I will be having a look at the players who have featured this season for Liverpool Football Club. Rating each player’s season, I will be discussing who should stay, who needs to leave and who needs to improve.

Simon Mignolet – 6/10

Very hard one for me. Sometimes pulls off unbelievable saves but most of the time makes very big mistakes. His error against Man City in the Capital One Cup final still haunts me to this day. Although there are rumours that Liverpool are looking for an additional goalkeeper, I would keep him as back up. (If he was okay with that.)

Ádám Bogdan – 1/10

It has to be said, one of the most pointless signings I have ever seen in my life. Bought to be a back up goal keeper from Bolton, but his howler against Watford summed up his career at Liverpool. Zero clean sheets to his name. Shocking. Will be leaving the club.

Danny Ward – 6/10

Recalled from Aberdeen and has stepped in for a few games for Mignolet who was rested for the Europa League. Looked good, and was refreshing to see a good young goalkeeper. Although rumours of him going on loan again suggest that he may not be Klopp’s cup of tea.

Nathaniel Clyne – 9/10

What. A. Signing. Has already made fifty one appearances for Liverpool in his first season. Reliable, a threat and consistent. Two goals and one assist this season, but those statistics don’t do him justice. Right back sorted for years to come.

Jose Enrique – 0/10

Jose Enrique could have left a few times but decided to stay. Showed no change in trying to prove himself to the supporters and the club that he is good enough. Was bizarrely given the captains armband against Exeter in the FA Cup, but still didn’t do himself any favours. Has sat at home taking thousands from the club and doing nothing. The club releasing him was as good as a new signing. Will not be missed. Brutal, but honest.

Kolo Toure – 8/10

Has stepped in when needed, no complaints and has done a great job. He is a professional. Scored his first goal for the club this season against Aston Villa, which must have been the highlight of his season. Coming to the end of his contract at the club, but will always be looked as a true gentlemen. Loved by the fans, players and staff. How can you not love Kolo Toure?

Dejan Lovren – 8/10

Under Jürgen Klopp, Lovren has become a monster. He’s slowly starting to repay what the club invested in him and is a sure starter. He shows some slight nerves every now and then, but is looking more and more assured in himself every game. Only one goal this season but what a goal it was, against Borrusia Dortmund which was worth twenty million alone. Talk about zero to hero. (I’m off to watch the highlights, again.)

Joe Gomez – 7/10

Started the season off so well getting an assist in the first game of the season against Stoke but very unfortunate with the season long injury. Will be a very good player under Jürgen Klopp, and has a very bright future.

Mamadou Sakho – 8/10

Had such a great campaign and was a contender for player of the season until his drugs case. Has proved this season that he should be Liverpool’s main centre-back. His man of the match performances and goal in Europa League are his season highlights. Hopefully hasn’t destroyed his Liverpool career and will come back a stronger player.

Alberto Moreno – 7/10

Sometimes utterly clueless but you can tell Moreno wants to do well for the club. Still young and always improving. Hopefully under Klopp, he will nurture into a solid left back who can both attack and defend. Rumours of Liverpool looking for a new left back will add competition, which will only be a good thing for Moreno’s development. With one goal and five assists, you would expect a little more for a left back who spends a lot of the game acting almost like a winger.

Tiago Ilori – 5/10

It has been a tough season for him. Being sent on loan to Aston Villa and not playing a single game must have been upsetting for him. He returned to Liverpool and featured in a few Cup games and hasn’t done half bad. Maybe will be here next season as he is still young, but I don’t think he is good enough. Hopefully will move on and find first team football.

Martin Skrtel – 6/10

Possibly his last season at Liverpool. Highlight of his season was the thunderous volley at the Etihad against Man City, but since then, it has all gone downhill. Coming on and probably being at fault against Southampton for their comeback summed his season up. Sad to see but at thirty one years old, his time may just be up. He has been a loyal servant and gives his best, but that is just not be good enough anymore. Thanks for everything Martin.

Jon Flanagan – 6/10

Was out for almost two years and had everyone wondering whether he would respond and be the player he once was. His injury comeback against Man City was special, and the tackle on Sterling was his seasons highlight. The question is though, is he good enough or are people rating him simply because he is a Scouser? Time will tell.

Brad Smith – 6/10

Won academy player of the year and fair play to him. He has had some good performances in Cup games but against Premier League sides he has struggled. His goal against Exeter in the FA Cup was crucial in Liverpool getting through to the next round, but for me begs the golden question: is he good enough?

Connor Randall – 2/10

I don’t like criticising young players but Randall is simply not good enough for the club. He hasn’t been detrimental, but just hasn’t done anything to be worthy of wearing the red shirt. Hasn’t grabbed the opportunity that was fortunately given to him. For me, does not have a future at the club.

James Milner – 8/10

When Milner was first signed, I was over the moon. Liverpool had got him on a free. What could go wrong? Experienced and a leader. However, when he made vice captain I did question whether were other contenders might have been worthy of the position over him.  Nevertheless, what a signing he has been. Has played a massive part in Liverpool’s successful Europa League campaign and his stats speak for himself, fourteen assists & seven goals. Underrated.

Philippe Coutinho – 10/10 

• Player of the Season
• Players’ Player of the Season
• Performance of the Season
• Goal of the Season

Need I say more? Sums up Coutinho. Liverpool’s player of the year and fully deserved. Won Liverpool so many big games, and scored so many crucial goals. Twelve goals and six assists for Philippe this brilliant season. The goal against Man Utd in Europe was so rude, he should’ve been fined. Big game player. World class. Liverpool lucky to have him.

Jordan Henderson – 6/10

This one has split the fans. Some think he’s a worthy captain – some don’t. I personally think anyone taking the armband after Steven Gerrard will find it tough. Squad player for me and not a starter when Liverpool sign a few players in the summer. Again, harsh but the reality if Liverpool want to win trophies.

Adam Lallana – 7/10

Another player who has become revolutionary under Klopp. He is scoring goals and generally contributing much more, with seven goals and seven assists this season. He has also been vital in the way Klopp wants Liverpool to play. You can see he has the passion to succeed at the club. Can also do eight Cruyff turns in three seconds. Fancy eh?

Lucas Leiva – 7/10

Look up loyal in the dictionary and you’ll find Lucas. Been here for what seems since like the birth of the club. Has played everywhere this season for Klopp & always gives one hundred percent. Loves the club, but I think this was his last season at Liverpool. Sad, but everyone has their time.

Emre Can – 9/10

Young player of the year. He has been absolutely brilliant this season and has stepped up massively. What seemed like a season long injury, has worked hard to get back into the team and produced a man of the match performance against Dortmund. Simply outstanding from Emre Can this season. Hope he becomes a legend at the club and captain very, very soon. #CaptainInDisguise

Joe Allen – 8/10

Liverpool supporters absolutely loathed Joe Allen. This season under Klopp, however, absolutely love him. Has shut me up for sure. Joe Allen has influenced so many games and scored a few vital goals. The most important one being against Arsenal in the final minutes. Very assured and composed on the ball. Hope he gets a contract extension, which will be fully deserved.

Cameron Brannagan – 6/10

Made his debut against Swansea and looked lively. Good on the ball and a brilliant set piece taker. One of our only youngsters I’m actually excited about. Has been at the club since the age of five. Hopefully he can turn into a quality player for us under Klopp.

 

Jordon Ibe – 5/10 

What has happened to Ibe? Started off the season really well under Klopp. Getting four goals and two assists. His latest goal being the brilliant strike on the last day of the season against West Brom. At one point a lot thought he’d be better than Sterling, but it’s all been rather deflating. I still think there is a player there though. Needs the confidence he is craving. Either loan him out or give him another chance at the club.

Ryan Kent – 6/10

Featured in a few cup games and looked really good. Dangerous left foot and very skillful. Hopefully gets more of a chance next season. Another bright youngster I am looking forward to seeing.

Jordan Rossiter – 4/10 

Made a few appearances in the Europa League, got injured and that was that. Dubbed the ‘next Gerrard’ at one point. That faded very quickly and has now left the club and joined Rangers. Another youngster that I personally didn’t think was not good enough. Wish him well nevertheless.

João Carlos Teixeira – 5/10 

Looks good but at the age of twenty three, hasn’t made as much of an impact as he would’ve liked. Would have liked to see him play a bit more but maybe just not good enough to break into the first team. Looks like it will be the end of the road for him at Liverpool.

Sheyi Ojo – 8/10

Absolute baller. Will break into the first team real soon. Has got one goal and four assists in just 370 minutes this season. For an eighteen year old, that is remarkable statistics. Hopefully too much pressure is not put on him. Klopp will work wonders with Ojo. The biggest prospect at Liverpool right now.

Kevin Stewart – 5/10

Good player, but considering he is still called ‘youngster’ yet older than Emre Can and hasn’t been anywhere near his level, is slightly worrying. I don’t think he’ll be a starter anytime soon. Needs to put in better performances if he wants to remain at the club.

Pedro Chirivella – 4/10

Absolutely bullied on his debut against Swansea. Looked completely out of his depth. Still young though and Klopp will work with him. I’m still fifty-fifty on him. Needs to grab opportunities that are given to him before Klopp makes changes.

Sergi Canos – N/A

Sergi Canos was on loaned to Brentford this season and made a huge impact to their team. Scoring seven goals and getting four assists in thirty seven Championship games, playing a hand in a goal every one hundred and sixty minutes on average. He also enjoyed the perfect end to a fantastic loan spell at Brentford, claiming a goal and assist on his final appearance for the club. Made his Liverpool debut against West Brom on the last day of the Premier League season. Only had ten minutes, but is a really exciting young talent that Liverpool supporters can’t wait to see more of.

Christian Benteke – 7/10

Tough first season for him. Has scored 10 goals all season and many of them being important goals. Winner against Bournemouth. Goal against Southampton. Goal against Chelsea. Winner against Leicester. Winner against Bordeaux. Winner against Crystal Palace. Unbelievable goal against Man Utd. Last minute equaliser against Chelsea. You do understand that for thirty two and a half million you’d expect more, though. I personally would keep him another season. He knows its been a difficult season for himself, but wants to fight for his place and wants to prove everyone wrong. Love the attitude.

Roberto Firmino – 9/10

Signing of the summer. At first took Firmino fourteen games to open his account for the club. He improved immensely, however, under the guidance of  Klopp. Eleven goals and nine assists in his first season of English football? One of only ten Liverpool players to ever score ten in their first Premier League season. I predict he is going to be huge next season and only get better under Klopp.

Daniel Sturridge – 8/10

Started the season with the same woes. Injury after injury. Supporters thought he had no love for the club, but just look at him after the Capital One Cup final, and after socring against Villareal and that will change your mind. When in form, is the best striker in the league along with Aguero. Vital Liverpool keep him at the club. A natural born goal scorer which would be very difficult to replace. Klopp has fixed his injury woes (touch wood) and is playing some great football.

Divock Origi – 8/10 

From being named in L’Equipe’s Ligue One worst team of the season.to scoring that crucial goal at the Westfalenstadion against Dortmund. Add Origi to another player Klopp has completely transformed. His goals against Dortmund both home and away will live forever in the minds of Liverpool supporters. Ten goals and two assists this season. Has everything to succeed at the club, passion, hunger and determination. Can’t forget that he is only twenty one. Will be a special player.

Danny Ings – 7/10

Scored against Everton in his first Merseyside Derby. A great start to his career, but his unfortunate injury ruined everything. From what has been seen, looks like a player Klopp will love. Determined to succeed at Liverpool. Hopefully he turns out good.

That concludes my thoughts on the players this season. A very fascinating season with a lot of ups and downs. A great deal of players will be leaving, with a lot also joining the club. Rumours that Jürgen Klopp will have a lot of money to spend during the summer transfer window makes it an exciting time to be a Liverpool supporter.

 

I’ll leave you with a video of some of Liverpool’s highlights this season.

Written by Vilson.