Barnes draws 87-88 comparisons
A quarter of a century after John Barnes starred in what is considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing Liverpool side of all time, the former winger believes the current Reds team is approaching a similar level of appeal.
When the 1987-88 campaign drew to a close, Liverpool were indisputable champions - nine points clear of Manchester United - having lost just twice and plundered 87 goals in 40 fixtures.
Barnes was a powerful, driving force in Kenny Dalglish's team, dovetailing with attacking colleagues John Aldridge and Peter Beardsley to devastate defences up, down and across the country.
The modern Reds can boast Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez, who have racked up 14 Barclays Premier League goals already this season, plus the returning playmaker Philippe Coutinho in their forward triumvirate.
It's a combination which has Barnes making comparisons with the vintage of 25 years ago; he told The Guardian: "This is perhaps the most pleasing-on-the-eye Liverpool side since '88.
"From an attacking point of view, I think we have the best strike force in the league and when Coutinho comes back we'll have the best attacking three in the country.
"Liverpool are only a few games into the new season so nobody should be getting carried away, but the potential is definitely there."
Brendan Rodgers' side have claimed victory in six of their nine Premier League fixtures in 2013-14 to date, and head south to face Arsenal on Saturday knowing they could potentially end the day at the summit of the standings.
Barnes has been encouraged by his old club's impressive opening and, while aware of the severe competition provided by the Reds' rivals, is confident Liverpool can maintain their challenge in the long-term.
The 49-year-old added: "I've always said that if Liverpool can keep their best 11 players fit and playing consistently well, we have a chance of staying near the top of the table.
"Over the course of a season that is unlikely to happen and if you look at the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City, they all have stronger squads than Liverpool.
"But all those sides are dropping points - City have already lost three times - so it's definitely going to be a lot tighter. Liverpool just have to believe they can keep winning and keep playing well."