With the season now well and truly behind us and transfer saga season now underway, it's a good time to look back and assess the squad's performance over the course of the season. There was plenty of good, some bad, and (fortunately) very little ugly, but we must take it all as it comes. Without further delay, the team ratings of the 2017-18 season.
The Starting Eleven:
Loris Karius - 6.5: Surely many will slate Karius for his poor outing in the Champions League final (which, as reports are coming out, as it turns out he was concussed for, including nearly right at the time of the giveaway to Karim Benzema for the first goal) but the fact is that he was very solid for Liverpool, albeit without much to do. The errors will define his season, as tragic as it may be, but he also had some big saves in that match to keep Liverpool alive, and some others throughout the season. The most notable of which being his finger tip save on Yannick Bolasie's effort at Goodison Park. Liverpool fans may have had their hearts broken by two of his errors, but I can't slate him too much off of one game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 8: What a season from the 19-year-old Liverpool product. Almost immediately thrown into the match-day squad alongside Joe Gomez with Nathaniel Clyne, he made an immediate impact with his free-kick goal against Hoffenheim. He'd have plenty more magical moments: a pair more goals in routs, one league and one in the group stage, a sparkling assist to Mo Salah against Bournemouth, and pocketing Leroy Sane in the biggest two legs of his life. You could not ask for much more from Alexander-Arnold, and brighter days are surely to come as well.
Dejan Lovren - 7: Lovren was written off by many after his calamitous 30 minutes at Wembley against Tottenham. The center-back had already been scapegoated plenty, this seemed to be the last straw. It was not. Jurgen Klopp showed belief in him, and Lovren rewarded this faith with the best form of his life alongside Virgil van Dijk, including an outstanding Champions League final where he dealt masterfully with Cristiano Ronaldo. Lovren was, for a stretch of the season, seemingly not good enough, but he improved with leaps and bounds as the season went on.
Virgil van Dijk - 8: Many were frustrated with Klopp's seemingly insistent attitude on signing the big man from Southampton after his failure to sign in the summer left Liverpool without a center-back reinforcement for the start of the season. Van Dijk was well worth the wait. Almost immediately, van Dijk organized the defense of Liverpool, raised the play of his partner Lovren, became a vocal presence in the back line, and marked his debut with the game-winning goal over Everton on a header. Winning headers was incredibly normal for the Dutchman as well as, in the Premier League with Liverpool, he averaged 5.6 aerial duels won per game. In short, the big defender was easily worth his world-record fee.
Andy Robertson - 8: Robertson won the left-back job from Alberto Moreno following the Spaniard's injury and never looked back. Having played in just two league games until December, Robertson instantly became a fan favorite with his season and play style summarized by his chase down of the entire Man City in their January meeting in the league. With his beautiful whipped crosses and ability to get forward on attack combined with a brilliant desire on defense, the answer to Liverpool's left-back prayers seems to have been delivered from Hull.
Jordan Henderson - 7.5: Liverpool's captain was a sturdy rock in midfield who did everything in a sound fashion. He very rarely put a foot out of place and was fortunately able to stay fit for the better majority of the season as well. The Englishman receives quite a bit of criticism which is often unwarranted in my opinion as he does very well to play the holding midfield position well in the Liverpool set-up. He is dependable for manager Klopp and despite Fabinho coming in to likely challenge for his spot, he will surely be up to task.
Gini Wijnaldum - 6.5:
A vital component to the team, especially by the end of the season, Wijnaldum is a Swiss army knife of a midfielder who played the third most league minutes for the side. With depth at a low and, alongside Milner and Henderson, being the only fit midfielders, Gini got a chance to display his attacking prowess that had been hidden most of his time at Liverpool as a defensive-midfielder. He scored away at Roma, breaking his away duck for Liverpool, and did the dirty job of moving possession along in an often safe and unexciting way. He deserves just as much credit for the season as anyone, but was not as vital to the midfielder as a Henderson or Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 7.5:
Signed on the final day of the summer 2017 deadline from Arsenal for 35 million British pounds, Arsenal fans thought they robbed Liverpool, Liverpool fans were unconvinced, and after several less-than-stellar outings to start his career at Liverpool, they seemed to have reason to be. This was just an aberration and Oxlade-Chamberlain became a fan favorite on and off the pitch. An absolutely brilliant representative of the club off the pitch, he was outstanding in his favorite position of center-mid on the pitch and soon became crucial for Klopp's Liverpool side. His highlight moment(s) were not one, but two brilliant strikes against Manchester City, one in each home game. While robbed of a deserved World Cup spot and Champions League final by injury in the first leg against Roma, his contributions were unforgettable and has worked his way into the hearts of supporters.
Sadio Mane - 7.5:
Mane started off the season at the same pace as his unbelievable debut season in red, then came his high boot red card on Ederson. The red card, even as admitted to by Klopp, really hurt Mane's confidence for a long stretch and it took a while for him to get it back. Still, even in a season hailed as 'not as good' as his first for Liverpool, he scored 20 goals in all appearances (ten in the league, ten in Europe) and hit his stride at the end of the season, completely taking the game over in the place of injured Mo Salah against Madrid. Still in his prime at just 26 years of age.
Roberto Firmino - 9:
It was Salah's season, yes, but Firmino is instrumental to the entire Liverpool side and their way of play. Never properly used under Brendan Rodgers on the wing, Klopp's implementation of him as a false nine who presses with unreal intensity has made him the central piece of the entire Liverpool side. A new contract came this season to reward him and was part of a season well done with 26 goals and 14 assists in all competitions. Almost impossible to pick a best game of the season with five games with a brace and 12 of at least one goal and one assist. Showing off his shiny teeth are reason enough for him to smile, but his play is what will make Liverpool fans grin.
Mo Salah - 10:
There's not much to say about Salah that hasn't been already. Record setter in the Premier League. Icon of a country. Hero to a nation. 32 goals in a 38 game season that also includes ten assists. Not to mention ten more in the Champions League. A hat trick, plus a fourth goal, against Watford will go down as his iconic performance as each goal seemed to highlight his ability to fool a defender. He sent Watford men to the floor, had them on a string, completely dumbfounded the goalie, it served almost as a micro-chasm to the entire season. Signed for a flat fee of less than 37 million British pounds, he was easily signing of the season, player of the season in England, and has broken into the conversation of Ballon D'Or with Ronaldo and Messi. He saw his Champions League final end early in a controversial incident with Sergio Ramos, but that must not overshadow, and certainly will not overshadow, everything that he did during the course of the season.
Regular Squad Members:
Simon Mignolet - 5:
Mignolet lost his job nearly as a direct result from a poor performance at Arsenal that including allowing three goals in roughly five minutes to pour in. He would play twice more in the league, in two of the festive games that followed, but Karius beat him out and the 3-2 defeat at home to West Brom in the FA Cup was the last straw. He has been an ideal club servant, posting a plethora of positive Tweets and being a model back-up. He deserves a move over the summer to get more game time, as his time with Liverpool has surely reached its end.
James Milner - 7:
The man known as "boring" was anything but this season as he set a new record for most assists in a Champions League campaign. Back from left-back to his more favored center-mid, Milner was a dynamic part of the midfield that, at times, was entirely English. A steady fixture in midfield, he offered a safe option for Klopp all throughout the season and never seemed to put a foot seriously wrong all year. Perhaps he should be known as "consistent" James Milner now?
Ragnar Klavan - 6.5:
The Estonian center-back played his role as back-up center-back to perfection. He'll go down in lore for his last minute headed winner at Turf Moor against Burnley as Liverpool pulled all three points away from there. Klopp absolutely loves the man claiming if he had the level of self-belief that Klopp has for him, he could be 'world-class' and hailed him as a genius. Seems set to get a new contract and help the club's depth in defense.
Dominic Solanke - 6:
The young striker finally snagged a goal for the team on the final league match of the season, but before then he seemed to lack the finishing quality, or perhaps the necessary minutes, to prove his worth. Offers much to like including pace, size, and strength, and is still very young. Could go out on loan next season to get regular game time and allow Danny Ings a season as a back-up to prove his ability to the club.
Alberto Moreno - 6:
Struck by injury at an awful time, he truly wasn't doing too poorly before then outside of two crucial mistakes to allow his former club Sevilla to draw with Liverpool in Seville. His injury effectively slammed the door on his time as a starter and opened up Robertson's. He's had limited chances since then, but was poor against West Brom and unconvincing in the home leg against Porto and against Stoke. The club will likely have a decision to make with him in terms of having him stay as a back-up or, if he doesn't fancy this, sending him to a team who will make him their first-choice.
Emre Can - 7:
Emre may be heading out of Liverpool following his contract's expiration following the end of the season, but he was an outstanding professional who continually put his head down and did his job for the club. Best known for his marauding runs forward and ability to score a wonder-goal every now and then, Can's presence in the midfield gave Liverpool a more physical sort of midfielder to balance out the dynamic of the side. He seems set to head to Juventus, where the slower pace of Italy's Serie A would seem to suit him.
Joe Gomez - 6.5:
Gomez suffered a season-ending injury as a result of playing through pain for the club when they needed him during the build-up of league matches surrounding Champions League ties. He missed out on a likely World Cup trip to put in work for his club team, that alone deserves massive respect from Liverpool fans. He spent the vast majority of the season not at his favored center-back position, but splitting time with Alexander-Arnold at right-back. Showed some solid ability, but his occasional lack of positional awareness, which on multiple occasions led to goals for the opposition, highlighted his inexperience. His skill set really favors center-back and with Clyne fit and Alexander-Arnold's ability, he should see more time there next season.
Joel Matip - 6:
The mainstay at center-back last season suffered a tough injury against Crystal Palace at the end of March that held him out the rest of the season. Before then, he was solid but not of the outstanding caliber alongside van Dijk that people may have hoped, nor was he able to hit the form that he was at last season. No reason to panic, however, as he should be healthy for preseason and able to develop an on-pitch relationship with the big Dutchman.
Unranked:
Adam Lallana: A vital part of Klopp's Liverpool teams, Lallana was hurt for the vast majority of the season only gaining one start for the team. He will be back at full fitness for preseason and hopes to make an impact.
Nathaniel Clyne: Injured at the very start of the season, Clyne never could get a foothold back at right-back with the scintillating form of Alexander-Arnold as he only managed three appearances in the league.
Daniel Sturridge: Sturridge is set to move on from Liverpool, but he did play a role in the campaign this season. However, as a result of his limited contributions, he moved to West Brom for more game time and suffered an injury just three games into his with the team.
Danny Ings: Had a lovely comeback story as he scored his first goal under Klopp, having scored the last goal of the Brendan Rodgers regime, against West Brom. However, did not get serious minutes, Dominic Solanke seemed ahead of him in the pecking order, and is likely at either a make-or-break point in his career.
Final Team Rating - 8.5: It really was a magical ride for Liverpool this season as they came within a hair's breadth of holding the most prestigious cup in all of European club football. There were moments that will live on in Liverpool history forever as they shook the best team in England at Anfield not once, but twice, trumped Roma over two legs, saw the legend of Mo Salah grow, and enjoyed multiple romps in country and continental football alike. One can only hope heights like the ones hit this season will be equaled, and perhaps surpassed, next season.
Follow me on Twitter @RMABTweets for more discussion about Liverpool as well as AFC Ann Arbor and Michigan basketball!
The Starting Eleven:
Loris Karius - 6.5: Surely many will slate Karius for his poor outing in the Champions League final (which, as reports are coming out, as it turns out he was concussed for, including nearly right at the time of the giveaway to Karim Benzema for the first goal) but the fact is that he was very solid for Liverpool, albeit without much to do. The errors will define his season, as tragic as it may be, but he also had some big saves in that match to keep Liverpool alive, and some others throughout the season. The most notable of which being his finger tip save on Yannick Bolasie's effort at Goodison Park. Liverpool fans may have had their hearts broken by two of his errors, but I can't slate him too much off of one game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 8: What a season from the 19-year-old Liverpool product. Almost immediately thrown into the match-day squad alongside Joe Gomez with Nathaniel Clyne, he made an immediate impact with his free-kick goal against Hoffenheim. He'd have plenty more magical moments: a pair more goals in routs, one league and one in the group stage, a sparkling assist to Mo Salah against Bournemouth, and pocketing Leroy Sane in the biggest two legs of his life. You could not ask for much more from Alexander-Arnold, and brighter days are surely to come as well.
Dejan Lovren - 7: Lovren was written off by many after his calamitous 30 minutes at Wembley against Tottenham. The center-back had already been scapegoated plenty, this seemed to be the last straw. It was not. Jurgen Klopp showed belief in him, and Lovren rewarded this faith with the best form of his life alongside Virgil van Dijk, including an outstanding Champions League final where he dealt masterfully with Cristiano Ronaldo. Lovren was, for a stretch of the season, seemingly not good enough, but he improved with leaps and bounds as the season went on.
Virgil van Dijk - 8: Many were frustrated with Klopp's seemingly insistent attitude on signing the big man from Southampton after his failure to sign in the summer left Liverpool without a center-back reinforcement for the start of the season. Van Dijk was well worth the wait. Almost immediately, van Dijk organized the defense of Liverpool, raised the play of his partner Lovren, became a vocal presence in the back line, and marked his debut with the game-winning goal over Everton on a header. Winning headers was incredibly normal for the Dutchman as well as, in the Premier League with Liverpool, he averaged 5.6 aerial duels won per game. In short, the big defender was easily worth his world-record fee.
Andy Robertson - 8: Robertson won the left-back job from Alberto Moreno following the Spaniard's injury and never looked back. Having played in just two league games until December, Robertson instantly became a fan favorite with his season and play style summarized by his chase down of the entire Man City in their January meeting in the league. With his beautiful whipped crosses and ability to get forward on attack combined with a brilliant desire on defense, the answer to Liverpool's left-back prayers seems to have been delivered from Hull.
Jordan Henderson - 7.5: Liverpool's captain was a sturdy rock in midfield who did everything in a sound fashion. He very rarely put a foot out of place and was fortunately able to stay fit for the better majority of the season as well. The Englishman receives quite a bit of criticism which is often unwarranted in my opinion as he does very well to play the holding midfield position well in the Liverpool set-up. He is dependable for manager Klopp and despite Fabinho coming in to likely challenge for his spot, he will surely be up to task.
Gini Wijnaldum - 6.5:
A vital component to the team, especially by the end of the season, Wijnaldum is a Swiss army knife of a midfielder who played the third most league minutes for the side. With depth at a low and, alongside Milner and Henderson, being the only fit midfielders, Gini got a chance to display his attacking prowess that had been hidden most of his time at Liverpool as a defensive-midfielder. He scored away at Roma, breaking his away duck for Liverpool, and did the dirty job of moving possession along in an often safe and unexciting way. He deserves just as much credit for the season as anyone, but was not as vital to the midfielder as a Henderson or Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 7.5:
Signed on the final day of the summer 2017 deadline from Arsenal for 35 million British pounds, Arsenal fans thought they robbed Liverpool, Liverpool fans were unconvinced, and after several less-than-stellar outings to start his career at Liverpool, they seemed to have reason to be. This was just an aberration and Oxlade-Chamberlain became a fan favorite on and off the pitch. An absolutely brilliant representative of the club off the pitch, he was outstanding in his favorite position of center-mid on the pitch and soon became crucial for Klopp's Liverpool side. His highlight moment(s) were not one, but two brilliant strikes against Manchester City, one in each home game. While robbed of a deserved World Cup spot and Champions League final by injury in the first leg against Roma, his contributions were unforgettable and has worked his way into the hearts of supporters.
Sadio Mane - 7.5:
Mane started off the season at the same pace as his unbelievable debut season in red, then came his high boot red card on Ederson. The red card, even as admitted to by Klopp, really hurt Mane's confidence for a long stretch and it took a while for him to get it back. Still, even in a season hailed as 'not as good' as his first for Liverpool, he scored 20 goals in all appearances (ten in the league, ten in Europe) and hit his stride at the end of the season, completely taking the game over in the place of injured Mo Salah against Madrid. Still in his prime at just 26 years of age.
Roberto Firmino - 9:
It was Salah's season, yes, but Firmino is instrumental to the entire Liverpool side and their way of play. Never properly used under Brendan Rodgers on the wing, Klopp's implementation of him as a false nine who presses with unreal intensity has made him the central piece of the entire Liverpool side. A new contract came this season to reward him and was part of a season well done with 26 goals and 14 assists in all competitions. Almost impossible to pick a best game of the season with five games with a brace and 12 of at least one goal and one assist. Showing off his shiny teeth are reason enough for him to smile, but his play is what will make Liverpool fans grin.
Mo Salah - 10:
There's not much to say about Salah that hasn't been already. Record setter in the Premier League. Icon of a country. Hero to a nation. 32 goals in a 38 game season that also includes ten assists. Not to mention ten more in the Champions League. A hat trick, plus a fourth goal, against Watford will go down as his iconic performance as each goal seemed to highlight his ability to fool a defender. He sent Watford men to the floor, had them on a string, completely dumbfounded the goalie, it served almost as a micro-chasm to the entire season. Signed for a flat fee of less than 37 million British pounds, he was easily signing of the season, player of the season in England, and has broken into the conversation of Ballon D'Or with Ronaldo and Messi. He saw his Champions League final end early in a controversial incident with Sergio Ramos, but that must not overshadow, and certainly will not overshadow, everything that he did during the course of the season.
Regular Squad Members:
Simon Mignolet - 5:
Mignolet lost his job nearly as a direct result from a poor performance at Arsenal that including allowing three goals in roughly five minutes to pour in. He would play twice more in the league, in two of the festive games that followed, but Karius beat him out and the 3-2 defeat at home to West Brom in the FA Cup was the last straw. He has been an ideal club servant, posting a plethora of positive Tweets and being a model back-up. He deserves a move over the summer to get more game time, as his time with Liverpool has surely reached its end.
James Milner - 7:
The man known as "boring" was anything but this season as he set a new record for most assists in a Champions League campaign. Back from left-back to his more favored center-mid, Milner was a dynamic part of the midfield that, at times, was entirely English. A steady fixture in midfield, he offered a safe option for Klopp all throughout the season and never seemed to put a foot seriously wrong all year. Perhaps he should be known as "consistent" James Milner now?
Ragnar Klavan - 6.5:
The Estonian center-back played his role as back-up center-back to perfection. He'll go down in lore for his last minute headed winner at Turf Moor against Burnley as Liverpool pulled all three points away from there. Klopp absolutely loves the man claiming if he had the level of self-belief that Klopp has for him, he could be 'world-class' and hailed him as a genius. Seems set to get a new contract and help the club's depth in defense.
Dominic Solanke - 6:
The young striker finally snagged a goal for the team on the final league match of the season, but before then he seemed to lack the finishing quality, or perhaps the necessary minutes, to prove his worth. Offers much to like including pace, size, and strength, and is still very young. Could go out on loan next season to get regular game time and allow Danny Ings a season as a back-up to prove his ability to the club.
Alberto Moreno - 6:
Struck by injury at an awful time, he truly wasn't doing too poorly before then outside of two crucial mistakes to allow his former club Sevilla to draw with Liverpool in Seville. His injury effectively slammed the door on his time as a starter and opened up Robertson's. He's had limited chances since then, but was poor against West Brom and unconvincing in the home leg against Porto and against Stoke. The club will likely have a decision to make with him in terms of having him stay as a back-up or, if he doesn't fancy this, sending him to a team who will make him their first-choice.
Emre Can - 7:
Emre may be heading out of Liverpool following his contract's expiration following the end of the season, but he was an outstanding professional who continually put his head down and did his job for the club. Best known for his marauding runs forward and ability to score a wonder-goal every now and then, Can's presence in the midfield gave Liverpool a more physical sort of midfielder to balance out the dynamic of the side. He seems set to head to Juventus, where the slower pace of Italy's Serie A would seem to suit him.
Joe Gomez - 6.5:
Gomez suffered a season-ending injury as a result of playing through pain for the club when they needed him during the build-up of league matches surrounding Champions League ties. He missed out on a likely World Cup trip to put in work for his club team, that alone deserves massive respect from Liverpool fans. He spent the vast majority of the season not at his favored center-back position, but splitting time with Alexander-Arnold at right-back. Showed some solid ability, but his occasional lack of positional awareness, which on multiple occasions led to goals for the opposition, highlighted his inexperience. His skill set really favors center-back and with Clyne fit and Alexander-Arnold's ability, he should see more time there next season.
Joel Matip - 6:
The mainstay at center-back last season suffered a tough injury against Crystal Palace at the end of March that held him out the rest of the season. Before then, he was solid but not of the outstanding caliber alongside van Dijk that people may have hoped, nor was he able to hit the form that he was at last season. No reason to panic, however, as he should be healthy for preseason and able to develop an on-pitch relationship with the big Dutchman.
Unranked:
Adam Lallana: A vital part of Klopp's Liverpool teams, Lallana was hurt for the vast majority of the season only gaining one start for the team. He will be back at full fitness for preseason and hopes to make an impact.
Nathaniel Clyne: Injured at the very start of the season, Clyne never could get a foothold back at right-back with the scintillating form of Alexander-Arnold as he only managed three appearances in the league.
Daniel Sturridge: Sturridge is set to move on from Liverpool, but he did play a role in the campaign this season. However, as a result of his limited contributions, he moved to West Brom for more game time and suffered an injury just three games into his with the team.
Danny Ings: Had a lovely comeback story as he scored his first goal under Klopp, having scored the last goal of the Brendan Rodgers regime, against West Brom. However, did not get serious minutes, Dominic Solanke seemed ahead of him in the pecking order, and is likely at either a make-or-break point in his career.
Final Team Rating - 8.5: It really was a magical ride for Liverpool this season as they came within a hair's breadth of holding the most prestigious cup in all of European club football. There were moments that will live on in Liverpool history forever as they shook the best team in England at Anfield not once, but twice, trumped Roma over two legs, saw the legend of Mo Salah grow, and enjoyed multiple romps in country and continental football alike. One can only hope heights like the ones hit this season will be equaled, and perhaps surpassed, next season.
Follow me on Twitter @RMABTweets for more discussion about Liverpool as well as AFC Ann Arbor and Michigan basketball!
Comments
Post a Comment