LFC Players - your end of term report (08/09)

Well with only a few games left, thought this could do with a bump but obviously assessing on the whole season.

Reina - magnificent, easily the best keeper in the land this year and could well be named our player of the year.

Cavalieri - hardly shone in his few appearances, but hardly disappointed massively either.

Arbeloa - can't remember one game this year where I've thought Arby was one of the worst 5 performers on the pitch. Love him to bits and been magnificent throughout this year.

Carra - back to his best

Sami - still a legend and still able to do a job when needed

Skrtel - magnificent before his injury, magnificent after his injury with the odd mistake here and there. Possible player of the year.

Agger - wasn't at his best during Skrtel's injury but last few weeks has been back to the Dagger we saw in 06/07

Aurelio - poor start to the season, finally showing some class. Getting better with games.

Insua - superb. Already looks like a sound player.

Dossena - piss poor start, piss port middle, two good goals, not seen much of him since.

Kuyt - typical Kuyt season, hard work, double figure goals and still enfuriates me with his sh*te control but probably his best year at Anfield.

Xabi - bossed our midfield and could well win player of the year.

Masch - poor season by his standards, but still played decent enough by and large.

Lucas - piss poor beginning, good Christmas period, not the worst ending to the season.

Riera - good start, poor middle, do we have to talk about the last three months?

Babel - rather forget his season all together, barring that goal against United at Anfield.

Benayoun - sh*te beginning to the season, probably the worst of any Liverpool player, dramatically improved in recent weeks and is looking like the Benayoun from West Ham.

Stevie - brilliant as usual. No surprises to see him surpass 20 goals again.

Nando - Goals speak for themselves. Outstanding player, even in an injury hit season has been fantastic with the odd bad game but everybody is allowed one.

Ngog - didn't see much at the start of the year, but has impressed in his few cameo appearances.

Benitez - fantastic start with a never say die attitude, too cautious in the middle, tactically spot on since about March and allowing the boys to express themselves.

A few players that really need to prove their point - 

Riera - if he wants to wear the red shirt, he really needs to grab the horns and show some consistency.  Otherwise, get lost.

Babel - Whether it's man management, poor training or lack of committment.  Something needs to change ASAP.  This tree needs to bear fruit.

Dossena -  LB is taken by better candidates, I can't see him contributing to this side much.  He might have to go unless there is a new role that Rafa can conjure for him.

Lucas - I want to see this guy's passport!  He needs to show that Brazilian flair and spark up them dead situations like the home game against Hull.  When the rest are fit, I can't see him playing, needs to show more.

The rest I feel are doing their jobs, but these guys are a letdown at the moment.  Either inconsistent or uncertain in their roles.  I can see most if not all of these guys going unless they can show their worth in the remaining fixtures(that is if they are selected)

Well with only a few games left, thought this could do with a bump but obviously assessing on the whole season.

But wouldn't that be a new topic?

I agree with most you put but I'm going to give my opinions in 5 games time as I am sure most people will as we reflect on the season.

Good, Better, Best!
May I never rest
Until my good is better
and my better BEST!

BEST!
Gerrard - Simply the Best!
Torres - World's No 1
Benayoun - World Class player
Arbeloa - Stepped up his game. No RB does it beter
Carragher - Rock in the Box
Skrtel - Ninja!
Hyypia - Ace defender
Kuyt - Hardcore to the end
Pepe - Speaks with his hands

BETTER
Aurelio
Riera
Agger
Insua- The Revelation!
Babel

GOOD
Ngog
El Zhar
Dosenna
Lucas!

I agree with most you put but I'm going to give my opinions in 5 games time as I am sure most people will as we reflect on the season.

Ah go on boss give us your verdict as of now

Ah go on boss give us your verdict as of now

Kenny's the boss. I'm his 'mini-me'.

Nah, going to leave it till the end of the season.  Too scared of jinxing the player I champions as our player of the season.

Reina - best keeper in the league, forget the 11 goals conceded we entered the Champions League because of him

Cavalieri - hardly shone in his few appearances, but hardly disappointed massively either.

Arbeloa - Our new Mr. Consistent since Steve Finnan left. Can't really blame him for that Arsenal mistake and that's only one time he's been off.

Carra - is showing no signs of the post 30-years. Recently been seeing him pushing up the pitch

Sami - Legend. Rarely gets it wrong. Imagine if he was 25 years old this year.

Skrtel - Even after his injury, he didn't look like he lost any of what he left before his injury.

Agger - Probably one of our best buys ever. Was a little shaky when Skrtel was out but is getting back to his best. Wished he played more.

Aurelio - Poor at the start but improved this year and now been playing well.

Insua - Easily could make that left back spot his. I guess he only has to compete with Fabio.

Dossena - Pretty poor but scored 2 nice goals. Looks more sound attacking that defending.

Kuyt - Works really hard but could improve on his first touches. Scored many important goals this year. Most of them as equalisers,route starters or late winners. None, were consolation goals.

Xabi - "best buy" this season. So glad we didn't sell him. Always had faith in him. He's the reason we are where we are now in the league. Would probably challenge Stevie for our Player of the year.

Masch - Wasn't at his best at the start. Getting back to his best since that Madrid match.

Lucas - Getting better with games. Scored against Chelsea too!

Riera - Great start then looked lost. Overall, still a decent buy and been doing okay even if he isn't at his best.

Babel - doesn't look like the Babel last season. Hopefully he can show us his talent for the remaining games and what he is next season.

Benayoun - Poor start but since the start of the year, he's been one of our most important players.

Stevie - err. what can i say? World's Best Player. Would like him to beat his record of 21 goals (or was it 23?) a season. Deserves to lift the Premier League title and definitely one of our best player this season.

Nando - Even an injury-hit season can't stop our top striker. 13 goals in 20 league games. Scored 6 against big teams.

Ngog - still young, rarely starts but manages to score. With Fernando around, could learn alot.

El Zhar - Wasn't too bad coming on as a sub.

Benitez - really have got Liverpool playing their best football since March. Great guy and definitely the one to lead us to our glory days.

Too scared of jinxing the player I champions as our player of the season.

Is he A) Spaiish B) Passing machine c) Both  ??

 

Come on lads. Surely this is a new thread for the end of the season?

What if Degen comes on to score the title winning goal?

Yup, agree with you redkenny.

For all we know Degen scores us a 90th minute goal against Spurs to win us the title. And then there will be a The Official 'Degen Is A Hero' Thread.

So well, only gonna comment at the end of the season, because we havent seen the climax of the season just yet. THe last 5 remaining games proves that a title fight is coming and only you can judge the heroes, the not so heroes and etc.

My ratings were based on how they've performed till today.
1 magic moment doesn't mean they've broken their poor form.

My ratings were based on how they've performed till today.
1 magic moment doesn't mean they've broken their poor form.

Yup I know.

But for me, 1 magic moment that wins us something means he's a hero

Going to save my opinions until the end of the season.

5 crucial games still to come.

Well the season's now over and from me post in April

Reina - magnificent, easily the best keeper in the land this year and could well be named our player of the year.

Cavalieri - hardly shone in his few appearances, but hardly disappointed massively either.

Arbeloa - can't remember one game this year where I've thought Arby was one of the worst 5 performers on the pitch. Love him to bits and been magnificent throughout this year.

Carra - back to his best

Sami - still a legend and still able to do a job when needed

Skrtel - magnificent before his injury, magnificent after his injury with the odd mistake here and there. Possible player of the year.

Agger - wasn't at his best during Skrtel's injury but last few weeks has been back to the Dagger we saw in 06/07

Aurelio - poor start to the season, finally showing some class. Getting better with games.

Insua - superb. Already looks like a sound player.

Dossena - piss poor start, piss port middle, two good goals, not seen much of him since.

Kuyt - typical Kuyt season, hard work, double figure goals and still enfuriates me with his sh*te control but probably his best year at Anfield.

Xabi - bossed our midfield and could well win player of the year.

Masch - poor season by his standards, but still played decent enough by and large.

Lucas - piss poor beginning, good Christmas period, not the worst ending to the season.

Riera - good start, poor middle, do we have to talk about the last three months?

Babel - rather forget his season all together, barring that goal against United at Anfield.

Benayoun - sh*te beginning to the season, probably the worst of any Liverpool player, dramatically improved in recent weeks and is looking like the Benayoun from West Ham.

Stevie - brilliant as usual. No surprises to see him surpass 20 goals again.

Nando - Goals speak for themselves. Outstanding player, even in an injury hit season has been fantastic with the odd bad game but everybody is allowed one.

Ngog - didn't see much at the start of the year, but has impressed in his few cameo appearances.

Benitez - fantastic start with a never say die attitude, too cautious in the middle, tactically spot on since about March and allowing the boys to express themselves.

the only two I'm gonna change slightly are Lucas and Aurelio.

Aurelio - poor start to the season, finally showing some class. Getting better with games.

Aurelio - poor start to the season, finally showing some class but kinda went off the boil in the last few weeks.

Lucas - piss poor beginning, good Christmas period, not the worst ending to the season.

Lucas - piss poor beginning, good Christmas period, cosistantly grew into the role in the last ten games or so.

My effort:

Reina - He's had another excellent season, unlucky not to get the Golden Gloves for the fourth season in a row. Without a doubt the best keeper we've had for a long time. Constantly impressive with his distribution and shot-stopping. Seems like the kind of guy who is great for team spirit too, his celebrations are fantastic, I'm sure the changing rooms are a great laugh with him!

Arbeloa - Extremely solid season from Arby, whilst not claiming the spotlight he has got on with the job and been totally reliable. A player who can be relied upon to perform at a very high level week-in, week-out.

Carra - Continues to play tremendously well. He's played a phenomenal number of games this season, yet rare have been the occasions where he's looked tired. He's defended with his typical lion-like courage throughout.

Sami - Was solid as a rock when we were plagued by injury in the first half of the season. His experience and fitness withstood all the tests, and if we didn't already have three world-class CBs, I'm sure he would have got even more games in. Legend.

Skrtel - Was unlucky to spend a while out injured leading up to Xmas. Has shown that he can perform equally well alongside Carra or Agger. Hardest MF in the league, a player I hope will form the future of our defence alongside Agger for years to come.

Agger - Didn't see much of Danny this year due to his injuries, and the partnership that Carra and Skrtel created whilst he was out. What we saw of him impressed me greatly. He really is a vital part of the future of the club IMO, his technical ability is outstanding, and his sure-footed assurance on the ball will stand us in good stead for years.

Aurelio - Showed us this season what he is capable of when he can get a run of games under his belt. Far less time spent on the injury table led to a season of quality play from him. Solid in defence, he gives us free-kick options as well. Excellent season from Fabio.

Insua - Impressed me greatly in the games he played. Looked extremely confident whenever he played, he fitted seamlessly into the side when called upon. Another one for the future, I can't wait to see what he'll do next season!

Dossena - A major let-down. Hasn't had too many chances, but those he had were defensively terrible. Has been named as a possible back-up winger, though I don't know what to think about that. I'd be happy to be shut of him this summer.

Xabi - Best player of the season IMO. I've praised him already in many threads so won't go into too much detail here, but for me he vital to the progression of the side. Oozes class and ability, consistent and reliable.

Masch - A good season from Masch. Perhaps goes unnoticed at times, but when he doesn't play there seems to be a hole in the side that remains unfilled. Does his job of destruction perfectly.

Lucas - Early in the season I was sure I wanted to sell him, now I'm less sure. He has gained slowly in confidence to the point where I was even impressed by him in later games. Definitely deserves another season to prove himself in midfield, hopefully his progression will continue. I hope the strength work he has talked about recently pays off for him.

Riera - I have swung from being totally impressed by him early on in the season, to very disappointed. Seems to have plenty of technical ability and offers us the width we were missing on the left, but for some reason he has a habit of disappearing during matches or overcomplicating matters for himself. Would a kick up the backside help?

Babel - Did not live up to the promise of his appearances last season. Hasn't had many chances, but never took any that were offered to him.

Benayoun - Didn't overly impress me early in the season, but came on leaps and bounds, to the point where he was a key part of our improved form in the new year. Excellent stuff from Benny, who proved many of his doubters (myself included) wrong.

Kuyt - Another top notch season from Kuyt. I love this guy, no-one gives the effort he does, a true work-horse who can come up with the goods even when played out of position. His spirit and determination are an example to everyone. He has poor touches and frustrating moments, but these are made up for easily by everything else he brings to the side.

Stevie - Despite some injuries, Stevie had an excellent season. Goals galore, he led by example time and again. What more can be said about the best player the club has had in decades?

Nando - I feel terrible for Torres, he had such a difficult season, constantly returning from injury and often playing whilst not 100%. Despite that, his goal to game ratio was very good. A summer looking after his fitness should have him back firing on all cylinders.

Reina - Another fine season.  Made a couple of errors, the United pen springs to mind - but on the whole none of these were dwelled on because the team got the result. Low point was probably putting the ball in his own net at Chelsea in the Champions League semi. But overall, a magnificent and vital cog of Liverpool. Hope he's with us for years.

Arbeloa - Done a great job.  Still not the world's greatest defender but far more attacking than Finnan ever was and capable of getting some great crosses in.

Aurelio - Still injury prone but a vast improvement in performance.  Starting to know where to stick those free-kicks as well - as opposed to row Z of the Kop.  Threat from Insua has improved him.

Agger - Injury ravaged season but ended it strongly and for me, arguably worthy of a first team place now

Skrtel - Season interupted by a horrible injury.  Suffered a dip in form after the international break in Spring when Slovakia got stuffed, but again ended the season on a high.  Just, please, can we have some Hyypia style goals please?

Carragher - Spent more time on the pitch than any other Liverpool player this season. But maybe it was too much.  A few soft own goals.  Occasionally caught in possession.  Still a Liverpool legend but will need some more rests next season IMO.  Faces a big challenge from Agger and Skrtel.

Insua - helped put the pain of Dossena at left back behind us.  Still plenty to learn but when given the opportunity grabbed it with both hands.  Could have a big future at Liverpool.

Gerrard - ups and down away from the pitch this season.  The Footballer of the Year got a record goals tally for the reds in a season.  Generally brilliant but would we expect anything less?

Alonso - after two average seasons we saw a return to the Alonso we all knew we had bought.  Managed to get 7 people sent off and helps dictate how Liverpool play.  Excellent.

Mascherano - improved as the season went on.  Improved discipline after the United game in 07/08.  Has far more good games than bad games but still plenty of room for improvement.  Still can't believe West Ham hardly played him.

Leiva - didn't have the best of starts to the season. Compounded by some ridiculous booing by his own support but got his head down and been involved in some of our best performances this season. Has stepped in to Gerrard, Alonso and Masch's shoes at various points and ended the season well.

Riera - started very brightly but since Spring really gone off the boil. Much to do if he thinks he is a Liverpool first XI player.

Babel - Poor.  Flirting with Ajax in January seems to have taken his eye off the ball.  A big price tag and for two seasons now has failed to deliver.  His open goal miss against West Brom may have been his last chance to have scored for Liverpool.

Dossena - Terrible at left back.  Possibly entirely responsible for Liverpool going out of the Carling Cup.  No pace, unable to defend in the Premier League.  Some slight improvement when playing as a left midfielder, but in general - highly doubtful he will make it at Liverpool.  Summer sale should be on the cards.

El Zhar - Started well in a couple of substitute cameo appearances but went backwards quickly.  Good young player so maybe still got time, although I think he looks too lightweight for the Premier League.

Torres - Injury plagued season. Euro 2008 didn't help, and with the Confed cup coming up - maybe that won't help either.  A shadow of last season's player - but still got a terrific goal record this season. Need him to be injury free next season.

Ngog - grabbed a couple of goals.  For a young lad he's shown he can score goals for the first team unlike some big money signings. Looks strong and capable of playing in this league.

Kuyt - such a shame he hasn't got much pace.  Great goal tally from the right of midfield this year.  Often the player behind a lot of our goals.  Hard-working and considering I wasn't his biggest fan, he's impressed me this season.

Benayoun - held back by Rafa till the second half of the season and more than filled any void left by the departing Keane.  Scored some valuable goals and offers us something different.  Great performance from Yossi.

Hyypia - put some great performances in.  Most memorable was the United 4-1 win away.  Thrown in to the side 5 minutes before kick off because of a warm up injury to Arbeloa he was magnificent against supposedly the world's greatest attacking line up.  Not many games but some great memories from his final season with us.

Pepe - Besides the Manure away game was pretty much solid all season long as always, still believe he is the best keeper in the Premiership and top 5 in the world.

Arboloa - Pretty consistent throughout the year, a lot of 7 out of 10 performance all season long which is what I expect from Arboloa after his year full season.

Degen - Felt very bad for the guy, he makes Kewell look like a iron man. I think he will be around next season to prove his worth as Rafa does tend to stick with the injury prone players (Kewell and Aurelio come to mind)

Aurelio - This was his best season in terms of performance and fitness, he has pretty much been Rafa only real good bosman signing.

Insua - Made the jump from reserve team to first team in pretty good fashion, still has some parts of his game he needs to polish but he has shown he should be a regular fixture in the first team.

Dossena - What a bust, suppose to be the best left back in Italy but the guy simply can't defend and simply too weak defending in the box. I will assume he will be sold at the end of the season.

Carra - Rebounded after a decent season last year, only think of a few games where he was a mess (Athlectio away comes to mind). Last year looked like his age was catching up with him but this season seem to turn back the clock.

Skrtel - Rock solid for the season, got better from last season.

Agger - Rocky start but he has been just as good as the rest of the CB's once he got a few games under his belt. I hope his fitness can improve for next year because we will need him.

Sami - Excellent season from the Finn, when he was called upon when we play all those long ball teams he did the job with ease. His form thrived like I thought it would when he only played a limited number of games. Good luck in Leverkusen!

Kuyt - Best season at Liverpool, top 10 in goals and in assists in the Premiership which is pretty good for a right winger. He certainly shown up a lot of supporters who game him stick last season.

Yossi - Terrible start to the season but it seem after the turn of the year he really got his form going and shown he can play good game after game. I am not his biggest fan but now I would be certainly disappointed if he got sold or something (I doubt it will happen).

Riera - Good first 3 months of the season but after that his form dipped a lot where he would have 1 effective game out of 4 which is not good enough. I would keep him for next season to see if he can improve on his form because when he is on form he can bring a lot to the table (good skills, good crossing good positioning and a aerial presence in the box)

Babel - The guy took a step back from last year, I was expecting to see him really take over that left side when Riera was dropping the ball but he seem to never seem to get that form he had last year and I also believe he never got a run of games like Riera did to try and get that form back. I think if Rafa is looking for funds I get the feeling Babel will be one of the guy out the door because we could get a decent amount of cash for him.

El Zhar - Did okay coming off the bench but I don't really see anything that special about the guy and at 22 I doubt he has that much room for improvement. Another one who could be out the door come July.

Alonso - Great back bounce season after 2 years of average football, it was the type of form he has his first year at the club which won a lot of fans over. I hope Rafa doesn't consider selling him and I don't think he will unless it is a mega offer like 25-30m which I can see Rafa taking.

Masch - Not his best year, he seem to play great in the big games but when he was forced to be part of the attack and try to break down other teams defense he was really forced out of his element. I don't expect him to be Gerrard or Alonso but I know he has the ability to make better passes and start scoring the odd goal once in a while.

Lucas - I though overall he was worst this year than he was last year. Last year he would simply be okay every game not doing too much to impress or taking on responsibility to make this happen. I would of thought after a year under his belt he would of been better and more equip to handle the pace and pressure of the Premiership but it wasn't the case for the most part. I will say he has gotten better the last 3 months of the season, a part of the season where we really needed him but next year I expect a lot more from a player who I know can be a great CM.

Gerrard - Good start to the season but seem to picked up a lot of steam at the end of the year banging in goals left right and center. He was 3rd in league in goals and 3rd in assists which shows he can be good in this 2nd striker role which is what we will see a lot of next year.

Torres - Hard injury felt season yet still 4th in the league in scoring which shows he can get the business done if he is only out there half of the time. If he plays a full year next year I believe he will crack 30 goals in all comp which is what we need if we want to fight for the title and cups.

N'Gog - I like the kid, he seem to grow the more he played and looks a good prospect. Still needs to work on a few things but I see serious potential in this kid.