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The recent transfer of Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona created a lot of hype in the media circles, as the Brazilian was one of the hottest prospects in the January transfer market.
Liverpool fans were in a shock when Coutinho was snapped up by the Catalans for 142 million pounds. Some ex-Liverpool players have expressed disappointment, as Liverpool might find it difficult to replace a player of his caliber in the near future.
After their 4-3 victory over Manchester City last month Jurgen Klopp had stated that the gap left by Coutinho would not affect the balance of the team as the Reds have enough quality in their side. Amidst this, there have been some lively performances from some brightest talents that Liverpool have in their lineup.
Let us analyze the performances of 5 such players who have impressed the most this Premier League season.
#1 Mohamed Salah
The 26 year-old has delivered some commanding performances in the Premier League this season and has been in prime form. Mohamed Salah has registered 19 goals in 24 games so far, with 7 assists to his name.
He has been a driving force for Liverpool in the forward line. Salah has been quite incisive inside the box with his speed and dribbling. His deceptive runs have often outclassed the best defenses.
The Egyptian has looked quite authoritative with his ability to hold the ball. He has got this unique ability to operate from both sides of the flanks due to which the opponents have found it difficult to track his clever movements.
Mohamed Salah can also be played as an attacking midfielder or as a second striker. His finishing too has looked absolutely superlative. Salah will surely be a key figure in their campaign in the remaining part of the season.
#2 Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane has infused a lot of fluidity and aggression in this Liverpool outfit. His electric pace combined with his crafty dribbles can breach any strong defense on his day. Mane’s presence has upgraded the quality of the Liverpool forward line as it is looking a balanced one.
The Senegalese striker has also infused lot of intensity in the outfit. He has got a knack of creating chances for the forward line with his quick movements. The former Southampton player has been a smooth operator during set pieces.
Mane has also linked up quite well with midfielders like Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner. He has colluded well with the strikers too. The Senegalese has been a threat during counter attacks.
Mane has scored 6 goals in 17 games in the league this season and has been involved in 5 assists. Though, he has played well in patches he has not let his intensity down and has upped the level of competitiveness within their team that has pushed his teammates to do well.
#3 Roberto Firmino
The Brazilian has been in terrific goal-scoring form this season. The charismatic forward offers great depth in this Liverpool squad because of his ability to double up as an attacking midfielder.
The 26-year-old has registered 11 goals in 24 games in the Premier League thus far. His aggressive runs combined with his ability to open up the gaps in the opposition's midfield has been threatening.
Roberto Firmino has always been good at winning aerial duels and has been precise with his passes. Firmino has teamed up well with the likes of Mane and Salah in the forward line, forming a dangerous front line partnership.
Jurgen Klopp has employed a much stronger midfield lineup which has helped Firmino to play his attacking game as a striker and he has looked good on the flanks too.
#4 Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian's recent transfer to Barcelona was not appreciated by many Liverpool fans as the 26-year-old was quite reliable in the midfield position and had contributed well by scoring goals too.
Philippe Coutinho scored 7 goals in 14 games for Liverpool with 7 assists to his name before he departed to Barcelona in January. Many fans expressed their disappointment with the Liverpool team management for letting go of a player who has always delivered in critical junctures of a game.
Coutinho had the ability to run through the opposition’s defense and his ability to feed long crosses to the forward line with his quick movements would shut out the best defenses.
Some former Reds players have also claimed that Liverpool might find it difficult to replace a player of his class in the future. His instinctive movements would often put the opposition’s defense under a lot of pressure. His creative functioning inside the box would often outfox the best defenses.
#5 Emre Can
The 24-year-old has shouldered the responsibility of Liverpool defense with immense maturity. Emre Can possesses great versatility, as the German can also play as a midfielder.
Although he faced some fitness issues in the beginning of the season, the explosive midfielder has come back with some decent performances recently.
Can has shown tremendous composure during pressure situations with his ability to win the possession back from the opposition players. Earlier, he was criticized for his attitude towards his team, but he answered his critics with some gritty performances.
Can offers solidity at the back and provides sturdiness in the defense.
