Ronald Koeman believes Liverpool can win the Premier League title this season.
Saturday’s trip to the Dutchman’s former club Southampton offers the Reds a chance to solidify their credentials by extending their lead at the top of the table.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have scored more than any of their closest challengers and have already overcome rivals Arsenal and Chelsea this term.
Koeman will face Liverpool for the first time as Everton manager in next month’s Merseyside derby but admits that they have impressed him.
“It’s still too early to say who will be the favourites, but I have been impressed by Liverpool so far,” he told ESPN.
“Maybe that is not what you might expect the Everton manager to say, but they have been playing some very good football and deserve to be at the top.
“They have goals in their team and this is what all successful sides need. Of course they can be champions this season, they have a good chance, but they are not the only contenders.
“My Everton team has played Manchester City and Chelsea in the last few weeks and both were very impressive. We managed to draw at City, but you could see the quality of these teams.
“Then we all know what happened at Chelsea, as we lost 5-0 and they put in a very good performance. It was difficult for us, but you have to be impressed from their side, so maybe they can also have a chance.
“I see this as a very open title race. You have four or five teams in contention and even though Manchester United have had some problems so far, they can still go on a good run and put some wins together.
“United have a new manager and they will improve in what is an unpredictable Premier League season.
“People expect someone like this with such a big record to win games instantly, but it is not so easy.
“Of course they can come back because they have some top players and a very good manager.”