Liverpool look like genuine title contenders this season.

Jurgen Klopp's side have started their Premier League campaign off perfectly: scoring six and conceding none in their opening two games.

Many believe that they are Manchester City's closest challengers for the title this season.

One of the most impressive aspects of Liverpool's start to the season has been their defence.

Joe Gomez has partnered Virgil van Dijk in the opening two games and he has looked mightily impressive as Liverpool have kept back-to-back clean sheets.

Gomez has profited from Dejan Lovren's injury at the start of the season, and the Croatian now has a hard task of forcing his way back into the side.

One man who has been impressed with Liverpool's defence has been Craig Bellamy.

Speaking on The Debate, Bellamy maintained that Klopp's side are stronger this season due to Lovren not being in the side.

"They were very vulnerable to counter-attacks and with a defender like (Dejan) Lovren he was vulnerable," he argued.

"He left me so concerned that when the team won the ball and the opposition was going the other way, he would get exposed.

"For them to go and win the league I think it was going to be very difficult.

"They've shored that up, the defence. Now they have genuine pace.

"They can now defend one v one because, at times, with the way they play with the fullbacks going on and the wingers coming inside they're going to have to be prepared to do that at times."

Bellamy may have a point here. Gomez has come in and performed admirably in the centre of defence.

Although we're just two games into the Premier League season, the youngster looks as if he could be a better option than Lovren going forward.

Bellamy was joined by former England full-back Stuart Pearce, and he thinks Liverpool will win their first Premier League title this term.

"I personally think they'll win the league this year," he said. "I think it's a two-horse race between them and City and they might just come out on top.

"I'm seeing a belief within the group that I probably haven't seen before from the back end of last season.

"They're hungry as well. They lost the Champions League final and the manner in the way they lost the final will hurt them.

"They didn't win the league last year so I think they've got the hunger in their belly. They're chasing that first title for however long and I think that hunger will get them over the line."

Should Lovren partner Van Dijk in defence when he is back to full fitness? Or should Gomez carry on in the centre of defence? Have your say by leaving a comment below.