Ibe has been a total revelation since his return from loan
Attacking Midfield
Philippe Coutinho – Little Phil has truly grown up this season, turning in a number of exceptional play-making performances, the like of which we thought we wouldn’t see again for some time after Luis Suarez’s exit. But Coutinho has shown that there are still top-class players at the club to excite the fans. Coutinho has scored just 5 goals this season, with 6 assists – both things that will no doubt improve over time but Coutinho scares the wits out of opposition sides, something his recent spate of man of the match awards is testament to. Rating – 8/10
Jordan Ibe – Although he’s only been back at the club a short while, Ibe has impressed so much that he generally seen as a permanent fixture in the squad and an all but certain starter, provided Rodgers sticks with the current system. Rating – 6.5/10
Lazar Markovic – The young winger’s first season in the Premier League has been a mixed one. From an underwhelming start, he burst into form late last year, excelling from the wing back position, scoring a few goals and looking like he was capable of taking on teams on his own. Recently though, his form as dropped off and he has looked ineffective and tired. Still, he’s only 20 and we’ve seen enough flashes of his potential to know he has all the qualities to succeed at the club. Rating – 6.5/10
Adam Lallana – Many will disagree, but Lallana’s first season at Liverpool has, so far, been a success. Not a resounding one, but a success. 5 goals and 4 assists isn’t an incredible return but, as pointed out with Coutinho, those aren’t always indicative of a player’s worth and effect on opposition sides. Lallana is a superbly talented, technically excellent midfielder, with age on his side and a work-rate matched only by Jordan Henderson. He is also a potential match-winner – one of many in the Liverpool squad. Will no doubt finish the season with a flourish. Rating 7/10
