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It is a brand new year and teams will want to start afresh with new ambitions, or they will want to continue their good work. For Liverpool, they will surely look to continue the way they were performing at the first half of 2018/19 season.
Despite suffering defeat against Manchester City in the first match of 2019, Liverpool will be confident to keep marching on towards the English Premier League title.
It is amazing how the 2-1 loss against Manchester City was their first defeat in this current season for Jurgen Klopp's men. They were seemingly perfect and were unstoppable until they met Manchester City in the 21st fixture in the Premier League.
Undoubtedly, Liverpool leads the Premier League with 54 points in 21 games. It is still in Liverpool's hands as Manchester City are in the second place and are behind by 4 points. Both teams are tied with the same goal difference despite Manchester City scoring more goals.
Although Jurgen Klopp banks on his system more than anything else with his squad, it is crystal clear that there are some standout performers who have helped Liverpool climb to the top of table. Liverpool are the clear favorites now, and the individual world class presence in the squad surely helped them get where they are at this stage of the season.
Without further ado, let us evaluate three standout performers who have proved themselves to be the most pivotal in Liverpool's sensational run in the Premier League.
#1. Virgil Van Dijk
"Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles"
Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the importance of good defence and the presence of good defenders when he said his famous line. Before the start of 2018, Liverpool were surely one of the most exciting teams to watch due to the attacking trident of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
Although the world class attacking trio were scoring goals with relative ease, their leaky defence was a cause of concern for Jurgen Klopp. But the arrival of Virgil Van Dijk in 2018 changed the shape of Liverpool's defence. His impact in the current Liverpool squad is matched by very few players as he has proven himself to be their most valuable asset.
Surely, there were some raised eyebrows as Virgil Van Dijk is still the world's most expensive defender. The Dutch footballer was quick to prove all his naysayers wrong with his world class abilities and turned Liverpool's leaky rearguard into one of the most formidable defences in Premier League.
In the current season, he has been the most standout player in the Liverpool squad. A no nonsense defender with world class defensive abilities, Van Djik's powerful performances is the reason why Liverpool has conceded only 10 goals so far in the Premier League - which is way fewer than Liverpool's close competitors.
#2. Mohamed Salah
The player of the Premier League in the 2017/18 season had a rocky start to the current season as Mo Salah was returning from a shoulder injury. There were criticisms regarding his inefficiency in front of goal at the start of the season. Since then, Mo Salah has expertly disposed of any concerns as he is back to his best.
Salah is currently one goal behind top scorer Harry Kane with 13 goals in the English Premier League. But what's truly astonishing is that he has provided 7 assists already, which is more than most top goalscorers in the league. Undoubtedly, he is still the most pivotal unit in Liverpool's attack.
Mo Salah's staggering numbers are just one way of measuring his impact. Even when he is not scoring goals, he is helping his teammates into space due to his sensational dribbling, movements and passing abilities in the final third. There is no doubt that Salah needs to continue his good form if Liverpool wishes to lift the Premier League title this season.
#3. Andrew Robertson
To see a 24 year old left back in a list of most influential player for a team who were unbeaten for 20 games is unnatural.But the young left back has proven himself invaluable when deployed at the rear guard of Liverpool with his valuable performances.
Arguable one of the best fullbacks in the world currently, Andrew Robertson has delivered powerful displays with Liverpool in 2018/19 season. He is one of the most mobile players in the pitch for Liverpool and everybody at Anfield loves him due to his inhumane workrate and his phenomenal ability to go up and down in the left wing.
There is no doubt that Robertson has been an immense presence in the rearguard along with Virgil Van Dijk in Liverpool's defense as they have conceded just 10 goals so far. Moreover, Robertson's movement has proven valuable in attack as the left back has provided 4 assists for the team.
A vital cog like Andrew Robertson can never be ignored because of the energy and the powerful displays in almost every match of the season. Going forward, his form will be key for Liverpool as a player of his caliber is bound to play a huge role in the rest of the fixtures.
