Suarez: We're at a superior level now
Liverpool's form during the opening 21 games of the season is worthy of Champions League football, in the opinion of top scorer Luis Suarez, who senses an increased level among the current squad.
Yet another double by the Uruguayan at the weekend, in the Reds' thrilling 5-3 victory over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium, increased his tally to 22 goals in 16 Barclays Premier League matches.
The No.7 has been the shining light of the division since 2013-14 kicked off, providing a new addition to his highlight reel on a weekly basis with incredible strikes and supreme displays of creativity.
Suarez's prolific performances have helped Brendan Rodgers' side maintain a near-permanent position within the league's top four so far, and retain an outside chance of title contention.
The forward explained to Liverpoolfc.com: "It's very important because we know that in the last two years we haven't demonstrated that Liverpool can play in the Champions League.
"Now we are playing very well and we have the level to play in the Champions League. We have really good players and if we continue at this level, we can do it."
Although Suarez was not in the running for the annual FIFA Ballon d'Or award on Monday night, impartial observers have recently opened the discussion of his place among the world's finest players.
On a purely statistical basis, the Liverpool talisman ranks ahead of leading duo Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, of Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, in the scoring charts for this campaign.
Ask the man himself, though, and you receive a modest response; his focus is instead wholly on maintaining his relentless contributions and representing the club's supporters.
"When you are a child, you imagine a lot. Now many people or players speak about that and it's unbelievable for me," the 26-year-old continued.
"And also for Liverpool, because in the last two or three years we have not played very well and not demonstrated our level. Now we are back to that.
"You work hard for the supporters and the people. It's important because the last few months were a little difficult for me. Now I've changed and it's okay."
Suarez notched 23 Premier League goals from 33 matches last season, his first under the stewardship of Rodgers - a record he will almost certainly break spectacularly this time around.
Reflecting on his attacking prowess, the Uruguay international showed evidence of the added maturity attributed to him by the manager by eschewing personal achievements for the team ethic.
The striker concluded: "For my confidence, it's very good, but the most important thing is Liverpool because in the last week we have played very well. That's more important to me.
"When you work hard on the pitch, you know everything is okay - you can do everything on the pitch. You try your best every time. When you have confidence with the team, it's also important.
"The squad is playing very well; for the forwards, it's easier on the pitch. If I score or not, it's not important to me. It's more important that we win the game."