Liverpool have been urged to develop the ‘horribleness’ of Chelsea.
Antonio Conte’s side continue to ride high as Premier League leaders while the Reds have dropped out of the title race with a win-less run throughout 2017.
And ex-Reds midfielder Jason McAteer believes that his former club have to follow the Londoners’ lead in embracing something of a nasty streak.
“I always feel like Liverpool are a nice bunch of boys. A nice team with players you could take home to your mum,” he told 888Sport.
“You look at Chelsea and there is a bit of horribleness about them. (Diego) Costa and (David) Luiz and even (Gary) Cahill to an extent.
“It’s a battle for them. It becomes horrible.
“Since Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard retired there have been big shoes that haven’t been filled but you can’t make a leader, they’re born.
He added: “I’m not taking anything away from Jordan Henderson, who has been a terrific captain.
“Like Moyes and Ferguson [at Manchester United] it’s always extremely difficult to take over a legend at a football club and replicate what they did.
“Jordan is his own man and leads in other ways; by his performances and actions.
“He isn’t one for pointing and screaming. Liverpool need someone like that who digs out players.
“When I played if you gave the ball away three or four would be immediately onto you: John Barnes and Mark Wright and (Neil) ‘Razor’ Ruddock.
“It lifts the team when you’re up against it.”