How have the Liverpool players been performing so far this season, we rank them in our half-term report…
It’s been a mixed start to the season for Liverpool, who have struggled in the Premier League, but are still within touching distance of the top four.
Our Champions League dream as come to an end, but we still have games in three cup competitions to look forward to after Christmas, while we’re just three games away from a trophy.
As the season approaches the mid-way point, we rank our players from A to E in a half-term report. Do you agree with our ratings? Comment below to tell us who you think has performed, and who hasn’t this season:
Goalkeepers
Simon Mignolet: C- – The Belgian stopper has looked bereft of confidence at times, and has now been dropped in favour of teammate Brad Jones. It’s hard not to feel sorry for Mignolet, who has regularly been left exposed by his defence.
Brad Jones: D+ – Has conceded six goals in three games since replacing Mignolet as number one, and hasn’t done much to inspire confidence. Surely only a short term solution to a problem position.
Defenders
Glen Johnson: D – Has been exposed once too often at full-back and looks unlikely to earn a new contract, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season. His brave header against Stoke did at least show his commitment to the cause.
Jose Enrique: D- – Hasn’t been given much in the way of game time, and has struggled badly when he has got on the field. Was hauled off at half-time against Basel after a particularly disastrous effort.
Kolo Toure: B+ – The Ivorian’s future at Anfield looked bleak this summer, but he’s earned back his place in the team, won a Liverpool Player of the Month Award, and established himself as a key member of the back four – what a turn around.
Dejan Lovren: E – The Croatian defender arrived for £20m in the summer, with Liverpool fans fully expecting the former Southampton man to excel following his impressive start to life in the Premier League last season. Sadly, we’ve been extremely disappointed thus far, and he’ll do well to get back into the side ahead of a fully fit Mamadou Sakho.
Mamadou Sakho: C – Hasn’t had much in the way of game time, and appears to be out of favour with manager Brendan Rodgers, however he returned to the team against Arsenal on Sunday and was arguably our best defender.
Alberto Moreno: C – The former Sevilla man has been in and out of the side, but his goal against Tottenham showed what he’s capable of. Still at an early stage of his development, but the signs are promising. It seems strange that he hasn’t been given more minutes.
Javier Manquillo: C+ – Another youngster whose not been a huge improvement on the current crop, but looks a decent prospect and deserves to be given time to continue developing.
Martin Skrtel: C – Has been poor at times, but remains the biggest constant in the Liverpool team. His goal against Arsenal on Sunday, complete with bloodied headband, showed how much the club means to him.
Midfielders
Steven Gerrard: C- – Still crucial to Liverpool’s fortunes, and Brendan Rodgers will be desperate to tie down his captain to a contract. Has scored against Everton and Basel, and is still a a big-game player in his latter years.
Philippe Coutinho: B – – A decent performance against Arsenal ended a run of disappointing displays from the Brazilian, but he did win the Player of the Month award in October. With no Suarez and no Sturridge, he is one of the players that really needs to step up – as he’s as talented as anybody in the squad.
Jordan Henderson: C- – A very average start to the season from Liverpool’s vice-captain, who has recently adjusted to a role on the right hand of midfielder due to the 3-4-3 formation.
Adam Lallana: B- – Steadily improving after a slow start to the season. His mark remains lower considering his £25m price tag, but he’s showed signs that he’s ready to start impressing in the second half of the season.
Lucas Leiva: B- – Started the season out of favour, but has come back into the team in recent weeks and has begun to make a real difference – offering consistent defensive contribution in the centre.
Emre Can: C- – Looked set to kick on after scoring against Chelsea, but has instead been left frustrated with his lack of first team opportunities.
Joe Allen: D – Has struggled to keep his place in the Liverpool first-team, and has regularly been criticised for failing to offer enough spark in Liverpool’s midfield.
Lazar Markovic: C – After a very slow start to the season, the Serbian winger finally looks to be hitting his stride in English football. Strong performances against Basel (before a red card) and Bournemouth show signs of what might be to come.
Forwards
Rickie Lambert: D+ – Looked out of place at the start of the season before a run in the team brought with it a couple of goals. Still looks little more than a back-up option for Rodgers’ side – due to his immobility.
Daniel Sturridge: N/A – Started the season well, with a goal against Southampton, but has managed just three games this season due to injury.
Fabio Borini: D – – Has offered little to the team, and his red card against Arsenal could mark his final performance for the team.
Raheem Sterling: A- – Perhaps not at the same level he was last season, but has remained a key player, especially in the absence of Sturridge. Sterling tops our goals and assists charts, and is absolutely crucial to our attack. Let’s hope he signs a new contract soon.
Mario Balotelli: E – Has looked lethargic, and has regularly been in the press for the wrong reasons, be it controversial Instragram posts or his failure to score a Premier League goal. We need to judge him though once he gets a run of games up top with Sturridge alongside him, as the spearhead role isn’t suiting him.
