José Enrique knows a thing or two about the Premier League.
Brought up in eastern Spain, spending his formative years with Atlético Levante, Celta Vigo and Villarreal, the left-back went on to make over 160 appearance over nine years in the English top division.
In 2007, Enrique signed for Newcastle United and went on to become a cult hero as the Fans' Player of the Season in 2009/10 before signing for Liverpool in 2011.
In a five year spell that was hampered by knee injuries, Enrique celebrated a League cup victory and UEFA Champions League debut.
Since his retirement from football in 2017, Enrique has successfully battled a brain tumour and in an exclusive interview, talks about his love for football and his dislike for showboating.
Liverpool need reinforcements
Anfield was home to Enrique and for 76 appearances he wore the Red of Liverpool proudly. Reflecting on the current squad, Enrique says Jurgen Klopp and the club hierarchy have a lot of room to improve and should be looking to strengthen the midfield.
"Liverpool will not fight for the title with their current squad.
"It's all about squad strength. If they don't get the players that they need then it will be tough to see them fighting for the title. They also need someone on the right side as Minamino and Origi have left the club. If they're lucky with injuries they could be there but if they don't I think it will be tough.
"Next year Liverpool will go for someone like Bellingham but right now there's not a lot of options. For me, I love Gallagher from Chelsea. "
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"Liverpool definitely need a midfielder. Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thiago and Naby Keita are great but they are always injured and you need strength in depth. At the moment, they're really lacking a midfielder and losing Sadio Mane has been a massive loss.
"I love Nunes, who just signed for Wolves and it's a mistake that Liverpool didn't go for him. They're talking about Caicedo from Brighton, but I like Gallagher from Chelsea. He could be going back to Crystal Palace but I like him a lot, he will be a good player."
Salah will be back to his best
Speaking of Liverpool's form to date, where the Reds find themselves already seven points behind the leaders, Arsenal after five league games, Enrique suggests Mo Salah and Liverpool are not playing at the standards they achieved last season.
"Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk have struggled this season.
"It’s just one of those things. He had a few chances to score and he's already got two goals this season.
"However, I think it's true that he's not playing at the level he has been in other seasons. He's struggling a bit but he will still get his usual numbers because he is Salah and he has that quality.
"Last season you could understand it a bit because of his contract situation and other factors, but it's true he's struggling more than expected. Apart from against Bournemouth, Van Dijk has been too."
On Alexander-Arnold
Whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold has played every minute of Liverpool's Premier League season so far, Enrique reflects on the performances of his fellow wing-back, and suggests that the young England international still has a lot to learn.
"Trent Alexander-Arnold is being outperformed by Reece James this season
"Trent defensively can have lapses in concentration. He's not a bad defender but he disconnects from the game and he has to be more on top of his game.
"He's still 23 so has a lot of time to improve [but] right now Reece James has had an amazing start to the season and has been better, but I would always have Trent in my team."
Premier League predictions
When asked to provide his predictions for the outcome of this Premier League season, Enrique does not hesitate to point to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, suggesting that, unlike previous seasons, the entertainment will be in the fight for the rest of the top four.
"Man City will win the title, Liverpool will get second and Chelsea and Spurs will make top four over Arsenal
"City will be champions, second I'll go for Liverpool but it will be tight with Chelsea. And Tottenham have Antonio Conte, so I'll have to go with them for fourth.
"Arsenal can do something special this season, but injury to Gabriel Jesus could derail their season."
Arsenal can beat anyone
On Arsenal, Enrique is effusive in his praise of the recruitment and creativity of Mikel Arteta's side, who are currently unbeaten and sit top of the Premier League table after five wins in five.
"They can do something special, they can win a trophy. The recruitment has been fantastic. They have Martinelli, Saka and Odegaard in midfield.
"The problem with Arsenal is they have a problem if Jesus gets injured. I like Nketiah but I don't think he's half as good as Jesus.
"The season is long but the worry is that Jesus or another big player gets injured. At the moment, they can beat anyone!"
Showboating
Unafraid to be drawn into the debate around Richarlison's showboating last weekend against Nottingham Forest, Enrique does not hide his dislike for unsportsmanlike behaviour.
"Richarlison should have been booked for his showboating - but it’s his fault if he gets injured from doing it
"I don't agree with Carragher saying it was disgraceful, but I've never been a player who's done that. I don't like it.
"One day he could get injured as the opponent will not respond well to it.
"People are going to think he's taking the p***. It's not something I like and players shouldn't do that.
"It’s a bit like players who go down easily and stay on the floor, I think Neymar does this the most and Richarlison does it too. The referees should give yellows for something like this, but the problem with Richarlison is that it's all the time."
With an 85% tackle success rate during his time in the Premier League and almost half a century of clean sheets, Enrique tries to a hide a smile. In his heyday, the Spanish defender may have been one of those on the pitch "not responding well" and flying in with a well-timed challenge or two.
But today, like the rest of us, he can only watch and enjoy the spectacle.
The Premier League is in full flow and you, like Enrique, can enjoy all the news, views and coverage right here on VAVEL UK.