Fernando Torres has backed Liverpool to retain their Premier League crown this season.
The former Reds striker believes the Premier League is once again the top league in the world and is looking forward to seeing this year's title fight play out.
While he says Jurgen Klopp's side are the strongest team in the Premier League this season, he has been impressed with how Chelsea have spent in the transfer market so far.
The Spaniard does not believe Chelsea can compete with the Reds in the short-term, however, but backed them to improve over time due to their investment in young players.
"I think they (Chelsea) are building a fantastic team," Torres told talkSPORT. "Not just for this season but the future.
"They are very young and they will be close. I don't know if they can compete with Liverpool and Man City.
"I still believe Liverpool are stronger than Man City and Chelsea.
"I think the Premier League will be the top league in the world in the coming years and the stars will be going there."
The 36-year-old also revealed his delight at seeing Liverpool crowned Premier League champions for the first time last season.
Having spent four years at Anfield, Torres says he is well aware of how much the win would have meant to Reds fans.
"So happy because Liverpool deserved it. I know how important it was for them that they won the league," he added.
"Once you are in contact with the people, you know how important it is for them to win the league."
