3) Mamadou Sakho
Sakho was spectacularly ditched from Liverpool’s first-team plans after walking out on his teammates back in September. The Frenchman was so disgruntled about being left out of Merseyside derby draw with Everton, that he didn’t even stick around to watch the game.
A lengthy injury lay-off meant it wasn’t until December that he made his return, playing on the left of Brendan Rodgers’ back three. Playing alongside Martin Skrtel and Emre Can, he looked like a different player – far more assured and composed. He has continued to improve ever since, and has drastically improved our defensive record.
