Former Liverpool defender Martin Kelly says it is “too early” to class the Reds as title contenders but agrees they are on the “wave of the new manager”.

Liverpool are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League after winning nine of their opening 11 games under new boss Arne Slot.

Speaking to BBC World Service’s Sportsworld programme, Kelly said: “I’m looking at each squad in the top six and eight at the minute. Even [Manchester] City are going through their little spell at the minute, playing right-backs at left-back, ageing players in central midfield [and having] Erling Haaland off form.

“You look at Liverpool and in each position at the minute when Arne’s making substitutions, they’re coming on making real impacts. They’re riding the wave of the new manager and getting results.

“[Then] there are the Liverpool fans, who any neutral will tell you can go a long, long way. In terms of title contenders, it’s far too early. I think they’ve had an amazing start, but the next little block of games, especially Real [Madrid] in the Champions League, will be tough.

Kelly, who made 62 appearances for Liverpool, also spoke about the impact he expected Jurgen Klopp leaving to have had on the club: “I think a lot of football fans would have thought when Sir Alex [Ferguson] left [Manchester] United, anyone who followed his footsteps would find it really difficult. I think there was sort of that vibe with the Liverpool fans when Klopp went.

“Arne lets games play out and from what I have seen, he’s in no rush to make any changes. Liverpool don’t waste much energy in the first half and then whatever he says at half-time with his coaching staff, they seem to come out and turn the screw.”