Jamie Carragher names Premier League player who would win Liverpool boss Arne Slot league title in debut season

Former Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher said Chelsea's Cole Palmer would've helped Arne Slot win the Premier League in his debut season had he donned the Reds' outfit. His remark comes ahead of the Reds' Premier League clash against the Blues at Anfield on Sunday, October 19.

The former Feyenoord manager replaced Jurgen Klopp at the end of last season. Naturally, the Dutchman had some big shoes to fill, but he delivered and how. The Reds have 18 points from their first seven league games and currently sit atop the Premier League table. However, Arne Slot will face one of his toughest challenges when his side takes on a resurgent Chelsea side.

Enzo Maresca's men are currently sixth on the league table with 14 points. Speaking to The Telegraph ahead of Sunday's clash, Carragher also praised the former Leicester City manager, who has had an incredible start to his stint with the Blues. He said via Sport Bible:

"Liverpool versus Chelsea has the potential to ensure Pep Guardiola vs Mikel Arteta does not monopolise the next few years at the Premier League summit.

"There is much work to be done by Maresca and Slot to get that far, but I have a sneaking feeling that Sunday is the first of many duels between coaches who, in time, will be going head-to-head for the biggest prizes."

He said that Chelsea lacked team spirit and seemed disconnected from the fans last season. However, they look in good shape to finish in the top four due to Cole Palmer's impact. He also said that the Englishman would've helped Arne Slot win the Premier League title in his debut season had he signed for Liverpool instead.

Carragher said:

"Coming into this season I initially thought it too soon for Chelsea to finish in the top four because the team spirit and connection with the fans was not there. Palmer is the biggest reason my view has changed. Now they can do it, although given the scale of their investment that is where they should be."

"If Palmer was at Liverpool, Arne Slot would be more likely to finish his debut season as a title winner. Palmer is that good, currently averaging more goal involvements per match than Stamford Bridge greats like Didier Drogba and Diego Costa."

Palmer has registered 31 goals and 20 assists in 54 games for the west London side since joining them from Manchester City last summer.

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Virgil van Dijk said Liverpool must be prepared to "fight" ahead of Chelsea's visit to Anfield

Virgil van Dijk said that the game against the Blues would be tough. However, added that the Reds would use the atmosphere at Anfield to get an edge over their rivals.

He said (via Liverpool's official website):

"I have been impressed by Chelsea's progress this season. I said a few weeks ago, after our win at Wolverhampton Wanderers, that they have gone under the radar a little bit within the media, but we will certainly not be underestimating them."

"They also have a manager who has a clear idea of how he wants his team to play, and who looks like he is starting to get the best out of the talent at his disposal. "That means, then, that we will need to be fully focused and prepared to fight from the first whistle for the points. We have had some good days and nights against Chelsea in recent years, but that counts for nothing this weekend."

Van Dijk also pointed out that the Reds would be playing seven games in the next 20 days, adding that his side is going to be tested.