Jurgen Klopp is convinced that Liverpool are a stronger team now than they were a year ago but the next week promises to test that theory to the limit.
Klopp's side, second in the Premier League, face a trip to seventh-placed Watford on Saturday, followed by a critical Champions League visit to Paris Saint-Germain and a Merseyside derby at home to neighbours Everton.
By the end of that run of fixtures, it will be a little clearer as to whether Liverpool have what it takes to maintain a challenge for domestic and European titles this season.
"There's absolutely no reason for criticising the boys, they do a really good job," said Liverpool manager Klopp.
"So many things are better than last year -- defending is better, set-pieces are better; we are much more mature in games, game management is better. So many things are better."
- Squad depth -
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