Class performers all over the park

But I believe the one big difference is the class visible all over the team.

This season, unlike others, we don't just have a few top quality players, we have eight or nine.

They include Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, plus Daniel Agger, Momo Sissoko, Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Andriy Voronin and, of course, Javier Mascherano, who I think is a tremendous acquisition, who is always on the move, harrying, chasing and breaking up attacks.

Another difference is the confidence that oozes through the team.

In previous seasons the Reds have looked solid at the back and strong in midfield, but they did not have that quality to capitalise in front of goal.

That put extra pressure on the defence. But now the forwards provide attacking options that can reap the rewards, as we saw against Derby.

Another factor is the strength in depth. Rafa Benitez is able to change the team now and still come up with the results.

Our rivals are looking at the Reds in a totally different light. They are playing out of their skins, have numerous attacking options now and are looking a real threat.

They deserve to be top of the Premiership – in fact, they would have been in an even better position but for poor refereeing by Rob Styles in the Chelsea game – and I hope the break hasn't affected them too much.

It's been a busy period for the club's international players with two games in quick succession. At least they are playing, unlike team-mates left behind to try and maintain their form in training.

Both Gerrard and Carragher may be back in contention after injuries against a Portsmouth side who have improved considerably in recent seasons, but the Reds have coped well without them.