After a long 10 months, the season is finally over and Liverpool have achieved what was their original goal – qualifying for the Champions League.
We flirted with a title challenge before December but, unfortunately, tailed off at the start of 2017 and scrapped our way into the top four.
Nevertheless, this season has been largely enjoyable for me personally and I see it as a sign of the progress that we’ve made as a club under Jurgen Klopp.
No trophies to show for it, I know, but anyone can see we are slowly making our own way up to the pinnacle of the football world and much of that is down to Klopp and the signings he brought in.
Looking back at last summer’s window on paper, it seems underwhelming. Buying Premier League proven players, cheap deals from the Bundesliga and an ageing goalkeeper from who knows where.
Looking at it now, you could argue it’s one of the best transfer windows we’ve had in years!
The Liverpool manager made quite a few right calls last summer and I expect for him to do the same thing again. Here are my grades on the last summer’s transfer window:
[Stats courtesy of Whoscored and Squawka]
Marko Grujic (From Loan) – C
Premier League appearances: 5
Minutes played: 38
Average pass accuracy: 81%
Chances created: 1
It’s unfair to really grade Grujic on what has really been a bit part season for him. He’s been hounded by injuries and the stats show he hasn’t really had a chance to do anything this season. He’s shown what he can do in the U23’s, but he gets a C. I think next season, if he stays fit, we’ll see what he’s made of.
Joel Matip (Free) – A
Premier League appearances: 29
Aerial duels won: 59%
Average pass accuracy: 87%
Clearances per game: 5.3
Interceptions per game: 1.6
Goals scored: 1
He’s going to be, in my opinion, the mainstay at the back for 5-10 years for Liverpool. He’s been so solid and composed and we look a much better team with him in the starting XI. If we buy a top-class central defender to partner him (*cough* Virgil van Dijk *cough*) and keep them fit, our defence for next season will frighten teams.
Loris Karius (£4.7M) – D
Premier League Appearances: 10
Clean Sheets: 3
Average saves per goal: 1.17
Average goals conceded: 1.20
Average claim success: 75%
Average punches success: 30%
It’s not been a great season for Karius. Bought to be our number one goalkeeper hebreaks his hand, comes back in to the fold but can’t catch a ball. He was put back on the bench in favour of Simon Mignolet and ever since has never really looked like he’s going to get his place back. He is still young but I haven’t seen enough to suggest he’s got what it takes.
Sadio Mane (£30M) – A+
Premier League appearances: 27
Goals scored: 13
Assists: 5
Chances created: 43
Total shots: 38
Shot conversion rate: 34%
What a signing! Everyone doubted him at the start because he came from Southampton and he’s not a ‘big name’, just shows what we know about football. From day one he’s been superb. He’s changed the way we play and it’s telling how one-dimensional we’ve looked without him in the side. He’s a player that just excites me and I can’t wait to see him playing in the Champions League next season.
Ragnar Klavan (£4.2M) – B
Premier League appearances: 20
Aerial duels won: 49%
Average pass accuracy: 89%
Clearances per game: 4.6
Interceptions per game: 1.3
Goals scored: 1
He’s been good at times, and at others he’s just been woeful. Probably played a lot more than was expected with our defenders having so many injuries throughout the season. He’s very good on the ball but it’s clear he should just be a backup option for us going forward.
Georginio Wijnaldum (£23M) – A
Premier League appearances: 36
Goals scored: 6
Assists: 9
Chances created: 43
Average pass accuracy: 87%
Key passes per game: 1.2
I like this player, I mean I really like this player! I think he’s class and another player who fans were thinking ‘why we signing him for?’. When he’s in the middle of the park next to Adam Lallana, he looks amazing. He comes up with important goals exactly when we need them and has quietly got a decent number of assists this season. He has been quiet at times but I still think he’s been a great signing.
