Liverpool have played 12 Premier League matches, two in the League Cup and three in Europe so far this term, and we’ve rated and ranked the £67.3m worth of summer signings based on their contributions so far.
We’ve included Divock Origi in this list, as the Belgian only arrived on Merseyside this summer following his year long loan spell in France last term.
Divock Origi – 5/10
Origi is quick, strong and wants the ball – but his decision making and finishing leaves an awful lot to be desired. He’s at the bottom of our pecking order when it comes to strikers, and has so far failed to shine when given a chance under the new manager. What he has in terms of physical attributes he lacks in temperament right now, and his raw skills need much polish. However, with Daniel Sturridge’s injury problems and Danny Ings’ long-term absence he’ll get more opportunities. He’ll need to take one soon.
James Milner – 5.5/10
Milner has given his all to our cause since arriving in the summer on a Bosman, but has not showed the kind of class we really need in central midfield. The stand-in skipper has not been an apt replacement for Jordan Henderson, and in truth we’ve missed the younger man much more than we perhaps realised we would back in August. Our 5.5/10 rating may seem a little harsh, but Milner is the highest paid player in Liverpool’s squad and we’ve not seen enough end product from the England international. He’s going to be a very handy squad player for us, but there’s a worry that Milner might not be the long-term option for us in central midfield following his start.
Roberto Firmino – 6/10
There’s been some signs of serious potential from the Brazilian who is slowly emerging from his stuttering start to life on Merseyside. But the fact is that he cost £29m and has yet to find the back of the net. His ability is clear for all to see though, and providing he stays fit, the 24-year-old has an excellent chance to nail down the no.10 position, with his international compatriot Coutinho starting slightly on the left of him. Firmino has wonderful feet and vision, and we’re certain this ‘6/10’ will be significantly boosted by Christmas.
Adam Bogdan – 6.5/10
Just what you want from a backup stopper, in fairness. Bogdan has played two matches in the League Cup and is so far undefeated, helping us win a penalty shoot-out in the first round against Carlisle. He’s a serious improvement on Brad Jones, who’s actually just been released by Bradford City. The fact we snapped him up on a Bosman also works in his favour, and there’s been some fans even claiming he should be given a chance in the Premier League side ahead of Simon Mignolet.
Christian Benteke – 6.5/10
The £32.5m Belgian has scored four Premier League goals in nine appearances so far, which is a fairly decent start considering he’s also been plagued with niggling injuries. If it wasn’t for the monstrous price-tag, we’d have likely given him a ‘7/10’. His goal against Manchester United was sensational but ultimately only consolation, while his apparent winner versus Southampton was cancelled out by an infuriating late equaliser. His general holdup play has been solid, but much like Firmino – we can only start to truly judge Benteke when he has a consistent run of matches. It’ll be interesting to see what Jurgen Klopp will do should both Benteke and Daniel Sturridge be available for selection, although that doesn’t seem especially likely due to the latter’s injury nightmare.
Danny Ings – 7/10
Before his injury, the young English forward had arguably been Liverpool’s Player of the Season – although in truth – that says much about the performances of the rest of the squad. Ings bagged twice in the Premier League and once in the League Cup, but impressed everybody with his work-rate and his ability to run the channels. Sadly, Ings picked up a debilitating knee injury which will decimate his entire season during Klopp’s first training session. But from what we’ve so far of his attitude, we’re backing him to come back stronger.
Joe Gomez – 7/10
Much like Ings, Gomez started life on Merseyside superbly, but a knee problem has ruined his season. The talent and potential the young defender showed though was immense, starting at left-back ahead of Alberto Moreno at the beginning of the term, such was the excellence of his pre-season. Gomez is utterly composed in possession and superb positionally – and will one develop into a top, top centre-back. We wish him all the best in his recovery, and look forward to a future defensive partnership of Mamadou Sakho and Joe Gomez…
Nathaniel Clyne – 7.5/10
An undoubtedly excellent signing. At 24, Clyne has the potential to start at right-back for both us and England for the next six seasons. He’s been a fixture in the side since his summer move from Southampton – proving that we don’t always get it wrong when we sign from the south coast club! Clyne’s defensively much, much better than Glen Johnson ever was, but provides almost as much going forward. The fullback regularly overlaps his winger, and looks to be building an especially impressive relationship with Jordon Ibe down the right. If there was an area for improvement it’d be his decision making in the final third, but we’re just delighted to have a defensively capable right-back for the first time since Alvaro Arbeloa.
