Liverpool FC - 2012/13 season review

New signings

Fabio Borini – D

The young Italian failed to get going this season in the EPL, and his season was marred by a number of unfortunate injuries. Failed to show any decisive attacking influence initially, but his skill was evident. When he returned at the end of the season, he once again showed glimpses of his ability. Not a failure, but next season will be make-or-break for him.

Oussama Assaidi – E

Never really given a chance by Rodgers.

Joe Allen – C

Allen began the season on an excellent note, successfully nullifying the dangerous threat of Yaya Toure in the 2nd game of the season against defending champions City. He played with aplomb, was assured with a ball, and his form carried on for a number of months, but by December his form slipped drastically and eventually lost his starting berth. He has potential, but he could find himself in trouble if he fails to regain his form next season.

Philippe Coutinho – A+

Not to blow things out of proportion, but the diminutive Brazilian has been quite an outstanding signing for Liverpool. Out of favour at Inter Milan, he arrived to little fanfare at Anfield with a fee below 10 million pounds. He’s added another dimension to Liverpool’s offence, and took some weight off the shoulders of Suarez in the creative departments.

His dribbling, tricks, vision, neat layovers and tremendous eye for the final ball have set him apart from his team-mates, and is one of the main reasons why Liverpool have scored a lot of goals since January, having scored three and assisted seven goals. With Suarez’s future in the balance, his importance next season would be even greater.

Daniel Sturridge – A

The Reds quite simply lacked goal scorers. With Carroll loaned out and Borini on the doctor’s table, only Suarez was the consistent scorer.

Enter Daniel Sturridge.

Scoring on his debut and Premier League debut, Sturridge’s pace, clinical edge, and direct style was just what the doctor ordered. He instantly became the first striker at Liverpool, and had an extremely productive second half of the season, scoring ten goals and providing three assists for his new side in the league. If he continues this form next season, he can develop into a true world-class striker and has certainly shown the potential for it.

Defence – C

Conceded too many silly goals, Pepe Reina was off form for the first half, and the team lacked a proper back four until Carragher’s return. Needs to weed out the individual errors.

Midfield – B-

Kept possession aplenty, but failed to make use of it several times. Gerrard was the standout player, with Allen fading away after a promising start. Lucas was inconsistent, Downing came to life later on, and Henderson failed to make an impact on a regular basis.

Attack – B

Before January, the attack would’ve gotten a ‘D’ grade for being non-existent except Suarez and the 17-year-old kid. The addition of Sturridge and Coutinho helped immensely and should’ve been done in the summer itself.

Season grade – B-

I was tempted to give Liverpool the ‘C’ grade, but it is understandable as they had to get used to Rodgers’s style of play. What was the worst part about the season was their failure to turn their domination into more victories. The side progress after January, and has the potential to challenge the Top 4 next season, but still have a squad that’s too thin to even think about challenging for the league title.