SWANSEA, WALES – OCTOBER 01: Manager of Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp reacts during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Liverpool at The Liberty Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)
Throughout 11 games, Liverpool find themselves atop the Premier League table thanks to the impressive overall performance of many players. But who have been the best and the worst of the bunch?
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have undoubtedly exceeded expectations throughout the first few months of the season. They now look like a sure bet for top four, and have solidified themselves as legitimate title contenders, possibly even favorites. It is tough to find much negative press about the way Liverpool have played so far, but not everyone in the squad has performed up to the necessary standard.
I will be taking a look at each Liverpool player to play at least 270 Premier League minutes (the equivalent of 3 full games) this season, and will rank them according to their performance on the season. The ranking will go from worst to best.
Players like Alberto Moreno, Lucas Leiva, Divock Origi, Kevin Stewart, and Marko Gruijic have missed the minutes cut, and it doesn’t make much sense to include them as it is very hard to judge their performance based on such a small amount of time on the pitch.
For a team that has attacked so well and scored the most goals in the Premier League this season, it should come as no surprise that the forwards will be held in high regard. We have seen something special through these first 11 games, and whether it keeps up or not, it is something that deserves credit.
signed a goalkeeper who has so far only exacerbated those problems</a>.</p>
<p>Karius is still young, and this may be a skill that he will develop over the years. But for now, his save percentage is not good enough even if it won’t stay that low and the defense has conceded big chances.</p>
<p>Liverpool would do well to sign a goalkeeper in January, sell Mignolet, and keep Karius as a backup while looking towards next season as a chance for him to improve in (hopefully) the Champions League. Or this could all work itself out in the next few months, and Liverpool can run over the rest of the league like hey have been doing.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 14. Simon Mignolet </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_425483" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-425483" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2122,w_3183/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F11%2F617990394-liverpool-v-tottenham-hotspur-efl-cup-fourth-round.jpg" alt="" width="3183" height="2122" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/617990394-liverpool-v-tottenham-hotspur-efl-cup-fourth-round.jpg 3183w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/617990394-liverpool-v-tottenham-hotspur-efl-cup-fourth-round-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3183px) 100vw, 3183px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3183px;">LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 25: Simon Mignolet of Liverpool celebrates after the final whistle during the EFL Cup fourth round match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on October 25, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h3><strong>14. Simon Mignolet</strong></h3>
<p>If Mignolet is better than Karius, it certainly isn’t by much. Whether he takes over the starting role or not, it is a bad sign when your two senior goalkeepers are the two worst players in the squad. Nothing Mignolet has done justifies him being a serviceable option for a team contending for the title. Both keepers can claim to be hard done by the amount of high quality chances given up by the defense, but his 56% save accuracy is not going to get it done.</p>
<p>The 28-year-old has perhaps not reached his prime yet, but going off his past few seasons, he may not have one. I believe he could start for a few teams in the bottom half of the Premier League table, but even that would be a stretch. He certainly doesn’t fit at Liverpool, so it will be interesting to see where he goes from here if he is indeed out of Klopp’s plans. Mignolet has not done enough this season to make the manager confident he can turn to him, but it remains to be seen whether Karius can take the job and run away with it.</p>
<p>As mentioned before, it could be luck or the defense, but this is a ranking of how well the players are performing, and I can’t give much credit to Mignolet just because of those possible factors. Klopp claims that the Belgian is still the backup to Karius, but that may not last long. The question then becomes: how much better is Liverpool when Mignolet is between the posts? The answer: at this point, not much.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 13. Ragnar Klavan </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_425484" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-425484" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2997,w_4134/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F11%2F609130904-derby-county-v-liverpool-efl-cup-third-round.jpg" alt="" width="4134" height="2997" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/609130904-derby-county-v-liverpool-efl-cup-third-round.jpg 4134w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/609130904-derby-county-v-liverpool-efl-cup-third-round-768x557.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 4134px) 100vw, 4134px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:4134px;">DERBY, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Ragnar Klavan of Liverpool celebrates scoring the opening goal during the EFL Cup Third Round match between Derby County and Liverpool at iPro Stadium on September 20, 2016 in Derby, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h3><strong>13. Ragnar Klavan</strong></h3>
<p>A bit of a strange start to this man’s Liverpool career. I don’t believe Klopp brought him in to be a long-term starter at center back, but there he was against Arsenal on opening day. The 31-year-old captain of Estonia sits behind Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip on the depth chart after his rough start to the season.</p>
<div class="recent-posts ">
<h4>More from <b>Playing for 90</b></h4>
<ul>
<li>
<a href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://playingfor90.com/2023/11/13/leon-juarez-playoffs/">
Leon edges scrappy FC Juarez to secure spot in playoffs
</a>
</li><li>
<a href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://playingfor90.com/2023/11/12/megan-rapinoe-career-defined-more-farewell-match-injury/">
Megan Rapinoe’s career defined by more than farewell match injury
</a>
</li><li>
<a href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://playingfor90.com/2023/11/12/barcelona-manage-comeback-alaves/">
Lewandowski scores twice as Barcelona come back to beat Alaves 2-1
</a>
</li><li>
<a href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://playingfor90.com/2023/11/12/liga-mx-leon-puebla-finales/">
León chasing play-in spot; Puebla aims for higher seeding
</a>
</li><li>
<a href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://playingfor90.com/2023/11/12/tigres-goalie-america/">
Carlos Rodríguez emerges with clean sheet vs league leaders
</a>
</li></ul>
</div>
<p>After starting the first two PL matches, Klavan has only started in one since, and has been given game time in EFL Cup matches, which Liverpool is still involved in. He scored his first goal in a Liverpool shirt in the 3-0 win over Derby County in the team’s first EFL Cup tie.</p>
<p>Questions surrounding the other center backs could lead to some more appearances for Klavan as the season goes on, but it looks like he is only being used for depth purposes at the moment. In the case of an injury, Klopp should be worried if he has to rely on Klavan as a long-term option. Then again, Klopp has opted to basically banish arguably Liverpool’s best center back, Mamadou Sakho from the squad, so maybe he is content with his current choices.</p>
<p>Are we even sure that Tiago Ilori is worse than Klavan? I’m not even sure Klavan is bad because he’s only had 271 PL minutes to show us his worth, but it hasn’t been too good. Anyway, I’m just saying, there are some other, younger options that Klopp could turn to in the event of an injury or suspension.</p>
<h3></h3>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 12. Emre Can </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_425485" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-425485" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_3111,w_4806/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F11%2F621566952-liverpool-v-watford-premier-league.jpg" alt="" width="4806" height="3111" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/621566952-liverpool-v-watford-premier-league.jpg 4806w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/621566952-liverpool-v-watford-premier-league-768x497.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 4806px) 100vw, 4806px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:4806px;">LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Emre Can of Liverpool celebrates scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Watford at Anfield on November 6, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h3><strong>12. Emre Can</strong></h3>
<p>Backup midfielder to start the season, Can has made his case in the past few weeks starting in place on Georginio Wijnaldum. Can is a serviceable option, but he hasn’t shown the potential that Wijnaldum has. Like Wijnaldum, Can has had to adjust to a new position. Usually used in a deeper role and as a physical threat, we know what he brings to the team.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
<div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_424973" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;">
<script>
googletag.cmd.push(function () {
googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/Playingfor90/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet")
.addService(googletag.pubads());
googletag.enableServices();
googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet");
});
</script>
</div>
</div> </div> </div>
<p>He can still be physical in a more advanced role, but his weaknesses have shown, including his passing ability which is just a shade above 80%. While he has scored two goals this season in limited minutes, you can’t rely on him for consistent production, so he will likely be on the bench for most of the season.</p>
<p>Can’s goal scoring has been one of the most bizarre twists of the Liverpool season so far, as he has scored a goal in two straight games. Two goals in 401 minutes is great for a player who has only scored more than once in a full season just once. When even Emre Can is scoring goals, you know things are going right. Will it continue? Of course not, but maybe Can in this advanced position is better than we all had thought and he can provide offensively better than we had all expected?</p>
<p>He has now started four straight, and looks to have made an impression on Klopp during that time. His position looks to be the only one up for grabs at this point, and I’m sure Can will get a significant portion of game time going forward even if Wijnaldum is preferred over him in the majority of matches.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 11. Daniel Sturridge </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-425486" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_560,w_850/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F10%2F617977448-liverpool-v-tottenham-hotspur-efl-cup-fourth-round.jpg" alt=""></p>
<h3><strong>11. Daniel Sturridge</strong></h3>
<p>Sturridge has found himself on the outside of what seems like Klopp’s best XI at the moment. The front three has been so fluid without him and there really is no reason to change it. There is no doubt about Sturridge’s ability, and we all know about his injury record. He is almost always guaranteed a place in the top 5 PL strikers, but it would be tough to put him there on current form. His zero goals in four starts (367 minutes) makes it easy for Klopp to leave him out, but everyone knows how good Sturridge can be.</p>
<p>Lately, the star has been taking some heat for not performing as well as Firmino, Mane, and Coutinho. Pundit Ray Wilkins has expressed his displeasure <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"http://metro.co.uk/2016/11/07/liverpool-striker-daniel-sturridge-must-mirror-philippe-coutinhos-sadio-manes-and-roberto-firminos-worth-ethic-says-ray-wilkins-6240995/">in regards to Sturridge’s work ethic</a> and motivation for returning to the starting lineup. “What Klopp is looking for is for that work ethic to be challenged through the team to try to get the ball back,” Wilkins said. “Daniel is looking at it from the other side. Where can I be? Can I hurt them from here? That’s the way he plays, but he has to get that work ethic to get himself back in this Liverpool team.”</p>
<p>I’m not sure it’s down to work ethic, but the argument that he plays differently from the aforementioned trio is probably valid. At his best, Sturridge can play like the best striker in the Premier League. Like many strikers, they have to be set up in an environment that will help them succeed, and perhaps that is where Sturridge is finding trouble.</p>
<p>He will have a part to play this season I’m sure, but it’s a good problem that the team is performing so well without him in the starting lineup. Firmino has simply been better through the center, and Mane and Coutinho have also outplayed him as part of that deadly attacking triumvirate.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 10. Georginio Wijnaldum </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_425487" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-425487" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2849,w_4191/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F11%2F621427936-liverpool-v-watford-premier-league.jpg" alt="" width="4191" height="2849" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/621427936-liverpool-v-watford-premier-league.jpg 4191w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/621427936-liverpool-v-watford-premier-league-768x522.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 4191px) 100vw, 4191px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:4191px;">LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his sides sixth goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Watford at Anfield on November 6, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h3><strong>10. Georginio Wijnaldum</strong></h3>
<p>This is not last year’s Newcastle version of Wijnaldum, but that’s okay. The interior central midfielder has not had an easy time gelling with the rest of the team because of the amount of responsibility he has been given that he isn’t used to. This has led to him being one of the weakest usual starters in the squad, but not weak enough to lead to drastic changes. His production has been better than Henderson, Lallana, and Can in terms of creation, with 2.0 key passes per 90. His 86.8% pass accuracy is also solid.</p>
<p>Wijnaldum looks to have ceded the starting job to Emre Can, but that could just be temporarily. He has not started since incurring a hamstring injury over the last international break. While Can has done fine as his replacement, Wijnaldum has done slightly better in my opinion over the season. They both have different strengths and weaknesses, and there can’t be complaints about the team’s form since Can entered the lineup, but Wijnaldum offers more in attack and is a better passer.</p>
<div class="embed embed-video"><iframe loading="lazy" width="500" height="281" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/7fuB19Ovvm4?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Even if Wijnaldum is having an off game, the midfield is good enough to pick up the slack, and they have been great as a unit all year. He has been learning the system well, and I’d expect him to improve as the season goes on.</p>
<p>Wijnaldum came off the bench and scored a goal on the weekend against Watford. I don’t have any idea about who Klopp truly prefers, but right now I believe it is Can. However, it could just be a case of waiting for the team to play poorly and then making the switch. There is also the possibility that Wijnaldum is still feeling the effects of his injury.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 9. Joel Matip </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_425488" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-425488" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2740,w_3888/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F11%2F619028272-crystal-palace-v-liverpool-premier-league.jpg" alt="" width="3888" height="2740" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/619028272-crystal-palace-v-liverpool-premier-league.jpg 3888w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/619028272-crystal-palace-v-liverpool-premier-league-768x541.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3888px) 100vw, 3888px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3888px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Joel Matip of Liverpool closes down James McArthur of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park on October 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h3><strong>9. Joel Matip</strong></h3>
<p>The free summer signing from Schalke has solidified his spot in Liverpool’s starting XI over the course of the season. He is part of a slightly error prone unit, but it is very hard to judge individual center back success. I haven’t seen anything extraordinary (either good or bad) in his play, but it seems like he is decent on the ball, just not as good as Lovren, which is part of the reason why I have to put him behind him in the rankings.</p>
<p>Matip has shown he is a very good passer with good range, but not hasn’t been involved in too many aerial duels. He has won only 52% of his battles in the air and has only won 1.8 aerial duels per 90. For a defender that is 6’5″, that seems really, really awful. He is not the main man in the center back duo, so while that does hurt him a little, I have him listed behind his partner mostly because of the lack of prowess he has shown in the air.</p>
<p>Matip scored his very first Premier League goal in the victory over Crystal Palace two weeks ago, where his side was also at fault for allowing two very avoidable goals. Matip should see plenty of game time the rest of 2016, but if Klopp goes shopping in the transfer window to bolster his defense, he looks to have the most to lose out of him and Lovren. With Sakho as good as gone, and Klavan and Lucas a clear step down, Matip will be under pressure to impress Klopp and hold things together at the back.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 8. Dejan Lovren </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_425489" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-425489" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2224,w_3648/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F11%2F611798620-swansea-city-v-liverpool-premier-league.jpg" alt="" width="3648" height="2224" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/611798620-swansea-city-v-liverpool-premier-league.jpg 3648w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/611798620-swansea-city-v-liverpool-premier-league-768x468.jpg 768w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/611798620-swansea-city-v-liverpool-premier-league-268x162.jpg 268w" sizes="(max-width: 3648px) 100vw, 3648px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3648px;">SWANSEA, WALES – OCTOBER 01: Liverpool player Dejan Lovren (l) is challenged by Jay Fulton of Swansea during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Liverpool at Liberty Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h3><strong>8. Dejan Lovren</strong></h3>
<p>And here is the other half of the controversial center back pairing. One thing that shows just how tough it is to judge the success of a center back is that there are people who think Lovren is one of the best in the Premier League, and there are some who think he’s one of the worst. Until we learn more about the correlation between individual success and stats like tackles, interceptions, clearances, and blocks, I can’t put too much stock in them. I couldn’t even estimate what those numbers look like for Lovren, and I am not going to look it up.</p>
<p>Lovren is elite on the ball and elite in the air. We know these things matter. His errors seem to stick out to people, and that may be the only negative thing I have to say about him. I think he has played well this season (though when he had played with Sakho, Liverpool was more resilient at the back) winning over 70% of his aerial duels and winning 4.5 of them per 90.</p>
<p>Whatever you think of Lovren, it has become clear that Jurgen Klopp trusts him, and that is all that matters. He is Liverpool’s #1 center back and will always be in the lineup when fit, and I think that more than anything gives you an idea about the quality of player Lovren is.</p>
<p>His season has been marred by a injuries and a few illnesses, but he has retained his spot in the starting XI when healthy. Any errors will have to be cut down, but Lovren has been mostly reliable this year, and he will be counted on to anchor the back line in front of the suspect goalkeeping.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 7. Nathaniel Clyne </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_425490" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-425490" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2696,w_3726/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F11%2F606513514-chelsea-v-liverpool-premier-league.jpg" alt="" width="3726" height="2696" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/606513514-chelsea-v-liverpool-premier-league.jpg 3726w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/606513514-chelsea-v-liverpool-premier-league-768x556.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3726px) 100vw, 3726px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3726px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Nathaniel Clyne of Liverpool holds off Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on September 16, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h3><strong>7. Nathaniel Clyne</strong></h3>
<p>It has been a surprisingly quiet start to the season for Clyne. That’s not a bad thing by any means, but it seems he hasn’t been as spectacular as usual. He might still be the best right back in the league. He might still be England’s best fullback. But he has been quiet, and that really comes down to everyone else receiving the attention. In an offensively explosive team, the more defensive fullback (which isn’t saying much) won’t garner much attention, and that is just fine.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
<div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_424973" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;">
<script>
googletag.cmd.push(function () {
googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/Playingfor90/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet")
.addService(googletag.pubads());
googletag.enableServices();
googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet");
});
</script>
</div>
</div> </div> </div>
<p>No goals and one assist in 11 games is not a problem for the fullback, especially because he continues to create chances and take shots. He is top 10 in the Premier League in most offensive categories, and his consistency in ever area is very impressive. To the surprise of nobody, Clyne will be representing England in the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers along with teammates Henderson, Lallana, and Sturridge.</p>
<p>Since arriving from Southampton for the 2015-16 season, Clyne has not struggled whatsoever with the added pressure of playing for the Reds, and his dominance has continued throughout the early part of this season. The right back has done all that has been asked of him and more. Unfortunately for him in this ranking, others have just been better, which is a great sign if you’re a Liverpool fan.</p>
<p>Clyne has contributed massively at both ends of the pitch, and his reliability is always welcome. He should play every minute of every game, and I don’t expect Klopp to ever have to worry about the right back position.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 6. James Milner </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_425491" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-425491" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2379,w_3495/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F11%2F621567208-liverpool-v-watford-premier-league.jpg" alt="" width="3495" height="2379" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/621567208-liverpool-v-watford-premier-league.jpg 3495w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/621567208-liverpool-v-watford-premier-league-768x523.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3495px) 100vw, 3495px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3495px;">LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Nordin Amrabat of Watford and James Milner of Liverpool in action during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Watford at Anfield on November 6, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h3><strong>6. James Milner</strong></h3>
<p>The best Liverpool defender so far has been a natural midfielder. The extremely versatile 30-year-old has been a revelation at left back, solving the problem of a gaping hole down the left side usually left by the invisible Alberto Moreno. Through his nine matches, Milner has shown all the attacking capability that Moreno has, but with added assurance in all other areas. He has looked like he has been playing fullback for 10 years.</p>
<p>Milner has also done better than opposite fullback Nathaniel Clyne in most attacking categories.</p>
<p>Key passes: 1.9 per 90 (2nd in Premier League among fullbacks) compared to Clyne’s 1.5. Both fullbacks excel, but Milner edges out his teammate. Milner also plays 60 passes per 90, which is 2nd in the Premier League at his position as well. His 0.6 open play shots per 90 is in the top 10 among fullbacks.</p>
<p>Milner has also scored four goals so far this season, but they have all been penalty kicks, so that doesn’t truly help us in determining how good he has been.</p>
<p>The former Man City and Aston Villa man has had to adjust to a new position, and he has arguably performed better than Nathaniel Clyne. Milner’s emergence has been like a new signing for Liverpool, which was something desperately needed at left back. Jurgen Klopp has found a gem, and James Milner has found a new position. It will be interesting to watch as the season progresses how much confidence Klopp really has in Milner. I have to imagine it is at a high right now.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 5. Adam Lallana </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-425492" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_560,w_850/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F10%2F617272400-liverpool-v-west-bromwich-albion-premier-league.jpg" alt=""></p>
<h3><strong>5. Adam Lallana</strong></h3>
<p>It isn’t easy to think of anything bad to say about any of the final five. Well above the rest of the team in terms of performance, the remaining players have all been vital to the team’s attacking identity. Someone has to be ranked at #5, but there is almost nothing separating Lallana and the forthcoming players.</p>
<p>Lallana’s presence in the midfield has been interesting to watch since the start of the season. He has taken on a central midfield role, and has done better than most have expected. He is the only Liverpool player to record both 3 goals and 3 assists, and he has been so important in linking up with the front three and breaking down defenses.</p>
<p>His 2.2 shots per 90 ranks ahead of the other interior midfielder Wijnaldum (1.8), while his 1.5 chances created per 90 is below Wijnaldum (2.0) and equal to Henderson. Although these stats don’t show us that he is necessarily better or worse than the other midfielders, it shows the contrast in style between them and Lallana.</p>
<p>Lallana has put up some very gaudy numbers if you look at the basic stats. He is 2nd in the Premier League in assists with five, and he has added three goals along with that. I’m not sure he can keep up with such a torrid pace like that, but if the offense continues to click, you never know if he may continue to post some eye-opening numbers. The England international has been molded into a great player under Jurgen Klopp, and I’d expect him to continue playing at that level.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 4. Sadio Mane </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_425493" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-425493" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_3240,w_4861/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F11%2F621415490-liverpool-v-watford-premier-league.jpg" alt="" width="4861" height="3240" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/621415490-liverpool-v-watford-premier-league.jpg 4861w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/621415490-liverpool-v-watford-premier-league-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 4861px) 100vw, 4861px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:4861px;">LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Sadio Mane of Liverpool celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Watford at Anfield on November 6, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h3><strong>4. Sadio Mane</strong></h3>
<p>Mane has been absolutely outstanding this season, and he looks to have established himself as the sole front-runner for signing of the summer. He is on his way to becoming a world-class 20 goal scorer from the wing. He still has a long way to go, but it is not out of the question. Mane’s six goals lead the team, and his shots from penalty area per 90 (2.1) is good for 2nd behind all Liverpool players except Daniel Sturridge.</p>
<p>The pace and skill of Mane offers something that is essential to the attacking soccer that Klopp is looking for, and his ability to play in any attacking position will help himself and the players around him. While it is hard to say if Mane is better than ex-Red Raheem Sterling, the added goal scoring by the Senegalese may just prove to be what Liverpool needed.</p>
<p>With six goals since arriving from Southampton, it is clear that Mane has meshed well with the rest of the squad, and it took absolutely no time at all. Mane will prove to be a significant player down the stretch, as he has already done so, winning the PFA Player of the Month award for August/September.</p>
<p>Liverpool could run into trouble in January when Mane is expected to be called up to the Senegal national team for the African Cup of Nations. That would be a massive loss in what will likely be a crucial portion of the season in looking towards the title race. Mane must keep up his sizzling form and help Liverpool rack up points like they have been so far. He has shown why he was such a sought after player in the summer, and Liverpool have benefited from his signing in an enormous way.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 3. Roberto Firmino </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_425494" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-425494" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2480,w_3757/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F11%2F619023140-crystal-palace-v-liverpool-premier-league.jpg" alt="" width="3757" height="2480" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/619023140-crystal-palace-v-liverpool-premier-league.jpg 3757w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/619023140-crystal-palace-v-liverpool-premier-league-768x507.jpg 768w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/619023140-crystal-palace-v-liverpool-premier-league-850x560.jpg 850w" sizes="(max-width: 3757px) 100vw, 3757px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3757px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team’s fourth goal of the game during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park on October 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h3><strong>3. Roberto Firmino</strong></h3>
<p>Again, there is nothing negative to say about Firmino. He has come into his own in the past year and is now one of the best players in the Premier League. Firmino plays as the central forward in the front three, but does a lot more than a typical striker.</p>
<p>The press implemented by Klopp has been a big reason for Firmino’s fluid positioning obviously, but it has affected the rest of the team as well. He may not be the best of the attacking trio currently being used most by Klopp, but nobody would argue with you if you thought so. However, he is the most important.</p>
<div class="embed embed-video"><iframe loading="lazy" width="500" height="281" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/VvpNqBBwJdM?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>His movement opens up the game for everybody else and gives the team a shapeless look which is a good thing in this case. It has led to the team being an all out attacking side with players capable of playing anywhere and still being able to produce magic. This is shown by the creative side of Firmino, who has contributed an astounding 2.9 chances per 90, close to a whole chance more than the next best striker in the Premier League that has played significant minutes.</p>
<p>Firmino has been able to rack up five goals and three assists in his 10 appearances this season. As I mentioned earlier, his play off the ball is what makes him the special talent that he is, but the raw production is also there and has obviously made a huge difference to this Liverpool team throughout the first three months of the season.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 2. Philippe Coutinho </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_425495" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-425495" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2832,w_4155/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F11%2F621419752-liverpool-v-watford-premier-league.jpg" alt="" width="4155" height="2832" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/621419752-liverpool-v-watford-premier-league.jpg 4155w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/621419752-liverpool-v-watford-premier-league-768x523.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 4155px) 100vw, 4155px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:4155px;">LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Daryl Janmaat of Watford chases Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Watford at Anfield on November 6, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h3><strong>2. Philippe Coutinho</strong></h3>
<p>Coutinho has been the most electrifying Liverpool player this season for sure. The best? He is a huge part of the reason they sit tied atop the table, and it could certainly be argued. I have been critical of Coutinho in the past, but he has proven me wrong so far this year. It looks like he has a whole different gear he can kick in to, and his skill has made him look like a world beater at times. The breakout season is in full swing for the 24-year-old Brazilian, as he has been compared to some of the best players in the world due to his form early on this year.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
<div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_424973" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;">
<script>
googletag.cmd.push(function () {
googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/Playingfor90/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet")
.addService(googletag.pubads());
googletag.enableServices();
googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet");
});
</script>
</div>
</div> </div> </div>
<p>Coutinho has flourished in Klopp’s system and has been the most productive player in the Premier League this season.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">NEW: Under Klopp's guidance, Coutinho has become the most productive attacker in the Premier League, scoring or assisting every 75 minutes <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://t.co/rdZtPb7alr">pic.twitter.com/rdZtPb7alr
<p>— John Burn-Murdoch (@jburnmurdoch) <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://twitter.com/jburnmurdoch/status/795547123081211904">November 7, 2016</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>When compared to other players around the world, Coutinho also matches up very well. This really shows the improvement for him this season, and it’s amazing to see him put in the same sentence as some of these players.</p>
<p>https://twitter.com/jburnmurdoch/status/795551486457548801</p>
<p>So we can see that the Coutinho experiment has paid off, and Klopp has helped turn him into a world-class attacking player. I see no reason why he can’t keep up this pace. I still wish he would stop taking low quality shots outside of the box, but if he’s playing like this, what use is it to complain? I thought we would see a return to the midfield for Coutinho this season, but I will admit to being wrong and am glad that he has settled down as a part of Liverpool’s front three.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 1. Jordan Henderson </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_425496" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-425496" src=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2333,w_3500/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F11%2F606514216-chelsea-v-liverpool-premier-league.jpg" alt="" width="3500" height="2333" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/606514216-chelsea-v-liverpool-premier-league.jpg 3500w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/11/606514216-chelsea-v-liverpool-premier-league-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3500px) 100vw, 3500px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3500px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson celebrates his side’s victory at full time during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on September 16, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer/CameraSport via Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h3><strong>1. Jordan Henderson</strong></h3>
<p>Henderson has proven his versatility in the center of the pitch, produced well from a deep-lying playmaker position, and has become a top midfielder in the Premier League. He has, without a doubt, been Liverpool’s best and most important player. His game has evolved so much under Klopp, to that deep-lying playmaker/possession role. Although he sits deeper, Henderson is actually the most essential player Liverpool has. The way he moves the ball around in tight areas is mesmerizing as he mixes in accurate long-range passes as well.</p>
<p>The other midfielders help him be able to play his game at his best, but Henderson allows the team to dominate games with efficient ball movement and strength in midfield. Going about his business quietly, Henderson doesn’t attract the same amount of attention that Coutinho has gotten, but he absolutely should.</p>
<div class="related-category right">
<div class="related-main-title">More from <span class="related-name">Liverpool FC</span></div>
<ul>
<li>
<a class="related-link" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://playingfor90.com/2023/03/14/liverpool-roller-coaster-season/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">Liverpool’s roller coaster of a season continues</a>
</li>
<li>
<a class="related-link" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://playingfor90.com/2023/02/12/bubble-finally-burst-liverpool/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">Has the bubble finally burst at Liverpool?</a>
</li>
<li>
<a class="related-link" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://playingfor90.com/2023/01/27/liverpool-regain-lost-glory/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">How Liverpool can regain their lost glory</a>
</li>
<li>
<a class="related-link" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://playingfor90.com/2022/08/04/three-factors-liverpool-upcoming-season/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">Three factors which might determine the fate of the Reds this season</a>
</li>
<li>
<a class="related-link" href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"https://playingfor90.com/2022/06/14/3-liverpool-players-benefit-nunez/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">3 Liverpool players who can benefit the most from Darwin Nunez’s signing</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p>Earlier this week, pundit and ex-Liverpool player <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2016/11/09/early-season-liverpool-player-power-rankings/"http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/727231/Graeme-Souness-Liverpool-Jordan-Henderson-Philippe-Coutinho">Graeme Souness expressed the same sentiment</a>. “He is not a silky player, but every team needs someone like Jordan Henderson,” Souness said. “He gets to the ball, he makes people make passes they don’t want to make.” I’d say that sums up Henderson pretty well.</p>
<p>The numbers speak for themselves: 88.5% passing accuracy, while playing over 80 passes per game. His 1.5 chances created per 90 is great for someone who plays as deep as he does. One of only two Liverpool players to start all 11 games this season, Henderson has become more important to the side than anyone else because nobody else can do what he does. Nobody in the squad would be able to replicate his stats, and that is why nobody is more essential to this team or better as a whole than Jordan Henderson.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">