Liverpool have taken the Premier League to 'the next level' according to Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter.
The Reds will resume their domestic title pursuit on a Saturday when they make the 270-mile journey to the south coast where they will face a Seagulls side that has badly fallen out of form.
Brighton boss Potter could hardly have wished for a tougher examination for his player after suffering four straight defeats in the Premier League, but that did not stop him from paying tribute to the progress the Reds have made under Jurgen Klopp.
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Speaking in his pre-match press conference today, Potter said: "I think even Jurgen [Klopp] would say they [Liverpool] aren't unbeatable. I think what it is fair to say is that they are one of the best teams in the world.
"They have played at an incredible level for a consistent amount of time now. Full respect for them, for Jurgen, for his staff and players because of what they have achieved.
"Alongside Manchester City, in terms of pushing the level of the Premier League up consistently they have been incredible.
"I think they do it in a really impressive way, [with a] clear identity that the team has developed and worked over a period of time and they have a great understanding now.
"I always like playing against Liverpool because they are one of the best and it is very rare that in anything in life you get to face the best so you should look at it as a massive challenge and a huge opportunity."
Potter's complimentary view on his opponents should be digested with caution however.
Brighton have already held Liverpool this season after coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with the Reds at Anfield, back in October.
And Albion also took four points off the Reds last season after drawing 1-1 at the AMEX Community Stadium, before going on to clinch a 1-0 away win on Merseyside.
Potter confirmed that only Adam Webster will be missing for the Seagulls on Saturday, after Enock Mwepu, Jeremy Sarmiento and former Red Adam Lallana all recovered from injury in time to be considered for selection.
