As Premier League season openers go, Liverpool can be delighted with their start.

The Reds thrashed West Ham 4-0 to give themselves a positive start to a campaign that they hope will see them push Manchester City close or even end their 28 year league drought.

The new signings appear to have adapted well. Brazil No 1 Allison had an untroubled day in goal as he moves ahead of Loris Karius', whose errors proved costly in the Champions League final, on his first competitive outing since signing from AS Roma.

Xherdan Shaqiri made an appearance off the bench as he provides improved cover to Mo Salah and Daniel Sturridge, who got on the scoresheet, is like a new signing if he can stay fit for a campaign.

But it was Guinea international captain Naby Keita who could be the biggest addition as he inherited Steven Gerrard's No 8 jersey and shone from the off.

Liverpool's Naby Keita during the pre-season match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture by: Nick Potts/PA Wire/PA Images

The former RB Leipzig midfielder was instrumental in the build up to the first goal and adds a creativity that was missing in the centre of the park last season.

Former Chelsea and Everton winger Pat Nevin joined Joe Molloy and Kevin Kilbane as always on a Monday and he did not play down the impact Keita is likely to have on Liverpool.

"That's enough for me. I've seen enough of Keita. He's the one," said Nevin of how impressed he was.

"He looked absolutely fabulous in that game. Just two or three little quiet things he did which didn't necessarily lead to goals. His timing of passing, drawing players towards him before he slips balls in, particularly to the left hand side - I think one led to the first goal.

"To walk into that team and boss the midfield... Keita's the future, no doubt about that and he's what they needed in that midfield."