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Hansi Flick has praised Liverpool under Arne Slot(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has praised Liverpool in a glowing assessment of Arne Slot's side.

The Spanish giants are the nearest challengers to the Reds in the Champions League as they sit three points behind them in the league phase.

Liverpool are looking to cement their place as a top-two team in the new-look competition when they host Lille on Tuesday, at Anfield.



Meanwhile, Barcelona travel to Benfica - Darwin Nunez's old hunting ground - looking to keep pace with the Premier League leaders.

So far this season, the Reds have been imperious in Europe - winning each of their six outings so far, with a clash against the Ligue 1 side and a trip to PSV Eindhoven to round off the league phase of the competition.

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While Liverpool continue their business in the Premier League, although still aren't quite runaway favourites, they are earning praise for their superb form in the first half of the campaign that saw them lead in both league competitions as well as reaching the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Flick has spoken highly of the Reds but failed to be drawn on whether they were favourites to earn a seventh European crown.

He said: "The future will tell whether we are among the favourites or not.

"The Champions League is one of the most difficult competitions to win, but we have to try.

"When I look at Liverpool I see a team with incredible power.

We are doing well but there are very good teams that are also doing well and we are contending on three fronts (Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey).

"Benfica is a team that plays very well, it’s a pleasure to see how they build.

The Champions League format this season is also difficult to judge because everyone faces different teams.