Man City & Liverpool both score goals with players standing in offside positions. Premier League

Man City & Liverpool both score goals with players standing in offside positions. Premier League

Have a guess which goal was allowed?

They don’t even try & hide it anymore.

WHO IS THE REDS’ BEST RATED PLAYER THIS SEASON?

PREMIER LEAGUE HALF WAY STAGE PLAYER RATINGS
As game 19 concluded and 2023 closed out with Liverpool sitting neatly at the top of the Premier League table, this piece will look at the overall contributions of each player that has been utilised so far. The Europa League group stage and EFL Cup showings will not play a part, as the level of those contests were largely lopsided in terms of quality. Any players that have only participated in very minor moments will not be listed for review, as such small samples are irrelevant.

Alisson Becker – 10.0

Games played – 17
Goals Conceded – 13
Clean Sheets – 6
Verdict – The world’s greatest goalkeeper has been sensational this season, which is in keeping with his form since his arrival from Roma. The sheer level of his play is not comparable to any other stopper on the planet, which should see him in the conversation for Premier League player of the year.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 5.5

Games played – 2
Goals Conceded – 3
Clean Sheets – 1
Verdict – It is so hard to criticise this 25-year-old back up, given that he is confined to a role that he can never realistically alter. The talent is there for all to see, yet the bespoke nature of Liverpool’s game means he often lacks game time and rhythm. A fine reserve and cup run participant that will invariably struggle when thrust into certain games with very little minutes under his belt.

Joe Gomez – 8.0

Games played – 16
Goals Scored – 0
Assists – 0
Verdict – The most versatile defensive piece in the Premier League, who also has played his fair share in the hybrid / midfield position. After last season’s disappointing run of form, it was felt that his prior injury record would never see a return to form of old. Fortunately for the player and indeed his club, a desire and determination to be what his manager requires is producing the type of form that may see him retain a regular first team shirt.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 8.0

Games played – 17
Goals Scored – 2
Assists – 3
Verdict – The lack of urgency and intensity in some of the earlier games of the year, has now been replaced with control and superior quality. This period of transition always centred around the world class game of the rejuvenated England star, therefore, to be in their current position, the team must surely be flourishing. The recent form has ranged from good to spectacular, which sees a very good rating ensue.

Andy Robertson – 6.0

Games played – 8
Goals Scored – 1
Assists – 0
Verdict – The final few games before his shoulder injury saw his rating creep up slightly, as the Scotland captain had struggled up until that point. With a new on and off ball list of requirements, his own level was always going to be affected as much as vice-captain on the opposite flank. A rating of six out of ten is verging on generous, therefore, it will be very interesting to see how the tenacious full back performs upon his return in January.

Kostas Tsimikas – 7.0

Games played – 10
Goals Scored – 0
Assists – 3
Verdict – The summer months were riddled with links to left sided defenders, who would have surely pushed the Greek international further down the pecking order. An untimely injury to Andy Robertson opened a window of opportunity for the popular rotation player, who after a couple of disappointing performances, had really bounced back into form. Sadly, his season may already be over, given the horrid collar bone injury he suffered last week.

Ibrahima Konaté – 8.5

Games played – 13
Goals Scored – 0
Assists – 0
Verdict – His enormous frame of the France defender is matched only by his ability. This season’s form has slowly risen from good to brilliant, with injuries and the form of teammates stagnating his role earlier in the campaign. The last month or so has been a continual show of defensive dominance, which makes him one of the finest centre backs in Premier League football. Monstrous.

Virgil van Dijk – 10.0

Games played – 17
Goals Scored – 1
Assists – 2
Verdict – The greatest modern-day defender that the game has seen, one that possesses brilliant leadership, unmatched aerial prowess, pace to burn, timing, exquisite decision making, whilst being the most commanding presence in world football. No one ever did it better and there is no logic to argue that point. Unmatched.

Virgil van Dijk in the Premier League this season:

◉ 81.8% – Highest aerial duel win rate (25+ contested)
◉ 81 – Most aerial duels won

That is superhuman. 🗻 pic.twitter.com/p4z54JSBQL

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 26, 2023

Joël Matip – 7.5

Games played – 10
Goals Scored – 0
Assists – 0
Verdict – After a very unsuccessful season last year, this was very much a bounce back opportunity that the giant Cameroonian took with both hands. Prior to his heartbreaking and season ending injury, he was very much the Virgil partner of choice. A very fine season, which could still turn out to be his last.

Jarell Quansah – 7.5

Games played – 6
Goals Scored – 0
Assists – 0
Verdict – The find of the season that no one saw coming. As the want for Levi Colwill (to sign for the reds) finally ended with the Chelsea man signing a new contract, it signalled allowed elite potential Jarell Quansah to rise to prominence. His position as 4th centre back arrived with the injury to Matip, which has taken the brilliant 20-year-old to even higher levels. Limitless defensive ceiling.

Wataru Endō – 6.5

Games played – 14
Goals Scored – 1
Assists – 0
Verdict – Not the glamorous or expensive new addition expected to signal a replacement for Fabinho, however, his role and gradual improvement make him an important instrument within the Anfield squad. His role is to harass, cover, track, and win the ball, which is something he does well.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0

Games played – 14
Goals Scored – 1
Assists – 1
Verdict – It is important to note that the World Cup winning Argentina midfielder has played almost exclusively as the holding midfielder. As the natural heir to Thiago Alcântara, his time to shine will surely come. He has been good, sometimes bad, yet the poor showings are not his fault. I am excited for what is to come and he will prove vital upon his return from injury.

Curtis Jones – 7.5

Games played – 11
Goals Scored – 0
Assists – 1
Verdict – The poor Manchester City game aside, this has been a fine season for the undervalued Liverpool midfielder. The future England international belongs in the elite first team, with his intelligence and defensive awareness allowing the system to operate so much cleaner when he is playing.

Ryan Gravenberch – 5.0

Games played – 14
Goals Scored – 0
Assists – 0
Verdict – A developing player that has been very underwhelming in the Premier League. The only real and consistent contributions have come in varying cup games (against weaker opponents), as he continues to lack the energy and physicality to cope in a Jürgen Klopp side. More is needed.

Harvey Elliott – 7.5

Games played – 16
Goals Scored – 1
Assists – 2
Verdict – An impactful player that is enjoying a fine season in the Liverpool first team. His overall contribution and will to win can be infectious. The January period where Mohamed Salah will be away for the AFCON could be his moment, one that we all trust he can now undertake.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0

Games played – 19
Goals Scored – 2
Assists – 3
Verdict – Despite some tired performances in the last six weeks, his overall impact has been brilliant. The system needs to be refined to exert the best of this man, as he is finally the man that deserves to take on the famous Liverpool number eight shirt. The sky is the limit and with Curtis Jones back in the midfield, he can now go about destroying teams.

Mohamed Salah – 9.0

Games played – 19
Goals Scored – 12
Assists – 7
Verdict – A drop off was inevitable, which has come in the last number of games. The output and goal contributions are still of the highest order, whereas his position as the team’s most important attacker remains. One of the world’s greatest forwards that could help carry Liverpool 2.0 to ultimate success.

Diogo Jota – 7.5

Games played – 13
Goals Scored – 5
Assists – 0
Verdict – The most natural finisher and a vital component within this regenerated squad. His ability to surge forward and be that direct entity in attack is critical, which is why it is brilliant to see the former Wolves man back and scoring goals.

Cody Gakpo – 5.5

Games played – 17
Goals Scored – 2
Assists – 1
Verdict – Questions must be asked about what comes next for this 24-year-old, who is failing to live up to his early form from last season. An uncertainty and lack of aggression is worrying and could see him become a pure back up piece. More is needed.

Luis Díaz – 5.5

Games played – 18
Goals Scored – 3
Assists – 1
Verdict – It is hard to be over critical (given the personal circumstances), yet the form of the Columbian flyer has been a concern for some time now. A predictable skill set is now common in his game and he is no longer the maverick that exploded into the hearts of the Anfield faithful. Either his head has been turned by Barca, or he just needs a recalibration.

Darwin Núñez – 7.0

Games played – 18
Goals Scored – 5
Assists – 5
Verdict – The unpredictable nature of the chaotic Uruguayan is intriguing yet infuriating. The goals contribution and room he develops for others is marred by an erratic nature in front of goal. A controller and guiding midfielder behind him are needed, however, his overall importance is undeniable.

Jürgen Klopp – 8.5

Verdict – The German manager has bounced back remarkably and is intent on recreating another world-class team. It’s admirable.

So that’s half the season done for Liverpool, and every team played once.

The only defeat came with the final kick at Spurs with nine men.

Fair to say the Klopp 2.0 era has started promisingly.