Xabi Alonso thinks boss Rafa Benitez has found the missing ingredient which will help Liverpool mount a serious title challenge this season.
The Spaniard, who looked in fine form against Werder Bremen on Tuesday night, believes competition for places down the flanks could hold the key to securing a first championship since 1990.
"I think we have improved in terms of wingers with Yossi and Ryan, but also if you look at Jermaine – he is in very good shape and playing really well," Alonso told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"I think maybe this will be an important part of our game this season, out wide.
"Sometimes last year we had players out there who prefered to be in a different position, like Luis Garcia, who liked playing as a second striker. Also, we missed Harry Kewell to injury. If he is fit we are looking very promising in these positions."
Alonso and his teammates are at a training camp in Switzerland, and while the midfielder admits the squad likes to get away from Melwood every now and again, he insists it is no easy ride.
"It's always good to get away like this because you usually just train in the same place every day," he said. "But we are trying hard to get fit for the new season and Pako is always working us very hard – not just in pre-season."
The Reds take on Auxerre on Friday hoping to continue a run of three pre-season victories.
The latest win over Werder Bremen on Tuesday saw Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun make their first appearances for the club.
All three showed glimpses of what they can do – though Torres could well have marked his debut with two goals late on.
It wasn't to be – but countryman Alonso believes the newboy will not dwell on what might have been.
He said: "In the last few minutes he had some chances but that won't bother him. He will get more chances soon and we know he'll score. It was a good night for him whatever because he made his Liverpool debut."