SHEFFIELD UNITED manager Chris Wilder believes Liverpool’s ability to perform the basics better than anyone else, plus their work-rate and physicality, will carry them to their first title in the Premier League era.

Wilder was speaking after seeing his team dominated by Jurgen Klopp’s side at Anfield on Thursday night.

Pound for pound, United have been one of the best in the league this season, and tactically they are among the most impressive in the English leagues, but they were played off the park by the league leaders.

“I’m full of admiration for the manager,” said Wilder.

“But if there is ever an example to young players, even our own players, why they are world champions, European champions and why they look like they will be Premier League winners — they still did all the basic stuff.

“They had to win tackles, win races, drop on second balls, run forward, run back, defend as a team — they did [those things] miles better than us. It's not like us to not lay a glove on someone.”

Mohamed Salah opened the scoring within the first five minutes, stealing in front of Jack O'Connell to get on the end of Andy Robertson’s cross.

Liverpool dominated the game, enjoying 75 per cent possession, but were only able to finish the job just after the hour mark when Sadio Mane blasted into an open net after his first attempt was saved by Dean Henderson.

Wilder commented that though he loves the tactical side of the game, it was Liverpool’s physicality and work rate which impressed him most.

“There are brilliant aspects of the game, tactically and technically,” he added. 

“I love to see different styles of football and the tactical side of it, but I also enjoy the mental and physical side, and Liverpool were bang-on with that.

“I wish Jurgen and Liverpool all the best, I love everything about them — the way they go about things with tactical and technical players, but the top bit, the physical and mental part of it, is amazing.

“And if that’s good enough for them, it’s certainly good enough for anyone else.”