Robbie Keane has named Nuno Espirito Santo as his Manager of the year, ahead of Liverpool boss Arne Slot.
The Dutchman has more than risen to the challenge in his debut season at Anfield, with the Reds now set to lift just their second Premier League title.
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot are both strong candidates for the respective Manager and Player of the Year awards
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Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot are both strong candidates for the respective Manager and Player of the Year awards
Despite his side boasting an unassailable nine-point lead at the top of the league, recent results elsewhere have threatened to put a dampener on Slot's impressive start to life on Merseyside.
Before the international break, Liverpool were dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain and then lost in the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle days later.
This put an end to hopes of an historic treble, with the Reds likely to settle just for a first league title since 2020.
And while the Merseyside giants may no longer be set for quite as big a trophy haul, ex-Liverpool and Tottenham striker Keane insisted Premier League glory will overshadow their recent setbacks.
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Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "I think if they win the league, it's all forgotten about, everything."
Keane also shut down any suggestions that the Reds' treble disappointment makes league success underwhelming.
He continued: “How hard is it to win the treble? I mean, it's the most difficult thing to do. To win a trophy is hard.
“And also, they got knocked out by PSG. We're not talking about an average team. And against Newcastle, Newcastle were incredible on the day.”
“But you can't forget what they've done from the start of the season.
"They've been incredible. The way they played, enjoyable to watch. And I think they'll go on and win the league."
Robbie Keane made 28 appearances for Liverpool in the 2008/09 season, scoring 7 goals
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Robbie Keane made 28 appearances for Liverpool in the 2008/09 season, scoring 7 goalsCredit: Getty
The Reds are now fighting on one front after their 2-1 Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle left just the Premier League trophy up for grabs
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The Reds are now fighting on one front after their 2-1 Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle left just the Premier League trophy up for grabsCredit: Getty
Slot's side can bounce back from their recent rut in the ultimate fashion tonight, as they return to Premier League action with a Merseyside derby clash with bitter rivals Everton.
A win would take them a step closer to the title by restoring their 12-point lead at the league summit, and ensure local bragging rights.
Despite hailing Liverpool and Slot's progress this season, Keane named Nottingham Forest's Nuno Espirito Santo as his standout candidate for the Manager of the year award.
Forest currently sit third in the table, with Champions League qualification an increasingly likely prospect, and are into the FA Cup semi-finals.
With the east Midlands outfit narrowly avoiding relegation last year, Keane was unable to look past the Portuguese coach.
When asked for his Manager of the year, the Irishman said: “Me personally, I think Nuno.
Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest side took another step towards Champions League qualification with a 1-0 win over Manchester United on Tuesday
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Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest side took another step towards Champions League qualification with a 1-0 win over Manchester United on Tuesday
"I think what he's done is incredible. Forest, I don't think anyone has seen that.
“And also the way they play as well. It's enjoyable to watch. A lot of speed down the flanks. Also, they've done a good job against the top teams.”