Liverpool have just concluded a difficult season, failing to win a single trophy as some of Jurgen Klopp’s star players have fallen short of their normal high standards. In the end, Liverpool’s season was marred by disappointment and dissatisfaction since they fell short of meeting even the “bare minimum” need for Champions League qualifying.
For some teams, coming in fifth place would be considered a win, but that is not the case at Anfield. This summer will see significant changes at the Merseyside club, which is only fair given that Klopp’s team will receive the rebuild it likely required a year ago. A string of outgoings are expected before there is an influx of new players.
Meanwhile, here are Liverpool player ratings for the 2022/23 season.
How Liverpool players fared this season
Barring the statistics, Alisson has been the Premier League’s greatest goalkeeper this season because of his presence and ability to produce pivotal saves that are unsurpassed in the league. The Reds have never had a shot-stopper with more skill, a better player, or a better professional.
One of the season’s biggest surprises, Bajcetic made 19 appearances in all competitions, solidifying himself as a first-team possibility for next season. The teenaged midfielder still has a lot to learn and develop into, but his persistence, poise, and temperament set him apart as a unique talent who has already made a great impression on Klopp.
Mohamed Salah – 8/10
This season, the Egyptian did what he usually does; scoring goals and having a decisive impact on games. Salah concluded the season with 30 goals and 16 assists, which is quite an impressive total given that the majority of people would argue he wasn’t performing at his peak.
Gakpo has adjusted well to life at Anfield, netting seven goals since moving from PSV, and appears to be Firmino’s natural successor in the nomadic No. 9 position. The Dutch international could do even better in the upcoming season given he is technically sound and has a decent footballing intellect.
Firmino completed his Liverpool career in fine fashion. A goal in both his final game for the club and his final appearance at Anfield, took his total tally to 13 this season. He also had the greatest goals-per-minute ratio at the club this season.
A genuinely up-and-down season for the full-back, whose skill occasionally shone brighter than any other but who also had some truly unpleasant outings. One of the most interesting takeaways of this Liverpool season has been Alexander-Arnold’s transformation into a hybrid full-back/midfielder.
Konate, the finest of Liverpool’s senior centre backs this year, could become one of the greatest in Europe, given he remains fit. It hasn’t been simple since the Frenchman has missed too many games for Klopp’s team over the previous 12 months. He typically appeared to be strong while he played.
A hamstring injury at the beginning of the campaign and a ruptured calf muscle just as he was beginning to return to full fitness. The Portugal international improved towards the conclusion of the year, scoring seven goals in his last nine games.
Another athlete who had a season marred by injuries. Prior to the knee injury sustained at Arsenal in October, Diaz was Liverpool’s most promising attacker. By the time he was able to play again in April, the Reds’ season had come to an end.
A fantastic finish to the campaign for the Liverpool academy starlet, whose performances give reason for optimism about the future after starting each of the final 11 games. Even if his form this spring has been strong, he needs more if he wants to continue playing in Klopp’s starting XI going forward.
Robertson has served as the heart and soul of this Liverpool squad for a very long time, yet at times the Reds’ problems have even overwhelmed him. To his credit, he has never given up and has even changed his strategy slightly, attacking less when Trent Alexander-Arnold moves into the middle of the pitch.
The 20-year-old still needs work as a member of a midfield three, but he is an excellent passer of the ball and works well with teammates. He was also the club’s highest scoring non-forward with five goals.
The Uruguayan’s first season in England has been up and down, missing too many opportunities, but his surprising consistency in finding himself in scoring situations gives optimism for a lengthy and fruitful Reds career. He still managed to score 15 goals across all competitions to conclude the season.
Milner really made his final appearance in very appropriate way, splitting the game between left back and midfield as the Reds finished their campaign against Southampton. He ended up making 42 appearances in all competitions, which is a credit to his stamina, but as the season went on, his chances to start games dwindled.
Van Dijk was another player who hasn’t performed up to par and had a rough start to the season. He appeared more insecure and vulnerable this season than at any previous time in his Anfield career. Although the Dutchman had some good and some awful performances, Liverpool will be anxious to have him back at his best next year.
This season, Liverpool hardly ever saw Thiago at his peak. The season began with a thigh injury sustained in the opening league game, and Thiago also spent the rest of the year on the sidelines due to a hip problem that required surgery in the spring. There were exceptions, but overall the 32-year-old’s year was one to forget.
Only 21 appearances across all competitions were handed to Matip, and his performance rarely approached the levels we witnessed during the 2021–22 season. Against West Ham, he scored an important winning goal, but there were also too many strains and errors.
The season-long performance of the Liverpool skipper has been drastically below average. Henderson, who will turn 33 in June, has shown obvious evidence this season that his energy and physical level have considerably decreased.
The collapse of Fabinho, who has appeared to be a shadow of the commanding midfield presence, has been one of the great mysteries of Liverpool’s season. The Brazilian, he has not benefited from what has come before, after, or beside him, but at least he has kept at it and improved.
When Carvalho joined from Fulham last summer and scored goals against Bournemouth and, most notably, Newcastle in August, everybody thought he was a brilliant acquisition. But after the World Cup, his prospects dried up. In 2023, the 20-year-old only made three substitute appearances and made one start.
Due to his limited playing time, Kelleher will probably try to leave Anfield this summer. The Reds’ cup problems meant Kelleher only appeared in four games across all competitions, and in the final one at Southampton on the penultimate day of the regular season, he undoubtedly showed signs of rust.
The Greek has not looked very impressive this season when asked to step in for Andy Robertson after a rather strong 2021–22. Although he makes terrific passes, his defensive flaws are clear.
One of the most well-liked players on the Reds’ first team had a really awful season. Gomez made 31 appearances across all competitions, but he rarely seemed at ease, and his terrifying night against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 sticks out a long way.
This summer will mark the end of Keita’s Reds career, and it will primarily be a narrative of injuries and frustration. He is well-wished by everyone inside the club as he departs Anfield on a free transfer.