Liverpool striker Danny Ings does not feel added pressure despite the club's big-money summer signings to bolster their attacking options.
Manager Jurgen Klopp brought in Southampton forward Saido Mane for £34 million and added Newcastle United midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum for £23m last week.
Both players are expected to slot straight into the starting lineup, which leaves Ings with even more to do, to get game time after spending much of last season on the sidelines.
He ended his the 2015-16 season with three goals in nine appearances, after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.
"I feel like I'm going from strength to strength every day now, physically I'm in top shape and mentally as well," he told the Liverpool Echo.
"It's fairly similar to last summer in that we've had big players come in for big money, and obviously my fee got settled which was much less than they cost.
"But for me, it's not about price tags. It's about your individual qualities, how hard you work and it's important to make full use of the opportunities when they come.
"The only competition I've got now is myself to be honest. I need to be fully ready for whenever I'm picked."
While competition for places in the squad is a positive thing for the Reds, Ings reckons it is their manager Klopp, who could be the difference between failure and success for the upcoming season.
"He has been great with everyone who has been injured, from me and Joe [Gomez] who have had the really serious injuries to the ones who have had muscular problems," Ings added.
"He always comes in and sees you and asks how you are doing.
"He'll come and have lunch with you after training and his character is very infectious, he has so much positivity.
"He has got a great personality, as you will have seen. He is exactly the same with us. He helps us stay positive."
Liverpool are currently on tour in the United States for the preseason International Champions Cup.