Let’s face it, Liverpool have had a rollercoaster season.
It started with Brendan Rodgers and the slow start. That followed by his sacking and the hiring of Jürgen Klopp. A Capital One Cup final and Europa League quarter-finals (with potentially more) is what Liverpool have to show.
Although their league position is nowhere near the standard that Liverpool want to have, there have been positives to show throughout the season.
Some players haven’t lived up to what was expected as them.
Since a bright start last season, Alberto Moreno hasn’t proven he can be consistent enough at left back.
Martin Skrtel has dropped off mightily. Other players haven’t shown what they’re capable of, but some players have not only shown us their potential, but surprised us with the production.
The locals at the Tavern just finished a game of pool and are discussing how these FIVE players have surpassed expectations this season…….
[ffc-gallery]
PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!
[/ffc-gallery]
Emre Can
Last campaign, supporters at the Tavern saw flashes of potential from the young German.
Playing out of position for the majority of last season, he struggled at the end of the season.
It seemed like Emre Can wouldn’t get a game under Rodgers. Once Klopp arrived, we have seen what the young man is capable of.
He has been the driving force of the midfield throughout Klopp’s tenure so far. Beforehand, it was a question of who would start next to Jordan Henderson.
Now, the question has shifted to who will be Can’s starting companion? He has been tenacious in tackles and joins in on attack while making sure his defensive duties are taking care of. He will be a fun player to watch down the road.
Roberto Firmino
He came in with a hefty price tag and high expectations.
Soon after he made his debut for Liverpool, fans became discouraged.
Did Liverpool just spend £30 million pounds on an unknown? Again, Jürgen Klopp came in and revitalised his production.
He now is one of the main Liverpool components in their attack and without him, Liverpool tend to struggle.
Fans at the Tavern didn’t know what to expect from the uncapped Brazilian.
We saw the highlights, but wondered whether his game could translate to the Premier League. It sure has with most defenders turning their attention to him.
Managers are now preparing how to stop Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.
Dejan Lovren
He was considered to be one of Liverpool’s biggest transfers of recent memorie.
£20 million seemed outrageous for the Croatian, considering his performance in his debut season.
Rodgers wanted to play him as much as possible to show everyone why he was worth the money. Although he showed flashes at the beginning of the year, he wasn’t proving any doubters wrong.
However, since early September, he has been Liverpool’s most consistent centre back. His confident has oozed out and the punters back him to be starting for a few more years to come.
He has made crucial interceptions and tackles to stop potent attacks. His aerial abilities have been brightly shining and it will be important to see what else he can do for the Liverpool teams in the future.
Adam Lallana
Another potential Southampton flop, Lallana has come onto the scene as of late with his skill and energy.
He has been much more confident and creative with the ball and whenever that isn’t working, he always continue to pressure defenders to make poor decisions.
He was voted PFA Fans’ Player of the Month for March and with good reason.
Against Manchester City, he showed arguably his best skill in the Liverpool kit and the local supporters have been raving about him since.
He has scored crucial goals against Norwich City and fans are praying to the football gods that the performances will continue for the Englishmen. Klopp is hoping for it as well.
Philippe Coutinho
What can’t this little Brazilian do? He is always seems to impress fans with his skill and his knack for the big goals.
It might be unfair to the likes of Nathaniel Clyne who has been the most consistent player for Liverpool all season.
However, supporters believe that it was consistency from Coutinho that was lacking and he seems to have found that.
Some fans questioned whether Coutinho would fit into Klopp’s squad.
The talent was never questioned, but would his stamina and work rate be enough for the German gaffer? Sure enough, he has been lively in most matches since Klopp’s taken over and it has been a pleasure to watch.
It will be exciting to see what he can do for the future seasons at Liverpool.
