Liverpool 2009/2010 player season review – The MIDFIELDERS

This week we are taking a look at the Liverpool player’s season and assessing each one individually.  Earlier we took a look at the goalkeeper and the defenders and now we move on to the midfielder’s performances this season.  If you happen to disagree please feel free to comment below.

Alberto Aquilani – The Italian made the big money move to Merseyside in the summer and was seen by many as the instant replacement for the departing Xabi Alonso.  It was made clear when Aquilani signed, that he was still recovering from a persistent ankle injury and would not be available for first team action until late October at the very earliest.  That however was far from the case and consequently, Aquilani has made just a handful of first-team appearances this campaign.  He made his first appearance for the club in the 2-2 draw with Birmingham back in November but has since failed to feature in a consistent number of matches. It is also rumoured that the reported £20m Liverpool paid for the midfielder was in a large number of small instalments according to appearances.  It has been a rotten first campaign for Aquilani and whether he will still be at the club next season remains to be seen.

Lucas Leiva – Lucas is the one Liverpool player that divides opinion on Merseyside amongst the Liverpool fans and has experienced his fair share of criticism since he arrived at the club.  Lucas has however established himself as a regular name on the Liverpool team-sheet and more often than not takes his place alongside Javier Mascherano in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield.  His performances this campaign have been assured and he has been self-composed in the most challenging of situations.  Criticised for being too defensive minded, we have recently seen the real Lucas when he made impressive runs into the penalty area against Lille and Benfica leading to him winning a penalty and scoring a goal.  The performances in the Europa League have led some to suggest that the boss is playing him in the wrong position.  He has no doubt improved this season but whether he has left it too late remains to be seen.

Javier Mascherano – Mascherano has become one of Rafa Benitez’s most important players since his arrival from West Ham United and the Argentinean has become a favourite amongst the fans.  A defensive- minded player he often employs himself just in front of the back four defenders and is often as solid as a rock.  One of the few criticisms of the midfielder is his tendency to get involved in situations that do not involve him, which results in him either getting booked or sent off.  His temperament may at times let him down but there is no doubt that he is one of Liverpool’s finest players.  This season has seen him involved in a large-proportion of Liverpool’s games and he has ever been a consistent performer in the Liverpool ranks.

Steven Gerrard – Gerrard will always be held in the highest regard by Liverpool fans who have for many years watched the England midfielder carry their team in times of need.  There is no doubt however that this season has not been his finest in a Liverpool shirt and there are telling signs that he is beginning to look increasingly unhappy at Liverpool’s lack of progress this term.  To add to the uncertainty regarding the skipper’s future there has been widespread criticism in regards to the position he should hold in the Liverpool team. On the left? On the right? Through the middle?  Up front? Who Knows?

Maxi Rodriguez – Signed in the January transfer window from Atletico Madrid, Maxi has brought something a little different to the Liverpool team. With the imminent departure of Spanish winger Albert Riera looming nearer, the manager needed somebody who could come and do an instant job on the left hand side.  He made his first appearance in the 1-1 draw with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium and his first start came a week later away at Wolves.  He has already made two assists whilst at the club, both to former Atletico team mate Fernando Torres.

Dirk Kuyt – Mr Workhorse, Kuyt always give 110% of matches and this season has been no exception.  Kuyt always puts in a shift for the Liverpool cause which Liverpool fans appreciate in itself.  As in previous season’s Kuyt has this season popped up with important goals when Liverpool need it including the first goal in the 4-1 win over Benfica at Anfield.  After being converted to a right-sided midfielder we do not always see the best of the Dutchman but he has this season been a constant threat when he has played.