Alan Shearer in no doubt about Liverpool’s prospects due to Champions League advantage

Liverpool are the only unbeaten side in the Champions League and Alan Shearer thinks Arne Slot's team could have a major say on where the European Cup ends up this season

Alan Shearer has no doubts that Liverpool are serious contenders for the Champions League this season due to the power of Anfield.

Arne Slot's first European Cup campaign with the Reds hit a new high on Tuesday night as they demolished Xabi Alonso's strong Bayer Leverkusen team 4-0. A hat-trick from Luis Diaz and a powerful header from Cody Gakpo ensured Liverpool maintained top spot in the revamped league phase of the competition with four victories from four games.

With Liverpool also leading the Premier League after their comeback victory over Brighton last weekend, fans and pundits alike are beginning to believe that Slot's team can vie for major trophies this season. Former Newcastle striker Shearer was co-commentating during the rout over Leverkusen, and he is convinced that the atmosphere at Anfield can overpower any visiting team.

Despite a lacklustre first half where Liverpool found it hard to penetrate the Bundesliga team, the deafening noise at Anfield spurred the Reds into action in the second half. Speaking on The Rest is Football with Gary Lineker and Micah Richards, the former England forward was full of praise for Liverpool's performance against Alonso's team.

"I was the core comms for the Liverpool game and contrasting halves, very different halves," he began. "It was very flat in the first half. But oh my word, the second half was incredible. Liverpool just battered them. Once they got that first goal, it was like they [Leverkusen] just didn't have any answers. They just steamrolled them. The Kop, the whole of Anfield, it was absolutely rocking.

"And once that place gets going, you know, and the fans were great the second half because they sort of stuck with them, even though it was a little bit flat, they just started getting behind them after five minutes or so, and then they responded with a goal. And then it was like wave after wave after wave of attacks, and it was how many they were going to get. And it was just incredible to be there."

The question of Liverpool's ability to recover post-Klopp era seems to be effectively addressed by Slot's impact and leadership. Shearer pointed out that not only has Slot shored up Liverpool's defence, but he has also transformed the Reds into formidable contenders for the title, albeit adopting a more measured style of play, reports the Liverpool Echo.

"Liverpool were brilliant," he added. "They're a slightly different team. I think their build up may be a little slower at times. You don't see Trent going into the middle of the park so often, or he didn't the other day, which makes them, I think, more solid at the back.

"But with the forward options that they've got, you know, it's like he took Nunez out of the team, brought Cody Gakpo in, who then put him straight down the middle, rather than out on the left side. Diaz was on the left side. [It] didn't quite work in the first half, but because Leverkusen was stubborn.

"Liverpool really couldn't find a way around that. And then Liverpool then went man for man in the second half as well, and then it was just chance after chance. There's no doubt in my mind, Liverpool are challengers for that competition, because anyone going to Anfield will have a really, really tough game."

When Lineker asked about Slot's impact, Shearer was effusive. He complimented everything from the former Feyenoord coach's demeanour to his candour, with the ex-Blackburn striker convinced that the Reds are set for great things under their new manager.

"He talks really well as well, Arne Slot, doesn't he? ," Shearer said. "There's nothing complicated about him. He's got the confidence without being arrogant. The Klopp questions were always gonna be there, but the way he's handled everything going into Anfield, I think he's been so impressive, as has his team."

"They're not going to go away, Liverpool, and they're one of the favourites for that competition. I really believe that. And for the Premier League."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Get the 2024/2025 Liverpool home shirt

Pre-order the new Nike Liverpool home shirt here
£60-£125

The new Liverpool home shirt for the 2024/2025 season features a Chrome Yellow pattern design sees a modernised take on the legendary 84 Home Shirt, a season which saw the Reds become European Champions for the 4th time in Rome and the first English Club to win a Treble of major honours. You can pre-order it now for Thursday, May 16.

Liverpool FC
Pre-order it here