Liverpool’s 2016/17 season has surpassed expectations thus far.
Although it may be disheartening for Reds to see Chelsea continually churn out the wins to maintain their six-point buffer at the top of the tree, it has to be remembered that with only one game left until the mythical 19-match mid-point of the campaign, being second in the table and having averaged 2.2 points-per-game is far above what many suspected would be the situation at Anfield before a ball was kicked.
On top of that, Jurgen Klopp’s side are the top scorers in the division with 45, while they have had the most shots (on and off target), played the most passes and had more touches of the ball than any of their rivals. All in all, it’s pretty rosy.
So last week, we asked happy Kopites who is their Player of the Season so far, and with plenty of candidates to pick from, we can now reveal a pretty exciting top THREE.
Interestingly, there’s no place for goal-getting ace Roberto Firmino or captain Jordan Henderson…
3) Adam Lallana
Perhaps Liverpool’s key player this season in terms of contribution, the midfielder’s game has come on leaps and bounds and he’s now added raw numbers to his silky style of play. Indeed, the former Southampton man has notched seven goals and six assists in league action, which is some going considering his last two full seasons in the division have yielded just nine on both counts.
Lallana has not always been a popular figure among Reds supporters, but it seems his sheer progression has won over a fair few of the doubters.
2) Sadio Mane
Seen as a summer gamble when Liverpool paid in excess of £30m for him, Mane is now so important at Anfield that fans are growing increasingly worried about his January exit to represent Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.. The 24-year-old is Klopp’s leading goalscorer in the league with eight to his name, but his contribution cannot be truly summed up in numbers, with the pace he’s brought to a technically adept frontline having increased the team’s dynamism exponentially.
1) Philippe Coutinho
Even though he’s been out injured for just over a month, Liverpool fans still see Coutinho as their key man and top performer. And that view is justified, too, with the Brazilian having directly contributed to ten league goals and, according to WhoScored, been their overall best player in terms of average rating.
He’s working hard to be back to full fitness and his return just after Mane departs to the AFCON will be welcomed with open arms – and a trademark grin – by Klopp.
Click through to see the results in full!
Results
