Liverpool enjoyed their best ever Premier League campaign in the club’s history, racking up as many as 97 points. They were unlucky not to win their maiden Premier League title though, with Manchester City narrowly beating them by just one point. But the Reds will still have the opportunity to secure a trophy as they have already reached the final of the UEFA Champions League.
It has largely been a collective effort from Jurgen Klopp’s men this season. However, we pick three particular players who have been key to their success this campaign.
Sadio Mane
It was always going to be a difficult task to choose between Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. But the Senegalese international deserves credit for stepping up to the plate, especially when Liverpool needed him the most.
Mane ended his Premier League campaign as the league’s joint top scorer with 22 goals alongside Salah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He was also important in Liverpool’s road to the Champions League final, notably scoring a brace in the 2nd leg win over Bayern Munich in the Round of 16. He ended up with four goals in the UCL.
In the league, Mane was involved in as many as nine goals in Liverpool’s last nine matches, during which the Reds maintained an incredible 100% winning record. And the ex-RB Salzburg player will surely play a key role when Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final next month.
Fabinho
After a slow start to the season, Fabinho’s steady rise as one of Premier League’s most effective midfielders has been critical to Liverpool’s excellent season.
The Brazilian has offered the much-needed stability in midfield while his aggression and willingness to win back possession made the Reds much more vigilant and precise in midfield. Fabinho’s performance against Barcelona, in particular, was indicative of his ability to lead the team.
Additionally, the ex-Monaco star has also done well to drive forward and create opportunities in the final third. His excellent passing range allows him to rotate possession – thus making him a complete package in midfield.
Made no mistake, Fabinho will be one of Liverpool’s most important players next season as they aim to continue their push for the elusive Premier League title.
Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk was voted as PFA’s Player of the Year at the end of last month and rightly so as the Dutchman’s consistent performances week in week out was the main reason behind Liverpool ending the campaign boasting the meanest defence in the league.
van Dijk offered the physical presence which was coupled with his proficiency in the air. His imposing presence at the back was also intimidating for the attackers who failed to dribble past him even once in the league while the Dutchman’s ability to keep up with his marker served Liverpool well, especially against quality opposition.
van Dijk was involved at the other end of the pitch as well, scoring four goals in the league. His heading prowess made him an indirect threat from set-pieces. And finally, it was his aggression and passion that made him a tailor-made fit for Jurgen Klopp’s gegenpressing style of football at Liverpool.
Honourable mentions:
Liverpool boast of two world-class fullbacks. Trent Alexander-Arnold (1 goal and 15 assists) and Andrew Robertson (13 assists) were absolutely impeccable in their approach and their drive, energy and presence of mind typified Liverpool’s season.