MADE 4 LIVERPOOL PLAYER OF THE MONTH – SEPTEMBER

The second month of the season was an interrupted one, with the Queen’s unfortunate demise seeing a number of games called off as a sign of respect. As such, Liverpool only played a part in three fixtures in September.

The Merseyside derby kicked off the month, with the Reds held to a goalless draw at Goodison Park. Next was the woeful display in Naples which saw the Italians romp to an impressive 4-1 victory.

The last gasp victory over Ajax was a well needed one and wrapped up the month. It’s now time to crown Liverpool’s Player of the Month. Here are the top three performers over the course of September:

3. Alisson Becker – avg. rating (7.3)

The Brazilian shot stopper was one of very few bright spots this month. He started off with an impressive display at Goodison Park where he made two eye catching saves. First was to thwart Neil Maupay in a one on one after a five on three break.

He later made an even better save to tip McNeil’s doubly deflected effort away from the top corner, a save that was rightly nominated for the Castrol Save of the Month award. He well and truly earned the clean sheet against Everton.

For the shambles in Naples, he was one of few who could leave with their heads held high. It was clearly going to be a long night when after just two minutes he had to rush off his line to force Victor Osimhen wide, with the striker clipping the outside of the post with his shot.

He made four saves on the night, including a save from the spot to thwart the Nigerian hitman. Alisson faced a quieter night in the final game of the month, with Ajax managing just one shot on target. His distribution caught the eye as he pinged several diagonals to set off attacks.

Alisson Becker recorded the highest pass accuracy in the victory over Ajax (95%), completing 35 of his 37 attempted passes, including 9 out of 11 long balls.

2. Kostas Tsimikas – avg. rating (7.5)

The ‘Greek Scouser’ has been a reliable deputy for Andy Robertson in the left back position since settling in on Merseyside following an underwhelming first season. He offered the Scot skipper excellent competition and cover last season and has continued in the same vein this.

Jürgen Klopp handed him a start in the derby, a clear illustration of the trust he’s earned with his performances. He was unlucky not to open the scoring early in the second half against the Toffees, with his controlled drive at the backpost fizzing over the crossbar.

He remained an unused substitute away to Napoli before putting in an accomplished outing against Ajax. He was a creative outlet down the left flank, providing the most chances in the game (5) whilst keeping Dusan Tadic quiet.

It was fitting that he grabbed the all important assist for the late Matip winner. With a whopping nine fixtures to come in October and with Robbo still recovering from a muscle injury, Kostas should receive further opportunities.

Kostas Tsimikas has provided 9 assists in 39 appearances for Liverpool since his switch from Olympiakos two years ago.

1. Thiago Alcantara – avg. rating (8.0)

The Liverpool midfield has been a hot topic this campaign but it is interesting to note that the debate only intensified in Thiago’s absence. The Spanish maestro frustratingly pulled up with a hamstring injury on opening day.

In his absence we watched the likes of Fabinho, Henderson and Milner all toil badly, with even the early promise of the precocious Harvey Elliott fading with an increased responsibility to run games from the middle of the park.

The nadir was the limp first half display at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium. Thiago came off the bench that night and was easily the best player in red. All that with just two training sessions under his belt after a month on the sidelines.

He built on that display with an even better one against Ajax, running the game from start to finish. His presence in the side seemed to have a galvanising effect on his teammates, with his reliability in possession, ability to wriggle out of tight areas, and general quality all on show.

He was named Man of the Match by the club’s official website but was unlucky to miss out on the official UEFA award to the equally impressive Joel Matip. He is our highest rated player this month despite only starting one game.

Liverpool’s win percentage whenever Thiago started in 2021-22 was 80.8%. Heading into the Ajax game, the win percentage had dropped to an alarming 33% in his absence.

https://twitter.com/same_old_Fritz/status/1570028606407180289?t=W-E3xae7q50y-uwrPqcZ7g&s=19

It goes without saying that the Reds hopes and aspirations this season lie on the fragile frame of the talented technician. If he can stay fit, the Reds will challenge for honours. If not, others will have to step up big time.

Highest rated individual performance of the month:

° Joel Matip vs Ajax – (9.5/10)

° Thiago Alcantara vs Ajax – (9.5/10)

° Kostas Tsimikas vs Ajax (9/10)

° Alisson Becker vs Everton – (9/10)

Made4Liverpool 22/23 Player of the Month:

August – Harvey Elliott

September – Thiago Alcantara

*Average ratings are collated from the player ratings posted on this site after every match. Players must have earned a rating in more than half the number of games in the month under review.