18-year wait for a top-flight title.
Hyypia, who has witnessed a number of false dawns during his 10 years on Merseyside, believes there is still some way to go before talk of a long-awaited crown can be taken seriously, but remains quietly optimistic that Benitez now possesses a squad capable of mounting a sustained challenge.
Stronger
"The difference from the previous seasons I have been here is that in the summer we made some good signings that have settled very well straight away into the team," said the Finnish defender.
"We also have a lot of competition for places, which is something we haven't maybe had as much of in the past.
"And this season maybe we are a bit stronger mentally, too. You only have to look at the way in which we have won some games to see that.
"Every year, it seems to be becoming more and more difficult to be on top, what with the other teams strengthening their squads. But so far, so good and hopefully we can keep on going as we have done."
Concentration
One of the new arrivals lauded by Hyypia is Albert Riera, who joined on transfer deadline day from Espanyol.
The Spain international has quickly acclimatised to life back in England, following a previous loan spell at Manchester City, and has set his sights on helping the Reds lift some silverware this year.
Riera said: "We have to concentrate now even more, clubs will know that we are top and they will want to beat us even more.
"Before last weekend, everyone was talking about Chelsea and the fact that they were top of the league and unbeaten so far this season.
Pressure
"But we are now in the same situation and under that sort of pressure. Maybe, though, people now know that we are a good team also and that we want to continue at the top of the league.
"But if this is to happen we know we have to keep on working hard in games and in training and doing the same things that have helped us get to the position we are in right now.
"We know it will be tough because the Premier League is very competitive and you have to work hard in every single game otherwise you can come unstuck."
