Liverpool Midpoint of Season Evaluation

Pepe Reina – Seven clean sheets in a row says something but he is still vulnerable to high balls and was awful in the beginning of the season. 6.5/10

Jan Arne Riise – A few more long range efforts that were on target would help. Looks solid in defense and is playing well now after an injury plagued season start. 7/10

Steve Finnan – Looking strong on the offense he has settled down in the Liverpool back four as well. Has a great work rate but is a bit lacking in speed when forced to defend a counterattack. 7/10

Jamie Carragher – Playing consistently well as usual. Is more of an offensive threat this year than in previous seasons. 8/10

Jermaine Pennant – A bit of a powder puff on the ball. He has great speed but often loses possession. Has not been the game winner I was expecting him to be. 5/10

Steve Gerrard – Has picked up his goalscoring as of late. Domination of midfield makes him Liverpool’s MVP. 9/10

Xabi Alonso – After a slow start he seems to be making the defensive midfield position his own. Had a cracker of as goal against Watford and looks to be Liverpool’s first choice penalty taker. 7.5/10

Dirk Kuyt – One of the most passionate of all the Red’s players. Works at a 100% and is a great acquisition. Goals will hopefully follow soon. 8/10

Craig Bellamy – Has been sensational since his legal problems have ended. Defintely the quickest player in the Liverpool squad. Has a natural goal touch and works well with Kuyt. 7/10

Peter Crouch – Effective when played. Dangerous in the International game. Lacks speed but has strong ball control. So far Crouchie is Liverpool’s top scorer in all competitions. 8/10

Sanz Luis Garcia – Scores when it counts but still gives the ball away a bit too easily. Makes up for this shortfall with his creative brilliance 7.5/10

Mohammed Sissoko – Injury has curtailed his season. Expecting big results from him next year. 7/10

Dan Agger – Lacks Hyppia’s prowess in the air but is better than the big Finn on the ground. His confidence in taking the ball upfield as a defender draws comparisons to Alan Hansen. 7/10

Sami Hyypia – His lack of pace has clearly influenced his game however Sami is still the best defensive header of the ball. Important player in the big games. 6.5/10