With the World Cup on the horizon, we decided to assess Liverpool’s mid-season power rankings, reflecting on a tough campaign for Jurgen Klopp’s side so far.
1. Alisson sits at the top for rescuing Liverpool time and again
If Liverpool weren’t already enduring a hellish season, imagine the state of affairs without the presence of a certain Alisson Becker? The number of instances in which Brazil’s No.1 has saved the Reds’ blushes is akin to how David De Gea used to do the same in his prime.
One on one, there simply hasn’t been a better shotstopper in world football since the start of last term. Take the 30-year old’s incredible saves to keep the likes of Mohamed Elyounoussi, Samuel Edozie and Che Adams at bay as an example in his side’s latest 3-1 win against Southampton.
The scoreline would have made for uglier reading for the Anfield faithful, had their impregnable goalkeeper not come up clutch time and again.
And the fact that Alisson has brought his elite ball-playing ability to the table as well this season has ensured no other Liverpool player as well as goalkeeper has hit the heights he has so far.
2. Roberto Firmino returns to his brilliant best
For the past two seasons, the Brazilian international has been on the periphery of things at Liverpool, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Luiz Diaz running the show up front.
However, the former Hoffenheim forward has recaptured his best form this season, with 9 goals and 4 assists in all competitions.
Roberto Firmino has not allowed a flailing Liverpool attack for large parts of this campaign stunt his progress, as he looks on course to have his most productive season in English football.
A game that sums up the 31-year old’s season in a nutshell is when Jurgen Klopp’s men drew 3-3 against Brighton at Anfield, while he still managed to bag a brace.
Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenburg has even reported that Firmino has been offered a new contract, which emphasises why he ranks as high as 2nd in our Power Rankings.
3. Thiago ends up 3rd after maintaining his sky-high standards
Perhaps the only slight on Thiago’s season remains his unfortunate injury record, which has meant he has missed several games in the Premier League. However, that remains beyond the Spaniard’s control.
On the pitch, the silky technician has once again been Liverpool’s best midfielder, running the show time and again, despite Jordan Henderson and Fabinho looking like a shadow of their former selves.
As exemplified in the Reds’ 2-1 defeat against Arsenal, the former Bayern Munich controller shone in what was a one-man midfield for all practical purposes.
Considering Luis Enrique’s decision to exclude the 31-year old from Spain’s squad for the World Cup, we imagine a well-rested Thiago will rank higher in our Power Rankings after taking the second half of the season by storm.
4. Harvey Elliott deserves 4th spot for looking the part in a dysfunctional side
This is not to suggest that Harvey Elliott has been flawless this season but expecting a 19-year old to spearhead a mess of a midfield is a tall order to say the least.
However, the Englishman has managed to exhibit why he is headed to the top, pulling the strings in the middle of the park for Liverpool.
The youngster’s stunning assist for Darwin Nunez’s opener against Southampton sums up his enviable eye for a pass.
While the ex-Fulham wonderkid has run the show on plenty of occasions, his out-of-sorts teammates have often dragged him down.
And it is because of said factor that young Elliott hasn’t ranked higher in our Power Rankings for Liverpool.
5. Injury robbed Luis Diaz of a top 3 ranking
Despite Liverpool having endless causes for concern at the start of the season, Luis Diaz, much like Roberto Firmino continued to thrive.
In fact, the Colombian winger had a strong shout for being the Reds’ best outfield player before suffering a knee injury.
What was perhaps most impressive was how the former Porto wide forward would produce a moment of magic when the chips were down for Jurgen Klopp’s side. Case in point, his belter to equalise things in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester earlier this season.
After recovering from injury, Luis Diaz could return to setting the world alight at Anfield during the defining second half of the campaign.
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