NEIL RUDDOCK has been reduced to tears watching Liverpool - because he can't believe how good they are.
UP FOR THE CUP: Neil Ruddock and Jamie Redknapp celebrate their League Cup win in 1995 [GETTY]
The Kop legend, who has You'll Never Walk Alone tattooed on his arm, endured years of title hurt with the Anfield faithful.
But that could end this season with the Reds top of the pile with six games to go.
Ruddock told Starsport: "I just cant believe what's happening at Liverpool. I want to believe - but I can't believe it.
"I love watching them, absolutely love it. I'm crying with laughter at how good they are.
"At the start of the season, the plan was progression. Maybe in three years they would be going for the title.
CHAMPIONS? Liverpool are chasing the Premier League title [EPA]
"But all the players have gelled. We've been lucky with injuries but, saying that, Luis Suarez has been out for six games and Daniel Sturridge for about a month. Gerrard's been out too so they've had their knocks.
"Jordan Henderson has come to the fore after getting lots of stick. Everyone's improved by 10 per cent.
"When Brendan Rodgers came in, he had his philosophy and I thought he was too lightweight.
"They had Joe Allen and Philippe Coutinho and too many of that sort of player - but he's proved everyone wrong. I think it's come quicker than even he thought it would.
"I don't know if they'll do it [win the league]. You never know with them.
"If Liverpool don't win it, it'll be City. They've got a bigger squad and international players in every position. They can grind out results with sheer quality.
"Liverpool have got to win the last six games to win it. Then it'd be 14 in a row, which a stunning run. Maybe it's too much of an ask."
KOPITE: Ruddock has YNWA tattooed on his arm [GETTY]
While Liverpool's SAS has been firing, their leaky defence has let in 39 goals this season - the same number as struggling Crystal Palace.
Razor reckons strengthening is necessary in the summer, despite seeing an improvement.
He said: "Last season I thought they were a bit lightweight, especially away at Stoke and places like that - but they have stood up better this season.
"The back four have improved and Stevie G, playing his quarterback role, has even improved playing there.
"The defence had been poor. At set pieces we were terrible. We'd always let goals in from set-pieces but they've worked on it and have got a lot better.
"They need a centre-half and a full-back. [Jon] Flanagan has done well but they need to improve the squad.
"Steven Gerrard's not going to last forever but how do you go about replacing him?"
GOING NOWHERE: Ruddock can't see Suarez leaving Liverpool [REUTERS]
Ruddock laughed: "I'd kick him down the tunnel as that's the closest you're going to get to him!
"To stop him, you've got to play your best game. The back five has got to play the best they've played all season.
"You need luck and you need him to have an off-day.
"You can't really kick him because he rides the tackle. He's that clever, he sees it coming and rides it. That's down to his upbringing in South America. He's used to being kicked.
"I think he's going to stay. If Liverpool don't win the league they'll come second.
"And if you're Liverpool, why sell your best players to a rival in your league? And now, why would you sell your best player to a rival in the Champions League, because they've definitely qualified for that?"
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By Jack Wilson/Published 3rd April 2014
The Kop legend, who has You'll Never Walk Alone tattooed on his arm, endured years of title hurt with the Anfield faithful.
But that could end this season with the Reds top of the pile with six games to go.
Ruddock told Starsport: "I just cant believe what's happening at Liverpool. I want to believe - but I can't believe it.
"I love watching them, absolutely love it. I'm crying with laughter at how good they are.
"At the start of the season, the plan was progression. Maybe in three years they would be going for the title.
"But all the players have gelled. We've been lucky with injuries but, saying that, Luis Suarez has been out for six games and Daniel Sturridge for about a month. Gerrard's been out too so they've had their knocks.
"Jordan Henderson has come to the fore after getting lots of stick. Everyone's improved by 10 per cent.
"When Brendan Rodgers came in, he had his philosophy and I thought he was too lightweight.
"They had Joe Allen and Philippe Coutinho and too many of that sort of player - but he's proved everyone wrong. I think it's come quicker than even he thought it would.
"I don't know if they'll do it [win the league]. You never know with them.
"If Liverpool don't win it, it'll be City. They've got a bigger squad and international players in every position. They can grind out results with sheer quality.
"Liverpool have got to win the last six games to win it. Then it'd be 14 in a row, which a stunning run. Maybe it's too much of an ask."
While Liverpool's SAS has been firing, their leaky defence has let in 39 goals this season - the same number as struggling Crystal Palace.
Razor reckons strengthening is necessary in the summer, despite seeing an improvement.
He said: "Last season I thought they were a bit lightweight, especially away at Stoke and places like that - but they have stood up better this season.
"The back four have improved and Stevie G, playing his quarterback role, has even improved playing there.
"The defence had been poor. At set pieces we were terrible. We'd always let goals in from set-pieces but they've worked on it and have got a lot better.
"They need a centre-half and a full-back. [Jon] Flanagan has done well but they need to improve the squad.
"Steven Gerrard's not going to last forever but how do you go about replacing him?"
“I'd kick him down the tunnel as that's the closest you're going to get to him”
Ruddock on Suarez
Suarez tops the Prem scoring charts with 29 goals. Ruddock came up against the best in his playing days but admits the tricky Uruguayan would have even caused him some problems.Ruddock on Suarez
Ruddock laughed: "I'd kick him down the tunnel as that's the closest you're going to get to him!
"To stop him, you've got to play your best game. The back five has got to play the best they've played all season.
"You need luck and you need him to have an off-day.
"You can't really kick him because he rides the tackle. He's that clever, he sees it coming and rides it. That's down to his upbringing in South America. He's used to being kicked.
"I think he's going to stay. If Liverpool don't win the league they'll come second.
"And if you're Liverpool, why sell your best players to a rival in your league? And now, why would you sell your best player to a rival in the Champions League, because they've definitely qualified for that?"
