When Xabi Alonso speaks, Liverpool fans listen.
The Spanish midfielder cemented himself in Anfield folklore with the equalising goal in the 2005 Champions League final, ultimately playing more than 200 games for the club under Rafa Benitez.
Alonso still watches Liverpool when he can, and has been impressed with the transformation of the club since Jürgen Klopp took over as manager just over a year ago.
The Reds have won six of their first nine Premier League games this season, and are a victory over Championship side Leeds United from a semi-final spot in the EFL Cup.
Jan Kruger/Getty Images
"It was a big boost for the club, for the city, for such a prestigious manager to want to manage Liverpool," Alonso
told the BBC's 'Football Focus'.
"I think that he has embraced the culture of Liverpool, the tradition, but as well the hunger to deliver and to make something important, and they are so, so enjoyable to watch."
Alonso has found himself up against Klopp's Borussia Dortmund teams during his time with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, so he knows what to expect from the German.
It's early days, but it's shaping up to be a memorable season for Liverpool despite the lack of European football, and Alonso is impressed with what he's seen so far.
Catch up with the latest episode of Football Friday Live
