MADE 4 LIVERPOOL PLAYER OF THE SEASON – 2021/22

The 2021/22 season was an exhilarating ride for Liverpool as the Reds chased down an unprecedented quadruple till the final week of the season. The League Cup was lifted in February after a penalty shootout victory over Chelsea.

The FA Cup was also clinched in May under similar circumstances. Unfortunately for Jürgen Klopp’s side, they fell a point short of Manchester City, with their tally of 92 points being the third highest in Liverpool’s Premier League history.

The Champions League final brought further heartache as an unbelievable performance by Courtois denied the Reds to see Real Madrid nick it 1-0. In the end, we had to ‘make do’ with ‘just’ a domestic double but what a season that was!

There were several standout players across the campaign. In this article we take a look at the best performing (certainly the most consistent) players after crunching the numbers. Some started the season on fire but run out of gas towards the end.

Others maintained a consistent high level throughout. We’ve struck the average rating over the course of the 63 game campaign for each squad member who made at least 30 appearances. The numbers are very revealing and perhaps surprising. Let’s dive straight in…

10. Jordan Henderson – avg. rating (7.04)

The skipper made the most appearances for the side and his importance was clear for all to see. He usually lined up on the right of a midfield three but was able to drop into the holding role in Fabinho’s absence.

His energy and intensity levels meant he kept his teammates on their toes. He scored a 9.5 rating for his performance in the 5-0 thrashing at Old Trafford where his sumptuous assist for Salah capped off terrific display. He ended the season with 9 goal contributions in 57 appearances (3 goals, 6 assists).

9. Andy Robertson – avg. rating (7.16)

The Scottish skipper recovered from an ankle injury at the beginning of the season to have himself another season full of strong showings. With the Greek Scouser impressing when filling in, Robbo had to remind everyone why he’s the best left back in the world on his day.

His highest rated performances came in two 9.5 rated displays away to Porto in a 5-1 Champions League thrashing, and at Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi final second leg. He was magnificent that night as he pocketed an in form Saka. Robbo ended the season with 18 goal contributions in 47 appearances (3 goals, 15 assists).

8. Sadio Mané – avg. rating (7.19)

Could this be Sadio’s final season at the club? It definitely looks that way. If it comes to it, he can leave with his head held high. This has been another fantastic season, although it truly caught fire following his return from AFCON as champion of Africa.

A switch to the striking role coincided with a new found confidence that saw the Senegalese finish as the club’s topscorer in the calendar year. His highlights were two 9.5 rated displays, at home to Arsenal and then at home to United (in his new role).

He was majestic that night and his assist for Salah’s goal may just be the assist of the season. He memorably put City to the sword at Wembley in the FA Cup semi final as well. He registered a total of 26 goal contributions in 51 appearances (23 goals, 3 assists).

7. Alisson Becker – avg. rating (7.27)

The Brazilian stopper was sensational this season. He hit the high standards he set in his very first season at the club. It helped that he was able to steer clear of the injury problems that dogged him the previous season. He got to share the Premier League Golden Glove with compatriot Ederson.

It’s his first since that stunning debut season and just reward for an excellent campaign. He had to be on high alert as Liverpool’s defensive line went higher and higher. I’ve lost count of the number of one on one saves he had to make. He delivered so many big saves and made it look nonchalant.

There were also several occasions where he made a crucial save and then a few seconds later, his teammates had gone up the other end to score. He finished the season with 27 clean sheets in 54 appearances, not to mention his assist for Salah against Norwich.

6. Fabinho Tavares – avg. rating (7.32)

The Brazilian enforcer is another who enjoyed a strong season. He underlined why many regard him as one of the best, if not the very best, in his position. He morphed into a prolific goal getter in January when Salah and Mané departed for AFCON.

He may have dipped slightly as the season wore on but it was still an impressive campaign. His best game came in a perfect 10/10 rating away to Leeds. He registered 9 goal contributions in 48 appearances (8 goals, 1 assist).

5. Joel Matip – avg. rating (7.42)

He best proves the benefit of staying injury free. This was his best season at the club in terms of staying fit and it was no wonder he was one of the side’s best players. His consistency levels rarely dipped as he put in several top class displays.

He was well managed by Jürgen Klopp throughout the season. His highest points are two 9.5 ratings home and away against Leeds. He registered 6 goal contributions in 43 appearances (3 goals, 3 assists).

4. Mohamed Salah – avg. rating (7.44)

Perhaps surprising to see him way down in fourth after the season he had. That’s down to the dip in form from February onwards. He was completely untouchable in the first half of the season. He was operating on a level above every player on the planet.

He was so far clear of everybody else that he still couldn’t be usurped when the goals dried up. A third Premier League Golden Boot in five years and a first Playmaker award sums up a special season for the Egyptian.

He registered a whopping three perfect 10/10 ratings; in thrashings against Watford, Manchester United and Leeds. He finished as the club’s topscorer for the fifth consecutive season, registering 46 goal contributions in 51 appearances (31 goals, 15 assists).

2=. Virgil Van Dijk – avg. rating (7.57)

The Dutch skipper defied logic as he put in a mightily impressive campaign straight after recovering from an ACL injury. Many wondered if he’d ever get back to his best after the injury but he laid those worries straight to bed.

He was the leader at the back as Liverpool kept a religious high line. His best displays were two 9.5 ratings away to Inter Milan and at home to Leeds. He ended the season with 5 goal contributions in 51 appearances (3 goals, 2 assists), and loads of clean sheets.

2=. Trent Alexander-Arnold – avg. rating (7.57)

The 23 year old signed a deal to become one of the highest earners at the club last summer and followed it up with a fantastic campaign. He created the most chances (90) in the Premier League and was unlucky to miss out on the Playmaker award.

Like Virgil, he was a pillar of consistency from start to finish. He scored a perfect rating (10/10) at home to Arsenal, and ended the season with 20 goal contributions in 47 appearances (2 goals, 18 assists).

1. Thiago Alcantara – avg. rating (7.81)

The mercurial Spaniard recorded the highest average rating of the lot. He was consistently brilliant throughout the season as he ran the show from midfield. He had the Kop ooing with every touch and every sway of the hip.

He recorded a perfect 10/10 score in a stunning display at home to United, days after a devastating display at Wembley against City. He’s just won the UEFA Goal of the Season award for his sweet strike against Porto. He registered 7 goal contributions in 39 appearances (2 goals, 5 assists).

Special mention:

Luis Diaz – avg. rating (7.98)

The winter signing from FC Porto was pretty much outstanding in all 26 matches he featured in. He was the side’s best player in the latter stages of the campaign. Imagine what he could do with a full pre-season under his belt and more time to acclimatise. Scary prospect.

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

May – Luis Diaz