ALBERT Riera likens the current Liverpool under Rafael Benitez to the Valencia side that won two La Liga crowns under the same manager.

The Spanish winger, 26, said: 'When I played against Valencia for Real Mallorca it was the same.

'It was difficult to beat them. A Rafa Benitez team doesn't always have to play well to win because it is very strong tactically and mentally.

'The idea is always very clear and that's very important - every player knows what he is doing when he goes on the pitch.

'The mentality of any Benitez team is always strong. It's always a winning mentality, and that's the feeling I had when I came here.'

He added: 'Against Chelsea, we had a clear idea of what we wanted to do. Sometimes you have an idea but then you get out on the pitch and realise it's wrong, but on Sunday we played exactly how we prepared (Liverpool won 1-0).

'Chelsea are very strong and attack with a lot of players. So, our strikers had to be the first line of defence, and also we couldn't play long balls.

'We had to play it out from defence and keep the ball because Chelsea aren't as good when they don't have the ball.

'I would compare them in this way to Barcelona or Real Madrid.

'Our preparation was the key because we were really well drilled on how Chelsea play.

'We are very strong as a team and have a good mentality, but we are only at the beginning of the competition and it's too early to start speaking about titles.'

Speaking with the same confidence was Liverpool legend Alan Hansen.

Critic

Hansen, once a harsh critic of his former side, now believes Liverpool have their 'best chance' of winning the league title for the first time since 1990.

He said: 'To beat Chelsea on their own patch where they've not lost in 86 league games is fantastic. It wasn't just the result but also the manner of the win which was so impressive.

'After just half an hour there was only going to be one winner as the Liverpool tactics were spot on and the team display was outstanding. Rafa's team looks solid.'

Hansen added: 'This was a momentous result but the victory over Manchester United at Anfield is the result that gave them the real belief they could beat the likes of Chelsea.

'If Rafa's team had lost that one, I don't think it would have truly felt it could win at Stamford Bridge.

'However, by finally beating United they have become a team in every sense of the word as confidence and belief is sky high to launch a far too long-awaited title challenge.'

PA Sport