Liverpool FC power rankings: Top 5 players rated
By David Gate
1. Joel Matip
Hands up if you thought this was going to be Philippe Coutinho? He is of course Liverpool’s best player but he has no claim to be at the top of the power rankings. A couple of goals have hidden just how much the Brazilian’s form has plateaued. He missed a number of games at the turn of the year with injury. The summer break can’t come quick enough. He needs a break to heal properly and let his body recover.
The best player for the Red’s in the last month has been Joel Matip. He is the business. He is the difference. Liverpool have had three great defensive performances in April (Everton, Stoke, West Brom) and one howler (Bournemouth). Guess which game Matip missed? Yep.
There are too many weaknesses in the Liverpool back line to say that they ever look great but they do look good when Matip plays. They at least look competent. When he plays Lovren looks immense. Klavan looks handy. And Lucas okay. That’s a heck of an achievement. Great players make the others around them better.
His highlight reel is not filled with last-ditch tackles or incredible blocks. Matip is kind of effortless defender that makes you forget he’s there. But boy, do you miss him when he’s gone! Smart in positioning, tidy with the ball. The Liverpool fans would love to see him paired with a strong, brawling left-sided center back to create the stability they need.
Next: Liverpool need to beat United for defender
The only Liverpool player that has been more influential this term is Mane and with the Senegal striker missing Joel Matip deserves his place at the top of the Liverpool power rankings.