04 September 2023 , 04:00
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In Jurgen Klopp's own words, this is "Liverpool reinvented", a transformation from the old guard which delivered all the trophies it was possible to win.
Yet here at Anfield, there was an impressive - and ominous - sense that somehow Liverpool are back to their compelling former selves…and the way the Kop chanted at the end of this impressive victory suggested the fans feel the same.
There was gusto in both the chants celebrating victory, and the pace, energy and commitment of a team performance which blew a very good Aston Villa away.
Yes, there are still some rough edges, still some nervous moments at the back. But let’s face it, even Klopp’s first great Anfield team always had those - it was part of their endearing charm that sets them aside from the robotic dominance of Manchester City.
This really did look like the old Liverpool, with a couple of crucial differences that could elevate them to different heights, and even allow them to be truly competitive again this season, challenge for honours, even.
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There is a reinvention of sorts in the system Klopp has evolved for this campaign.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s subtle shift into a more central position when Liverpool have the ball gives them a different type of passing threat, than the delivery from the flanks which he and Andy Robertson are famous for.
Mohamed Salah scored for Liverpool against Aston Villa (Getty Images)And with both the outstanding Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister showing more instinctive passing talent, and technical ability than the hardworking, reliable midfield than won so many honours under Klopp, then there is a different vibe to this Reds incarnation.
Remarkably, on this sunny Merseyside afternoon, it allowed them to play devastating counter-attacking football, even though they had 65 per cent possession - the passing ability of those three and the pace of the front three able to expose Villa’s high line almost at will, even with a patient build up.
And it is that pace, that incisive running of Mo Salah, Luis Diaz and here Darwin Nunez in particular which offers so much excitement, and inspired that roar of approval from the Kop at the end.
Nunez looks devastating in this form, and whisper it quietly, offers a notion of a Liverpool future post Salah - though not yet, because the Egyptian King would be stupid to leave this team, with this potential to create chances for him, any time soon.