The first four games of the 2015-16 season have elapsed. With some players still getting back to full fitness after a reduced pre-season, and some individuals not deemed ready to feature, this little cluster of fixtures can be considered a mini-season in itself.
Liverpool began the month with two narrow wins over Stoke City and Bournemouth respectively, and then picked up a point at Arsenal, acquitting themselves superbly in the process.
A crushing defeat at the hands of West Ham United has left a bad taste in some Reds fans’ mouths as we take a break for the international fixtures; particularly the manner of the loss.
With new signings, a new captain, and new coaching staff at Anfield, the first four outings were always going to be difficult to predict.
Here’s how each player to have got some minutes on the pitch so far have fared (all marked out of 10):
Simon Mignolet – 6
Had very little to do in the first two games, and made some important yet relatively straightforward saves at the Emirates. Could’ve done better on a couple of the goals against West Ham, in truth, but it’s been steady and unspectacular from the Belgian.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7
The new right-back has seemingly solved what has been a problem position since Glen Johnson began to fade. It will be interesting to see when/if Liverpool switch to a 4-4-2 diamond just how much of a threat he can be going forward.
Martin Skrtel – 7
Solid throughout the first two games, and like a man possessed in the second half against Arsenal. Perhaps should’ve got more distance on his attempted clearing header that led to West Ham’s first one last week, though blaming him for that goal is probably a tad harsh.
Dejan Lovren – 5
Having made the mistake against West Ham it must be last chance saloon for the Croatian now. His decision-making remains bizarre. A shame, as he looked as though he’d turned the corner.
Joe Gomez – 7
The England Under-21 international has looked ever so comfortable for a lad that only had half a season’s worth of senior games in the Championship to his name before this term.
He’s defensively clever and comfortable with the ball at his feet. Hard not to feel sorry for him against West Ham as he struggled to provide an attacking threat down his weaker side.
Alberto Moreno – 6
Looked lively to say the least. Marauding runs late on in games have had us all out of our seats.
Lucas Leiva – 6
Played well at Arsenal and it’s a relief that he’s still a Liverpool player. Will be an important figure in the tough away games to come, though it’s probably best to shy away from playing him in home games when teams are looking to catch the Reds on the break.
James Milner – 7
Already emerged as a leader among the squad, showing unbelievable work rate and game intelligence early on this season. Lovely snide tackle on Charlie Adam, too. Would be good to see him getting into the box more.
Jordan Henderson – 6
Was a big miss against the Hammers, and will continue to be a miss until he returns. Hendo performed as you’d expect him to during the game-and-a-half that he took part in.
Jordan Rossiter – 6
Great to see him make his Premier League bow, and he wasn’t fazed by the big occasion as he was thrown in at the deepest of ends at Arsenal. Looking forward to seeing him get some minutes in the cups.
Emre Can – 5
Still trying to figure out what kind of player he is. He lacks the discipline to play in defensive midfield, and he’s too slow on the turn to play further forward. He’s clearly not a defender, either. Important season for him.
Philippe Coutinho – 8
The goal at Stoke speaks for itself. He was immense at Arsenal, too, and outshone the likes of Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, and Santi Cazorla. Unlucky to see red in the last game but shouldn’t be sliding in when on a yellow.
Adam Lallana – 6
Seemed to take a lot of flack for his performances in the first two games and unjustifiably so. Fairly certain he was following the manager’s instructions and keeping the ball in the final third as Liverpool looked to wait for an opening rather than try to force an unlikely one. Still such a clever player, and looked good when he dropped back into midfield against Bournemouth, too.
Jordon Ibe – 5
Has not been able to carry his pre-season form into the Premier League yet, but this can happen with young players. The pressure of being tasked with ‘replacing’ Raheem Sterling can’t be easy, either.
Roberto Firmino – 5
Had some good touches at Arsenal, and came close from distance on his home debut, but we’ve only seen a fraction of what he can do. Expecting more from him after the internationals.
Danny Ings – 6
Showed good energy and attitude when coming off the bench for his Anfield bow. Could surprise a few people this season if given the chance.
Christian Benteke – 7
Got off the mark in his first home game, which is ideal for any number nine. Should’ve doubled his tally for the season at Arsenal but his general play has been great for the most part. His only below-par performance came against West Ham but there were other factors at play there.
