Jurgen Klopp’s final season in charge of Liverpool produced a Carabao Cup and a third-place Premier League finish, but it could have been so much more.
Following a 4-0 victory away to Bournemouth back in January, Liverpool went five points clear of Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, but a dismal run of form between March and April derailed the prospect of a second league title for the departing Klopp.
During that time, Liverpool also crashed out of the FA Cup against Manchester United and were eliminated from the Europa League in the quarter-finals against eventual winners Atalanta.
New head coach Arne Slot will replace Klopp for the new season and is inheriting a promising young squad that is well placed to improve on their achievements of this past season.
Here is how we rated the Liverpool squad this season…
Alisson – 8
The Brazilian missed a large part of the campaign when he was injured between February and April but still excelled when he was fit. Produced an array of astonishing saves and is still one of the best around.
Caoimhin Kelleher – 8
Liverpool must have been fearing the worst when Alisson got injured, but the Irishman stepped up when needed. There was no drop-off when he deputised in goal and as a result of his performances, he may go in search of more regular football next season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
Before his injury, Alexander-Arnold was performing at a level that could have led to a player of the year award. For all his attacking talents, the Englishman’s defensive deficiencies were still prominent this season and injuries disrupted an otherwise promising campaign.
Virgil Van Dijk – 9
Arguably Liverpool’s best player this season, Van Dijk returned to his imperious best after underperforming in the last campaign. He relished wearing the captain’s armband and scored the winning goal in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.
Jarell Quansah – 8
The emergence of Quansah has been one of the talking points of Liverpool’s season. Assured in possession and dominant in the air, the 21-year-old defender looks destined to be a long-term success at Liverpool.
Joel Matip – 6
Matip’s absence was not felt that much given the performances of Quansah. An ACL injury kept him out for the majority of the campaign, and he has since left the club. A cult hero and one of the club’s greatest ever free transfers.
Ibrahima Konate – 6
Started the season well but stagnated very quickly following a short lay-off through injury. He will have a tough task of getting back into the side next season ahead of Quansah.
Andrew Robertson – 7
Remained consistent when he did play and even popped up with the odd goal, but his season was massively hindered by injuries.
Joe Gomez – 8
One of Liverpool’s most consistent performers and was pivotal during the club’s injury crisis. Gomez played right-back, centre-back, left-back and even in central midfield to help Liverpool through the season when players were absent.
Kostas Tsimikas – 6
Performed reasonably well in cup games when he featured but overall struggled for game time, which was also because of injuries. The Greek international may well leave the club in the summer in search of more game time.
Conor Bradley – 8
Like Quansah, Bradley returned from a loan spell in League One last season to establish himself as a Premier League player. Aggressive in his tackling and effective going forward, the right-back has been so good that maybe Slot should consider moving Alexander-Arnold into midfield on a permanent basis.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Started the season magnificently but looked to be struggling with the intensity of the Premier League around December. Plenty more to come from the Hungarian, and it will be interesting to see how Slot intends to utilise him.
Curtis Jones – 6
Like most players for Liverpool this season, Jones started brilliantly and dropped off when faced with a spell on the sidelines. Given his flair and technical ability, he could be one that Slot leans on heavily next season.
Harvey Elliott – 7
By far his best season since joining the club and made some terrific contributions off the bench. His performances earned him a spot in Klopp’s starting lineup in the latter part of the season. A promising talent who will only get better.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
Started slowly as he settled into a new league but gradually improved as the season progressed. Still a very raw talent and it will be up to Slot to get the best out of him.
Wataru Endo – 7
Took time to settle in but was immense during Liverpool’s mid-season surge. At the age of 31, he is unlikely to reach new heights next season, but he has been a shrewd signing for Liverpool nonetheless.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8
Performed admirably when playing as a makeshift holding midfielder but showed his true capabilities when he moved into a more advanced role. Can only improve from here and has become a bargain having signed for just £35 million.
Luis Diaz – 6
Shook off consecutive knee injuries that kept him sidelined for most of last season but was largely underwhelming this campaign. His unreliability in front of goal cost Liverpool on a few occasions, most notably in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City. Granted, Diaz has had personal issues to deal with off the pitch and should kick on next season.
Mohamed Salah – 7
37 goal contributions in all competitions but looked like he was struggling towards the end of the season. AFCON duties and an injury in February caused a slight dip in form, but the Egyptian is still the club’s best attacking player when he is at his top level.
Darwin Nunez – 6
Finished the season as the Reds’ second-highest goal scorer (18) and with the second-most assists (13), but frustrated Liverpool fans with the number of glaring chances he squandered all season. Simply has to be more consistent next season if he is to win over the fans.
Diogo Jota – 7
Arguably Liverpool’s best finisher, Jota’s season was also unfortunately plagued by injuries. Was the only forward at the club who outperformed his xG this season and will hope to be available more often under Slot.
Cody Gakpo – 7
Started the season poorly as a result of playing in several different positions, which Klopp ultimately took the blame for. Ended the season in fine form, scoring 16 and assisting six times in all competitions.
