• Premier League

Markovic expects Liverpool to win title

Lazar Markovic believes Liverpool will win the title this season and is confident he can become one of the best players in the Premier League.

The 20-year-old is used to winning championships, having lifted three league titles in Serbia with Partizan Belgrade and one in Portugal with Benfica.

Markovic said that "of course" he expects his new club to do the same this season. Asked why he chose to join Liverpool, he told the Sunday Telegraph: "Firstly, it is one of the best clubs in the world. Secondly, it is one of the best leagues in the world and, thirdly, Liverpool are superior and the strongest team, in my opinion, in England."

Lazar Markovic has been restricted to just one appearance for Liverpool so far, on their pre-season tour of the United States © Getty Images

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He added: "I watched Liverpool - I watched every one of their games last season because I love the Premier League.

"Their style of football is one of the main reasons why I came here. Last season, only bad luck played a part in the outcome: Liverpool were the best team."

A hamstring problem has seen Markovic so far restricted to a single 45-minute appearance for Liverpool against Olympiakos on their pre-season tour of America.

However, he could be involved for Liverpool's clash at Manchester City on Monday night, against the team who pipped them to the title in dramatic style last season.

Now that he is fully fit, Markovic expects to hit the ground running and go about establishing himself among the Premier League's elite players. He said: "Most likely. I am hoping so and I believe I will.

"I was lucky enough to play in Serbia and play in Portugal but although Liverpool is different I have experienced a lot so young and obviously that has given me confidence."

Markovic joined Liverpool for £20 million this summer with Brendan Rodgers set to make Mario Balotelli his 10th signing of this transfer window as he continues to bolster his squad.

Rodgers' spending, so far more than £100m, has been largely funded by the £75m sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona, and Markovic is relishing to opportunity of playing with Balotelli, who is set to join for £16m from AC Milan.

"I am excited - I love good players and want to play with good players," Markovic added. "We are all competent and good enough to win the title. It's the confidence that I feel."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd