3. David Ngog – The young Frenchman has not only surprised Reds fans by outscoring Torres and Gerrard this season but the media too. The thing that has impressed most about Ngog though is his attitude and maturity when called upon. He doesn’t start every game and when he doesn’t start, he doesn’t whine like certain teammates. He comes in, does what is asked of him (and more) and more often than not, this year, scores or at least contributes to a goal. Long may it continue.
2. Pepe Reina – If there was ever a season when Reina wasn’t in at least the top 3 Liverpool players then it would be a huge surprise. But this season, he has made a handful of uncharacteristic mistakes and, being a Liverpool player, the media have predicted that he is waning and not as good as he was. Personally, I think it’s a testament to his quality that he has only made 2 errors this season, given some of our woeful performances and how shaky our back four have been. Reina is the best ‘keeper on the planet, bar none; he is consistently and reliably top-class and the only reason he isn’t number one is because of the superb form and improvement of a certain young midfielder.
1. Lucas Leiva – You will probably never see another player that splits opinion as much as the young Brazilian. Lambasted since his arrival, the split was something like 90-10, with the 10 being those in his favour. However, after putting in top-class midfield performances all season and not letting his level drop for a minute, Lucas has begun to gradually win over many of his doubters. The ratio is now more like 80-20 in his favour, which is a remarkable turnaround given the vile abuse he’s been subjected to over the last few years. It is a testament to his character that he has come this far and has turned even the media opinions of him in his favour and is now considered a strong Premier League player. If there is one area of improvement for the Brazilian to work on, then it is in his goal-record. But that will come in time (remember, Gerrard was exactly prolific until he reached 22-23), for now he can just enjoy having been Liverpool’s best player so far this season.
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I notice the primadonna highearners Carragher, Kuyt, Gerrard and Torres are not included in this list, what a surprise! Reina has left in 22 goals in the premier league so far this season-that is really the form of the so-called best goalie in the world. If Lucas is the best player so far this season than it is no wonder the club is in a mess, he is the closest thing the club has to the invisible man. This guy couldn’t even cope with Newcastle’s worldclass midfield.
Well if you cannot see the improvement he as shown then either you do not go the game or so bias in your opinion that no matter what he does he will not get the credit he deserves.
And remember this is the player who got openly boo’ed by the likes of you but still put’s head down and trains hard for the club.
Maybe you should show the same commitment in supporting or atleast look support up in the dictionary to see what support means.
@kenny Lucas easily best player this year, FACT!
In response to B2D and Turks, Lucas did not score one goal in the Premier League last season, he has not scored one goal in the Premier League this season. You say he trains very hard, so what isn’t every player supposed to do that. He was brushed aside at Stoke and in every game where the opposition increase the physical stakes. Turks says that Lucas is easily the best player this season so far, lets be honest their isn’t much competition in the squad for that honour.
he was better than gerrard last season as well.
Great article David, spot on too! Could not agree more with your Christmas review.
I hope we see players like Kelly and Pacheco performing as well in the rest of the season – and hopefully seeing a revival of talented and important players like Stevie G., Fernando and Agger.
Reina has not been at his best this season by his own high standards. Recently, against Newcastle he should have been braver and saved from Barton and was beaten a long way out by Carol. Against Steaua he split the ball inexplicably.
After Man Utd’s draw with Birmingham Liverpool are the equivalent of 13 points behind Utd. In 1989 Liverpool pulled back a 13 point lead on Arsenal. Instead of Liverpool concentrating on rubbish like the Europa League and FA Cup Liverpool should push on and win the Premier League this season.
dreamer, nothing but a dreamer.
and a know nothing about football as well.
It is apparent that many fans have been a little hasty in criticizing Lucas and Ngog i have always been a fan of Ngog but not Lucas.
It is a testimony to Lucas Ngog and Soto that they have been able to put their heads down and tails up despite criticism.
In response to LOSER dj, go off and support the likes of Aston Villa. You clearly have a inferiority complex with Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, BOLTON, SUNDERLAND, BLACKPOOL, NEWCASTLE.
In response to dj about Lucas, so you rate a guy who scored no goals in the Premier League last season, are you sure it is not yourself that knows nothing about football? With so-called unambitious fans like you no wonder the club has not won the title since 1990.
Writing with crayons again I see, I’ve obviously hit on a raw nerve there. Sensitive are we.
Look at the managers who pick him for club and country, and some of the clubs interested in signing him. There must be a reason.
Do you ever look further than the end of your nose, or are you only influenced by the media? You’re the type of supporter who can’t think for himself and needs to be told what to think. Maybe it’s you who should support another team, because LFC doesn’t need idiotic know nothings like you supporting them. Happy new year you donkey fart.
In response to dj you must be overjoyed with yet another brilliant performance by Lucas tonight. T
Dj, you seem to rate Hodgson as one of these top managers who pick Lucas in their team.