MADE 4 LIVERPOOL PLAYER OF THE MONTH – APRIL

The biggest April of our lives turned out to be pretty straightforward as these Reds made the insurmountable seem mundane. Games against Watford, Benfica (twice), Manchester City (twice), Manchester United, Everton, Villarreal and Newcastle were all crammed into a single month.

Many sides would have faltered with the sheer weight of pressure riding on each game. These Reds are mentally monsters for a reason however. They skilfully manouvred their way across the FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League to remain in contention for all three.

An unbeaten run of seven victories and two draws was the summary of the month. Each member of the squad was at their best, but here’s a detailed look to find out who the highest rated players over the course of what was a sensational month for the club are.

=5. Andy Robertson – avg. rating (7.5)

The Scottish skipper recovered from Covid over the March international break to be ever present throughout April. He made 8 appearances; helping the side to 5 clean sheets, as well as directly contributing to 3 goals (1 goal, 2 assists).

His highlights include the crucial opening goal in the Merseyside derby when he stole in at the backpost to steer Salah’s cross home. He was especially fantastic in the double header derbies against Manchester United and Everton. He has grown as a leader in the side.

=5. Sadio Mané – avg. rating (7.5)

The Senegalese superstar returned from the international break with a spring in his step after leading his country to World Cup qualification by scoring the winning penalty in the shootout. He was a revelation throughout April in his new striking role and finished the month as the club’s topscorer in all competitions.

He featured in all nine games, scoring 6 goals and providing one assist. He was particularly influential against Manchester City, almost singlehandedly putting them to the sword at Wembley. He was unreal against United as well and was again one of the best players on the pitch when Villareal visited Anfield.

4. Virgil Van Dijk – avg. rating (7.6)

The Dutch colossus was a constant at the back, with his command of the backline especially in setting offside traps seeing the Reds keep out most of their opponents. He played 8 times in April and helped the side to 5 clean sheets. Only 5 goals were let in, with 4 of those coming against Manchester City.

The side conceded 3 goals to Benfica at Anfield in the one game he was rested for, as his absence saw the offside trap fall to pieces. He’s absolutely key to leading that backline. That’s without mentioning the all round quality he brings. If the Reds are to succeed in May, he’ll have to continue being at his best.

3. Trent Alexander-Arnold – avg. rating (7.7)

The 23 year old overcame a hamstring strain at the start of April to enjoy an outstanding month. He made 6 appearances, helping keep 3 clean sheets, creating 12 chances, and providing 1 assist. His highlights include displays against Benfica and Manchester United.

His best performance is a toss up between the solid defensive display at Wembley against Manchester City and the passing clinic he put on against Villareal at Anfield. He remains the side’s key creative outlet. One assist all month is more down to his teammates’ finishing than anything as he’s created very presentable chances.

2. Thiago Alcantara – avg. rating (8.4)

Thiago has been absolutely sensational over the past few weeks and indeed the season as a whole. He stayed fit and managed to hit an unbelievable level of consistency across every single one of his 8 appearances in April. He has an intriguing blend of silky technical ability and a steely determination to win the ball back.

He is the definition of an iron fist in a velvet glove. His displays against Manchester City, Villareal and Manchester United especially, will live long in the memory. He has rightly been nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award.

1. Luis Diaz – avg. rating (8.5)

The Colombian has proved a stellar signing since his switch from FC Porto at the end of January. He’s taken breaths away with some filthy touches and dribbles. Look back at a successful April intently and you’ll realise his impact on every single game he played in.

He returned from international duty with the disappointment of missing out on World Cup qualification. He channeled that emotion into his displays and it showed. In his 8 appearances over the month, he was involved in 5 goals (2 goals, 3 assists).

His highlights include a goal and assist at a hostile Estadio da Luz, tormenting Cancelo and Fernandinho at Wembley, and another goal and assist return, this time against Manchester United. Most memorable of them all is his cameo in the derby, the touch, the overhead kick assist, wow.

Lucho has started May in a similar vein of form, as we all witnessed at the Ceramica on Tuesday night. He makes an impact whether it’s from the start or off the bench. He’s been the injection of quality the side needed in January and has played a key role in the Reds’ quest for immortality.

Highest rated individual performance of the month:

° Thiago Alcantara vs Manchester United – (10/10)

° Thiago Alcantara vs Villarreal – (9.5/10)

° Sadio Mané vs Manchester United – (9.5/10)

Made4Liverpool 21/22 Player of the Month:

August – Joel Matip & Virgil Van Dijk

September – Mohamed Salah

October – Mohamed Salah

November – Trent Alexander-Arnold

December – Trent Alexander-Arnold

January – Andy Robertson

February – Thiago Alcantara

March – Virgil Van Dijk

April – Luis Diaz

*Average ratings are calculated from the player ratings posted at the end of every match on this site. Players must have played more than half the number of games in the month under review.