Premier League contenders Liverpool are the real deal this season, says Jamie Carragher

Liverpool are serious contenders for the Premier League title, according to Jamie Carragher. The former Anfield hero believes Jurgen Klopp's men have the capability to end the club's 27-year wait to be crowned champions of England.

Liverpool currently sit third in the league table, level on points with Arsenal and Manchester City, following an enthralling 4-2 win against Crystal Palace at the weekend.

Carragher has been impressed with how Klopp's side have navigated a tricky opening to the campaign – which has included games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United – and has claimed they can win the Premier League in 2017.

"If someone had said Liverpool would have been sixth or seventh and a couple of points off top four at this stage of the season, I think Liverpool fans would have been delighted because of the tough start they had," the former Liverpool defender told Sky Sports.

"Now to be that close to the top of the table, it gives you great hope going forward. We've spoken before about them having no European football and you see them not playing a full team in the EFL Cup against Spurs."

Carragher compared the current Liverpool side to Brendan Rodgers' team that came agonisingly close to winning the title in 2013-14. "I know defensively it still looks like they have big problems, but their intensity with the ball and the way they close people down, it's reminiscent of a couple of years ago," the Liverpool legend reflected.

"I go back to that season under Brendan Rodgers, and don't forget that extra energy, that intensity, closing people down and fast football almost took Liverpool to the title. That extra energy, intensity and fast football."

Carragher also said that the impressive nature of Liverpool's win at Selhurst Park sends a strong message to their Premier League rivals. "I think [Palace boss] Alan Pardew and the players said they were the best team they've come up against this season," he explained.

"Some of the football is fantastic and Crystal Palace away – you are not playing one of the big boys, but it's one of those games you look at as a player or as a fan and think you can easily drop points. To go there and win so emphatically probably sent a message what with it being on TV with everyone watching thinking: 'These [Liverpool] are the real deal.'"