Fit Sturridge key to Liverpool staying on top, says Rush

Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes they have the ability to finish among the top four this season because Brendan Rodgers has a stronger squad.

The Reds are heading the Premier League after four games having beaten Manchester United although being held to a draw by Rodgers' former club Swansea.

"It's great to be top of the league after four games and still unbeaten. It's a good start though it's a long way to go," said Rush in a wide-ranging interview with Emirates 24|7.

Asked to explain the reason for their success so far, Rush felt it had more to do with the prudent signings Rodgers made during the summer.

"Basically we have a stronger squad than what we had last season. Brendan made some good signings. It's all about being confident and working for each other. Brendan teaches them how to play good football and they are not letting in many goals as they were last season. That's the reason they've had a good start," he said.

Among the signings, the former Liverpool striker was particularly impressed with Brazilian midfield Philippe Coutinho and Simon Mignolet. "Coutinho has made a big difference. He can pass a ball. He's been fantastic. Mignolet is a good keeper and had a great start. He's kept us in the game at vital times," said Rush.

He acknowledged that a fit Daniel Sturridge who has scored four goals in as many games has made a world of difference to Liverpool's striking abilities.

"He wants to play regularly. He did not get this at Manchester City and Chelsea. Brendan Rodgers has given him that chance and he has delivered," said Rush who holds the club record of 346 goals in 660 appearances.

"Specially with (Luis) Suarez not playing, he took over the responsibility of scoring goals. He's had a great start to the season," he said.

As Liverpool fans eagerly await the return of Suarez whose 10-match ban will end later this month, Rush warned that the Uruguayan striker would not be able to walk into the side.

"In Liverpool it has always been a competition for places. No one is guaranteed a walk straight back into the side... even a world class player like Suarez," said the Anfield legend.

Asked about Liverpool's chances of adding to the 19 Premier League titles, Rush was cautiosuly optimistic of improving their mid table position of last season.

"It's too early to say but the next three games against Southampton, Sunderland and Crystal Palace could be vital. On paper you are guaranteed 7 or 9 points but the home games are the hardest. We have to do well at home against Southamption (Saturday September 21) and Crystal Palace where we haven't done well in the last two or three years. If we start winning games then maybe we can finish among the top four," said Rush who is a global brand ambassador of the club.

Talking about Liverpool's rivals, Rush said Manchester United in the post-Ferguson era were still the one to beat. "Arsenal seem to have an exciting side while Tottenham and Chelsea are up there," he said.

Manchester City on the other hand will have their eyes on the Champions League, he felt, because manager Manuel Pellegrini is new to English football. "He may take time to adjust to the English Premier League whereas he is used to the playing in the Spanish League which is similar to Champions League," said Rush.

On the transfer saga this summer, Rush backed fellow Welshman Gareth Bale to be a success at Real Madrid where he moved for a world record fee of $132 million.

"Bale is a great player. It is the club which decides on the transfee fee. There is nothing he can do about it. He will be great player at Real Madrid," said Rush.

At the same time, he agreed with Manchester United's decision not to sell Wayne Rooney. "If Rooney was at Chelsea they would have won the league because he is a such a great player. It is like selling Suarez to Arsenal. You don't sell your best players to the opposition," he explained.

Note: Liverpool fans in the region can watch a variety of unique behind the scenes content on BeIN Sport

As part of the new Barclays Premier League season Liverpool have entered a partnership with BeIN sport (part of the Al Jazeera group).

As part of this partnership they air LFC games as well as behind the scenes footage at the club. This includes player interviews, LFC magazine how's and other LFC content. The aim is to bring the club closer to the LFC family in the UAE.