Stuart Pearce believes Liverpool could pip his former club Manchester City to the Premier League title this season - and has backed Luis Diaz to be their stand-out performer.
The Reds started the campaign well with victory over City in the Community Shield at Wembley on Saturday afternoon and they'll hope to continue the momentum when their league fixtures get underway against Fulham at Craven Cottage this weekend.
Diaz is beginning his first full season with the club after he joined from Porto in the January transfer window. The winger has had a positive start to life on Merseyside and, with Sadio Mane having departed for Bayern Munich, Pearce believes the Colombia international is a 'special' talent who will be competing for the top honours in 2022-23.
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“I think Diaz could be player of the year," the ex-Nottingham Forest and England defender said on talkSPORT commentary during the Community Shield clash. "I was so impressed with Diaz last season, how he hit the ground running, his goals, his effort. He’s almost unshakable on the ball, I really like him.
“Will Liverpool miss Mane, of course, but I think Diaz could be a slightly better player and a better goalscorer. I think he could be a special player this year. What a talent."
Jurgen Klopp 's side pushed City all the way in the title race last season and lost out by a single point on the final day. And Pearce believes the heartbreak in May could add more fire to the bellies of the Liverpool team as they look to battle on all fronts once again.
“ If you asked me who I think will win the league this year, it will be Liverpool,” he added. “Personally, with City winning the league twice in a row, I think it takes away a couple of per cent.
“I think Liverpool will have that little bit more hunger in their bellies and their striker options are so outstanding. So yes, I think they’re the ones and they’ll beat Man City this year."
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