Steven Gerrard will no doubt start his final ever game for Liverpool today
Stoke drew with Burnley in their last game to take them to 51 points, their record tally in the Premier League. It capped off a fantastic season for the Potters, who will be hoping to round-off the campaign with a victory.
In Danny Ings, Burnley possessed one of the most feared strikers in the league, with gas to frighten even the best defenders. However, ‘Captain Fantastic’ Ryan Shawcross dealt with him with consummate ease, producing an imperious defensive display. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he made a total of 19 defensive contributions (based on blocks, clearances, tackles won and interceptions).
This was the most in the Stoke squad.
Shawcross wasn’t the only Stoke defender who excelled at the weekend, Geoff Cameron also demonstrated his terrific defensive ability. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that of the seven challenges he attempted, he won six of them.
Steven N’Zonzi has been one of Stoke’s most impressive performers over recent campaigns, with the Frenchman dominating proceedings in the centre of the park. What isn’t always appreciated is his excellent work rate, but yet again, N’Zonzi showed his willingness to cover every blade of grass for the sake of the team. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates that he ran 11.7km on Saturday, this was more than any other player in the Stoke squad. N’Zonzi is 13/2 with 888sport.com to score at any time.
Steven Gerrard’s last game at Anfield ended in a disappointing 3-1 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace. It was a sad way for the Liverpool legend to finish his career in front of the Anfield faithful, and leaves the Reds needing a win to secure fifth place in the league.
All of the focus may have centred around Gerrard, but it was actually the performance of captain-in-waiting Jordan Henderson that caught the eye, particularly with regards to passing. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he completed 44 passes in the opposition half, which was the most in the Liverpool squad and the fourth most in the league overall. Henderson is 6/1 with 888sport.com to score at any time.
It’s fair to say that some of the players who arrived at Anfield last summer will be looking to build on the experiences that they have learnt this term, and look to kick on next season – as many of them haven’t performed as consistently as they would have liked. Of all of Brendan Rodgers’ new signings, though, Emre Can has probably proven to be the best, as he has shown great promise throughout the campaign.
In particular, his ability to slot in at centre-back in a back three has won him many plaudits. This is, in part, due to his natural eye for a tackle – a skill that was on show at the weekend, as he won eight tackles, which was more than any other player in the league.
On the whole, It may have been a season to forget for Liverpool as they have failed to secure a place in the coveted top four, but one player who has had a stellar campaign personally, is Philippe Coutinho. Since the departure of Luis Suarez last year, Coutinho has established himself as the focal point of Liverpool’s attack, holding the key to unlocking opposition defences.
Coutinho demonstrated his attacking prowess to great effect on Saturday, making a total of 32 attacking contributions (based on passes in the opposition half, shots on target, dribbles and crosses). This was the second most in the Liverpool squad, behind only Jordan Henderson (44).
Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars with at http://fantasy.
With Can playing in his ‘best possition’, Allen bossing the mf ala Xavi , 3 false 9’s we have something good to really look forward to.
The tactical genious that is brendan will be louded as the man to take us top .
In brendan we trust!