FOUR years ago Neil Mellor was helping Liverpool progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

And although they would eventually finish that campaign as European champions, the Preston striker is even more impressed with the current Anfield crop.

Mellor left Liverpool for Preston after they won the FA Cup in 2006, and after watching them progress into this season’s fourth round, the 26-year-old admitted they are now looking more like title winners.

“Liverpool have advanced massively since I left,” said Mellor.

“We watched videos of them before the game and they really do look an organised side.

They pass it all over the pitch and from that performance it’s clear they are going to get close to the league title which is what the fans have wanted for 19 years.

“They are top of the table now and I’m sure Rafa will want to win every game they go into, but the league title will probably be the most important thing for them this season.

“If he keeps his players fit, they’ll have a great chance. You just watch their passing and it’s incredible.”

Mellor also labelled his former team-mate Steven Gerrard the “best in the world” after he bounced back from a difficult week to inspire the 2-0 victory.

He added: “It was a brilliant captain’s performance. He’s a very dedicated professional and he showed that today.

“I think he’s the best in the world when you take everything into consideration. He can play in five or six different positions and still looks the best player on the pitch.

“There are not that many players in the world who have that sort of versatility and quality.

“I know Ronaldo’s a great individual player, but I think Gerrard has everything. He inspires players.”