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Premier League champions Liverpool have endured quite the title defense so far. The Reds have been ravaged by injuries and been on the end of a handful of wrong VAR decisions, with marginal offside calls often going against their favor. A combination of injuries and poor form sees them four points adrift of league leaders Manchester City, who also have a game in hand.
However, Jurgen Klopp's side have shown in the past that they will keep going till the last day of the season and are expected to bounce back in style. Liverpool's 3-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week was a much-needed boost, as they dominated proceedings and put Jose Mourinho's side to the sword.
With the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Naby Keita missing large parts of the current season and several other players picking up injuries, Klopp has had his work cut out for him.
Nevertheless, quite a few players have impressed for the Reds this season, and here we rank them based on their performances for the Premier League champions in the current campaign.
#5 Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota took Liverpool by storm since his surprise move to the Premier League champions in the last few days of the summer transfer window. The Portuguese attacker was a mainstay of Klopp's side till his unfortunate injury in late November, as he injured his knee in a UEFA Champions League dead rubber against Midtjylland.
The former Wolves star has impressed with his work rate, direct running and finishing ability, as he scored an impressive nine goals in 17 appearances across all competitions for the Reds. The 24-year-old is on the comeback trail and is scheduled to be back in early February.
Liverpool have missed him in his absence and will be eager to welcome him back to the starting XI.
#4 Alisson Becker
Once again, Alisson Becker has proved why is amongst the best goalkeepers in the business. The Brazilian goalkeeper struggled with injuries earlier in the season but has returned to peak fitness for Liverpool in recent weeks, with Reds' rearguard benefitting from his magnificent displays between in the sticks.
In the absence of Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk, Alisson has had to take more responsibility inside the penalty area and he has done so in incredible style.
The former Roma goalkeeper made a series of high profile saves against Manchester United earlier this month to keep his side in the game, a game that could prove to be pivotal in the title race come May.
#3 Mohamed Salah
Unsurprisingly, Mohamed Salah makes the list of best Liverpool players this season. The Egyptian king has barely put a foot wrong and scored goals for fun, as he currently leads the race for the Premier League Golden Boot with 13 to his name so far.
Salah began the 2020-21 season with a stunning hat-trick against Leeds United and has not looked back since. His Premier League record with the Reds makes for impressive reading and puts him in the same breath as some of the best players in the history of the competition like Thierry Henry.
The 28-year-old is already considered a Liverpool legend and will look to continue producing the goods in the second half of the season.
#2 Andy Robertson
The only outfield player to have played every minute in the Premier League for Liverpool this season, Andy Robertson has once again proved why he is the best left back in world football. The Scotland captain is a wonderfully well-rounded full-back and has influenced games on both ends of the pitch for the champions this season.
The 26-year-old has notched up a goal and five assists in 20 Premier League appearances this season and has also been assured defensively in a much-changed Liverpool rearguard.
Robertson is one of the most consistent players in the world and is an indispensable member of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side.
#1 Fabinho
To put it simply, Fabinho has rescued Liverpool's season from capitulating after their injury crisis. After Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez were ruled out for the rest of the season in late 2020, the Brazilian has deployed as a makeshift central defender, as Liverpool did not have another player to partner Joel Matip at the time.
The former Monaco man took to the unfamiliar position like a fish to water and produced a series of outstanding displays, as he impressed with his positioning and calmness on the ball. Fabinho has been Liverpool's player of the season so far but is currently out with a minor injury, having missed the trip to Tottenham earlier this week.
Liverpool will hope to have the 27-year-old back at the earliest, who is quickly establishing himself as a central figure of a star-studded squad.
