James: I'm impressed by Brendan
David James is tipping Liverpool for a top-four finish this season after being impressed by Brendan Rodgers' dealings in the transfer market.
The former goalkeeper - now a pundit for BT Sport - believes our summer and January signings have given Liverpool a diversity that will make them a real force in 2013-14.
"I've been impressed," James told Liverpoolfc.com.
"Even with the lack of Suarez in the side there has been a lot of diversity in the team, which I've been impressed with. The young players as well look good.
"I went to Melwood on Friday and what got me most was the planning for the future, and I was very, very impressed.
"I think Liverpool will get fourth. I think they can do it. With the diversity they have, bringing in the likes of Iago Aspas and Philippe Coutinho - two very talented players.
"Daniel Sturridge as well, who last season I thought was Brendan Rodgers' best acquisition.
"The other thing that's pleasing is the amount of youngsters who were getting the opportunity to play last season. Forty-odd starting appearances for teenagers, which is phenomenal in the modern age of football."
James kept goal 277 times for Liverpool between 1992 and 1999 before Gerard Houllier purchased Sander Westerveld to be his No.1.
Westerveld was later replaced by Jerzy Dudek, who in time lost his place to Pepe Reina - and that gradual cycle continued this summer when our Spanish stopper was replaced in between the sticks by Simon Mignolet.
James was a fan of Reina but backed Rodgers' decision to bring in a fresh custodian.
"I'm impressed with him [Mignolet]," he said. "He had a very good year with Sunderland last year - he was player of the year there last season.
"I've always thought Pepe Reina was a top drawer goalkeeper. For whatever reason he wasn't performing at his very best in the last couple of years and it's a statement to replace that position.
"Simon is on the up, he's a young man and has great potential."