Barnes: Kenny can lead us to glory
John Barnes believes Kenny Dalglish is showing just why supporters are hailing him as the man to bring the glory years back to Anfield.
The Reds have re-established themselves as a force to be reckoned with under the leadership of the Scot, combining a brand of stylish football with some impressive results.
Barnes has been delighted with the impact made by his old boss and reckons the fear-factor is now firmly back in place in L4.
"Liverpool are now playing with the right passion, determination and spirit," said Barnes.
"With Kenny in charge everyone is pulling in the right direction and that's what you need to be successful.
"You need everyone, including the fans and the board, to be 100 per cent behind the manager.
"They are and the players have responded to that with their performances."
He added: "There has to be a fear factor there. A manager needs that kind of respect and power, and Kenny commands that at Liverpool."
Liverpool were an active force during the summer transfer window, recruiting no fewer than seven new additions.
Barnes is convinced Dalglish has done some astute business in the market and is confident they can help the Reds to secure a return to Champions League football.
"I don't think Liverpool will win the league but I certainly think they will be in the top four," he said.
"Kenny has made signings not just for the present but for the future. That's important as you need continuity. If you keep changing players you'll never get anywhere.
"Now there are a lot of players in the squad who will be around for a long time and that has to be good.
"Stewart Downing is an outstanding winger and creates chances. With Jose Enrique, who is a very good attacking full-back, the left hand side looks good.
"In recent years Liverpool's problem when they had a midfield without proper wingers was their full-backs weren't attacking so they lacked width. Now they have a better balance.
"Next season young players like Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson will be a year more experienced and with greater consistency of performances Liverpool can challenge for the title.
"I think Kenny can bring the title back to Anfield. Everyone has got faith in him."