Liverpool utility man James Milner says his side have all the ingredients to be a successful team, but must eradicate their individual errors.

The Reds have had a very inconsistent start to the season so far and sit 5th in the table. They have often been criticised for their poor defence, where errors have cost them dearly.

However, Milner believes his side can mount a challenge for the title and become a force in all competitions if they pull themselves together and continue their hard work.

“Last year we played really well against the top sides, but struggled against the so-called lesser teams,” said Milner.

“And this year we have had two disappointing results against teams challenging and maybe been a bit more ruthless against the lower teams.

“I think it is all there, we just need to put it all together. A lot can happen and we have probably had a sticky period, Spurs have had one and I am sure Man City will. And it is whether they can still get results in that time.

“There is a chasing pack at the moment which is pretty tight, everyone is close together and that is the quality of the Premier League.”

Liverpool’s stand out player so far this season is new signing Mo Salah, who has scored 17 goals in 21 games in all competitions for the Reds. He has been touted as the signing of the season by many, and Milner doesn’t disagree.

“I am pleasantly surprised at how well he has done so quickly, I know what a good player he is,” Milner said. “But changing leagues – I know he has been here before, but the leagues are different, the football is different, the life is different, you are moving your family and settling in.

“So it is a big change for anyone to do that and for him to hit the ground running like he has and played as well as he has and scored the goals, that is credit to him.”

Salah has drawn comparisons to Luis Suarez already during his time at Anfield, but Milner believes the winger will want to create his own history at Liverpool.

“Both top players, but Mo will want to be his own player,” Milner said. “It is obviously nice being compared to top players, but ultimately he wants to play his own way.

“He is a different player to Suarez and hopefully he can keep delivering and improving.”
[Quotes via Sky Sports]