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Reina - 8 After a shaky start to the season, has been very solid and made a few great saves when called on as well.

Finnan - 7 Again solid as a rock but maybe not as good going forward as last season.

Carra - 8 Has done great again, especially has he has had to "nurse" a new partner.

Agger - 7 Exceeded all my expectations and has shown he has the charactor to succeed after his performance against Chelsea.

Riise - 6 A poor season, still managed to score a few goals but defensively was our weakest link.

Zenden - 5 Gave everything he had , he just didn't have enough.

Alonso - 6 Never quite reached the heights of previous seasons, even his passing seemed off at times. Disappointing as so much was expected of him.

Mascherano - 8  From the little we have seen of him, he looks top quality, a huge gap left by Didi has been filled. Our best signing (if we have?) this season by a country mile.

Gerrard -8 Even though this wasn't a great season by our Captain, he was still probably our best player. Needs to reach the heights more next season (hopefully in a more settled role)

Kuyt - 7 Hard working but needs to score more goals and a better first touch if he is going to stay.

Crouch - 7 I never expected he would do so well this season, exceeded expectations and got more goals than I thought as well. I can't understand why he hasn't played more, especially early in the season.

Bellamy - 6 Just hasn't shown enough to stay, works hard, trys hard, maybe just not the right style for us?

Pennant -7 After a poor start came on in leaps and bounds in the latter part of the season. Needs to improve his crossing and awareness. Worth keeping.   

Robbie - 6 Never got the run of games he needed, and when he did get a game, it showed.

Sissoko - 7 Not as bad as people have made out, after a couple of bad injuries he was always likely to have a setback. One to keep as next season could be a big one for him. Awesome in big games, maybe we could have done with him yesterday?

Aurelio - 6 After a very ordinary start, he had just started to show some form when he was injured. A lot more to come from him yet.

Hyypia -7 Never gives less than his best. Still great in the air and it would be great if he would stay, but I feel time and new signings may signal his departure.

Arbeloa - ? I still haven't made my mind up

Team 7 in the league 9 in the CL

Rafa 7

[RUSHIE#9]

Reina - 8 Pretty much go along with Saint. Had the odd shaky moment in opening days of season but has recovered to become steady as a rock for us. No second season syndrome here.

Finnan - 8 Has again been the unsung hero of the team, steady as always the only disappointment being the injuries that have kept niggling at him.

Carra - 8 Again he's been the collossus that we know he is but has had the odd mistake which is unusual for him. Must do better next year - we can't tolerate these one or two mistakes a decade! 

Agger - 7 No arguments with S@ints evaluation here. Has done exceptionally well stepping into big sami's boots and looked reasonbly comfortable. Could maybe improve against some of the bigger boys (players & teams) next season. Bulking up a bit would help as well.

Hyypia - 6 /12 Still has the quality but the sands of time are starting to run against him and undoubtedly dethroned by Agger as first choice CB. Would be no surprise to see him depart this summer. Will be remembered up there with the best of them.

Riise - 5 1/2 For me a very disappointing season from JAR. Had too many occassions were he went AWOL when we needed him most and looked to be losing the battle with Aurelio before injury intervened. Must do better or could find himself heading for the exit door this time next year.

Aurelio - 6 1/2 Didn't look good enough to begin with but had started to look very good before injury intervened. We even started to see some of the passing that Rafa said was as good as Alonso's! Will undoubtedly push JAR hard next season if he can stay clear of injury.

Arbeloa - 5 1/2 Strated impressively against Barcelona and seemed to be forming a good relationship with Pennant down the right. Tailed off a fair bit towards end of season. He'll have a lot to do next season to avoid going the same ways as Josemi and Kromkamp.

Alonso - 7 Not quite right all season. Why, only he will have an idea. Did show glimpses of his mercurial best and the goal against the barcodes was a high point. Hopefully will return to his best next season (if still in the liverpool shirt ).

Gerrard - 8 Unusual season from Stevie. Like Alonso has been below his absolute best at times but when it comes to gerrard even when operating below a full 100% is still one of the best midfielders in the world.

Sissoko - 6 1/2 On reflection hasn't been the disaster that some people have made out but does look like a player of limited capability. If he's happy to be a bit part player used for his destructive capabilities in certain matches then fine. However I do suspect he could be on his way.

Pennant - 7 Very slow start to his season but has improved during the closing stages of the season. His 2nd season will be the acid test, especially if he's got some quality competition.

Zenden - 4 I'll credit him with the effort but just nowhere near good enough to help us sustain a proper title assualt. Found wanting too often. Easily replaced.

Gonzalez - 3 Never looked settled or good enough. Impending transfer less than 24 hours after champions league final speaks volumes.

Mascherano - 8 Not had long enough to give a full assessment but has looked every bit the player that people said he was. If not already sealed, his permanent transfer must be a priority this summer.

Crouch - 8 I feel he has improved further over last season and some areas of his game have improved but the heading department still needs major work for somebody of his stature. May be a surprise departure this summer.

Kuyt - 8 This score is based mostly on his teamwork and willing to bust his balls for all around him. His time in Holland suggests he's got goals in him (somewhere). Guillem Balague see's him as the prolific striker that we need and we just need to deploy him better.    I'm not so sure, does need to score more though.

Bellamy - 6 Hasn't really taken his chances when given them and the Golf club incident may just be the biggest nail in the coffin of his Liverpool career. Never really featured much after the Barca game and that 'incident.' Certainty for the exit door in my books.

God - 6 Not involved much and although the flashes of old were still in there just looked too slow for todays fast paced defences. Still it was great that he got to say goodbye to his adoring KOP. All time Liverpool legend without a doubt.

[metalhead]

Reina - 8 After a shaky start to the season, has been very solid and made a few great saves when called on as well.

Finnan - 7 Again solid as a rock but maybe not as good going forward as last season.

Carra - 8 Has done great again, especially has he has had to "nurse" a new partner.

Agger - 7 Exceeded all my expectations and has shown he has the charactor to succeed after his performance against Chelsea.

Riise - 6 A poor season, still managed to score a few goals but defensively was our weakest link.

Zenden - 5 Gave everything he had , he just didn't have enough.

Alonso - 6 Never quite reached the heights of previous seasons, even his passing seemed off at times. Disappointing as so much was expected of him.

Mascherano - 8  From the little we have seen of him, he looks top quality, a huge gap left by Didi has been filled. Our best signing (if we have?) this season by a country mile.

Gerrard -8 Even though this wasn't a great season by our Captain, he was still probably our best player. Needs to reach the heights more next season (hopefully in a more settled role)

Kuyt - 7 Hard working but needs to score more goals and a better first touch if he is going to stay.

Crouch - 7 I never expected he would do so well this season, exceeded expectations and got more goals than I thought as well. I can't understand why he hasn't played more, especially early in the season.

Bellamy - 6 Just hasn't shown enough to stay, works hard, trys hard, maybe just not the right style for us?

Pennant -7 After a poor start came on in leaps and bounds in the latter part of the season. Needs to improve his crossing and awareness. Worth keeping.   

Robbie - 6 Never got the run of games he needed, and when he did get a game, it showed.

Sissoko - 7 Not as bad as people have made out, after a couple of bad injuries he was always likely to have a setback. One to keep as next season could be a big one for him. Awesome in big games, maybe we could have done with him yesterday?

Aurelio - 6 After a very ordinary start, he had just started to show some form when he was injured. A lot more to come from him yet.

Hyypia -7 Never gives less than his best. Still great in the air and it would be great if he would stay, but I feel time and new signings may signal his departure.

Arbeloa - ? I still haven't made my mind up

Team 7 in the league 9 in the CL

Rafa 7

I agree with your ratings s@int, except i would Alonso a 7, he didn't have a good season but 6 is a bit harsh i think, in a few games he was phenominal (i.e newcastle home) and in the champions league final he did well marking seedorf.

[metalhead]

Gonzalez - 3 Never looked settled or good enough. Impending transfer less than 24 hours after champions league final speaks volumes.

Thats harsh mate. gonzalez doesnt deserve a 3.. maybe a 5, he did score the winning goal to put us in the champions league and he did score some goals.

He showed a few glimpses in some games, a 3 is very harsh

[RUSHIE#9]

Gonzalez - 3 Never looked settled or good enough. Impending transfer less than 24 hours after champions league final speaks volumes.

Thats harsh mate. gonzalez doesnt deserve a 3.. maybe a 5, he did score the winning goal to put us in the champions league and he did score some goals.

He showed a few glimpses in some games, a 3 is very harsh

TBH mate I'd completely forgotten about that  . Still I don't think he was much better than Zenden so I'll agree that maybe I was a bit harsh so we'll split the difference and give him a 4. 

[metalhead]

Gonzalez - 3 Never looked settled or good enough. Impending transfer less than 24 hours after champions league final speaks volumes.

Thats harsh mate. gonzalez doesnt deserve a 3.. maybe a 5, he did score the winning goal to put us in the champions league and he did score some goals.

He showed a few glimpses in some games, a 3 is very harsh

TBH mate I'd completely forgotten about that  . Still I don't think he was much better than Zenden so I'll agree that maybe I was a bit harsh so we'll split the difference and give him a 4. 

Deal then... 4 it is 

[hello_red]

Reina - 8 - A few mistakes early on but after the defence settled he was away. Made some world class saves on the way to the cl final.

Finnan - 8 - Defensively sound as always, could go forward a bit more though.

Carra - 9 - Done his job brilliantly all season and that is make it virtually impossible for opposing teams to score.

Agger - 8 - Again brilliant for most of the season, could play a little more calmly agaisnt better opposition but that will come with time.

Riise - 5 - Very poor season, granted [layed left mid for a while but still didnt do enough in that position. Plays better with an actual left winger ie Kewell

Zenden - 4 - bar a couple of decent performances against chelsea he is not good enough end of.

Alonso - 6 - I have a sneaky feeling that he will go in the summer which will be hugely disappointing but he has not played well all year bar a couple of matches.

Mascherano - 9 - Has settled into the team superbly, did well against Milan and Chelsea which shows his worth considering he only started playing a couple of months ago.

Gerrard - 7 - If we are to win the premiership he needs to be settled in a position that plays to his strengths be it right or central midfield. Had a surprisingly poor season

Kuyt - 8 - Works his socks of for the team and is a quality player, we will win trophies with him in the squad i have no doubt about that. Excellent first season and he will score goals a plenty!

Crouch - 7 - good when he has played. good squad player, we should keep him.

Bellamy - 5 - I expected him to step up to the plate when he joined be a good signing but he has not done enough to warrant a stay.

Pennant - 8 - Slow start to the seaon for whatever reason but has recently and since xmas slowly started to show he belongs in a winning side like Liverpool. Didnt look out of place against the mighty Milan! In fact hasnt looked out of place against some quality opposition since xmas.

Robbie - 6 -  shadow of his former self. Should never of been sold in the first place. Good luck!

Sissoko - 6 - I dont like him, he breaks up play like a devil but he cant control or pass rthe ball well enough which can and has punished us in the past. Maybe he will learn with experiance and become a bit like Gattuso in that sense.

Aurelio - 5 - Always injured but when did play he showed some quality. Keep him.

Gonzales - 4 - Not good enough. Maybe he could become a great player but as i see it he wont.

Hyypia -7 Brilliant as always, but if he wants to go let him, he has been a brilliant servant to this club.

Arbeloa - 7 - played well in the relatively short time he has been here.

Team 6 in the league
        9 in the champs league
        8 Overall

Rafa 8

[Penguins]

Reina  8  Had a slow start but has played really well and works as a sweeper which helps the defense.

Finnan  7.5  Takes care of his defensive duty in style, but he is just not into the going forward part which  a top class full back must do nowadays.

Carra 8  Had a torrid time the first 10 games of the season, making unusual mistakes, but has been back to his excellent self the rest of the way.

Agger 7  Well, a good start in his 1st season but I'm still not 100% convinced as his heading and the reading of plays isn't top notch. And vs top opponents he sometimes leaves u wanting(Drogba).

Riise  5.5 With Riise you know what you get. He works hard amd runs the whole game. And he has a great shot. But he is actually a wing back and nothing else. Just not great positioning and reads play pretty poorly. But can't really cross or dribble either.

Zenden  4.5  Stable is the word for Zenden. He plays responsibly on the field but is so slow with the ball and lacks terribly when going forward.

Alonso 6 Worst season wearing red. Just been found out a bit. Put high preassure on him and he doesn't get the time he needs on the ball. Always has been a slow player but this season it has hurt him more than before.

Mascherano 9 Since he arrived he has been the best player on the position. Protects the back four and no player is too hard for him to take out. I knew he was class but to settle in like this has surprised me. Could be world class.


Gerrard 7.5 For his standards a poor season. hasn't had the great impact in many games as before. Scores too few goals and really hard to know what he'll do in games. He doesn't stick to his position ever on the field.


Kuyt  7  Bought to lead the line in scoring and his heading and 1st touch lets him down too often. A great worker who never gives up but not really prolific at all

Crouch  7.5 Actually the best striker when given the chance. Has good skills and has shown glimpes of improved heading also.


Bellamy  5.5 Thought he would do better, but he lacks game intelligence and not prolific at all. Disappears too easily in games.

Pennant  8 As the rest of the team had a tough start but after X mas has been one of our better players and the only offensive outlet at times.

Robbie  6 Well, an expected season and he just can't keep up anymore. Still a true red great.

Sissoko  5.5 has had a difficult season with injuries, but just hasn't developed his game at all. In a few games he's done great but his passing is woeful and he can't be played as a offensive mid or holding mid so he's more of a luxury player.
Got even worse when masch arrived. Will not be satisfied with a bit part role the whole next season.

Aurelio 6.5  No surprise it took awhile to get used to the english game but when not injured he really upped his game in the 2nd half.

Gonzales 4.5  Has been poor in most games and he has been given a real chance to make the position his own. Didn't take it at all. Not fast, no dribbling, no crossing.
All the hype for that..

Hyypia 7 just love his attitude whenever he got the chance. Always wants to win and has been a great servant for this club. only gonna see less games if he stays though.

Arbeloa 6.5 had a really good start when he arrived but has had some bad games in the end. Could go either way next season.

Team 7 in the league
       9 in the champs league
       8 Overall

Rafa 8

[Lando_Griffin]

OK.

Reina - 9. Recovered from a couple of mistakes early in the season (although many (not all) were due to those around him IMO), to become the best 'keeper in the league IMHO. Has been virtually faultless ever since he sorted the early season jitters out, and has made some absolutely terrific saves which, at times, have kept us in the game. Another phenomenal amount of clean sheets, too.
His from Fat Frank at Shatford Bridge in the CL Semi was, for me, one of the saves of the season.

Finnan - 8. A bad start and a lack of attacking prowess prevents his score being a 9. After a few dodgy moments early doors, he's once again showed his defensive solidity with some very solid games. Never going to win you a game, though, which is a pity.

Carragher - 9. Player of the season for me, despite a few bad games. Found his consistency after our poor start, then showed how important he is to the side with some of his best ever games for the club. Would have been a 10 but for the few uncharacteristic lapses, such as against AC, Arsenal, etc.

Agger - 8. Has had a very solid debut season, with some cracking performances. Odd occasions where he's been outmuscled, but that should not detract from what has been a very good first season for him.

Riise - 5. Was poor for long stretches of the season, caught out far too easily and has not scored enough goals for someone with his strike ability. I advocated the replacement of him as leftback earlier this season, and I have to stick with that. Just not good enough as 1st choice unless employed as a wingback.

Pennant - 7. Had a very slow start, but eventually grew into the role and put in a first half performance last night that showed a lad with much natural ability, yet a lack of vision and poise.
I get the feeling he may move up a level in many people's eyes next season, should he get the opportunity.

Gerrard - 7. Nowhere near his level of the past few seasons, but the same could be said about a few of our team. All players, regardless of ability, have poor seasons somewhere in their career, and, let's face it - Stevie has earned the right to have an off period. That said, he's still been one of the best players in the league, rather than THE best as of '05-'06.

Alonso - 7. Another who hasn't been at his best, but for me, hasn't been that bad either. Although much of his attacking play has been stunted in comparison to the last couple of years, his defensive work and organisational skills are still intact.
In desperate need of a rest after nearly 2 solid years of football.

Zenden - 4. Offers absolutely nothing to the team, but did a job for us when all those above him in the pecking order were injured or otherwise engaged. Will not be missed.

Kuyt - 6. Has worked hard, and has a lot of admirers because of this, but has not scored anywhere near enough goals to be considered more than "OK." Hopefully, now he's had a chance to adapt to the league and environment, he'll kick on and show the clinical finishing he displayed in Holland.

Crouch - 8. Has had a good season, and has finished as our top scorer, despite being rested more than his peers. As awkward as a Syphilis carrier at a Swinger's convention, but never-the-less has been a success this year IMHO.

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Bellamy - 6. Has shown quality, but gets caught offside far too often, and has not scored enough goals to get a higher mark IMHO. Will probably be on his way in the Summer as he doesn't seem to like Rafa's rotation policy and tactics.

Mascherano - 8. Has been fantastic since he signed, but for a couple of mistakes. (Everybody makes them.) Brought energy and bite to our midfield after such a prolonged spell on the sidelines with West Ham. Best signing this season by a long chalk.

Gonzalez - 4. Has shown rare glimpses of his undoubted quality, but is simply unsuited   to the hustle and bustle of the English game. Seems totally unsettled, and will seemingly be sold back to a Spanish club this summer. Never realised his potential for us, which is a pity, as he's a f*cking brilliant player in Spain.

Sissoko - 5. Something of a mixed bag from our Mali man. Was outstanding against the likes of Barca and Sh*tski, but tailed off completely towards the end of the season, with some of the worst football I've ever seen from a Liverpool player. Must improve or face an entire season out of the team.

Arbeloa - 6. Brilliant in his first few games (Barca away, when he kept Messi in his pocket all night being the highlight), then had a couple of stinkers. Hopefully he will settle and become an integral part of Rafa's squad, as he certainly has the ability to do so.

Aurelio - 6. Had an extremely slow start, interrupted by injuries. Was beginning to show his undoubted class when he ruptured his Achillies. A couple of times this season, he put in the best leftback displays we've seen for years IMHO.

Garcia - 5. Wasn't doing too well before his injury, failing to hit his usual heights. The type of player that wins matches, though, so was a big loss to us.

Hyypia - 7. The big man put in some top-class performances, but also showed that age is catching up. Has suffered from our higher line of defense this season, which is the reason Agger is preferred (The Dane is faster and more agile). He is still the best 1st-ball CB in the Country when playing with a deep back line, though, and would improve any team that does so.

Paletta - 3. Tough tackling, but tactically inept. Has a bigger turning circle than a JCB, and is slower than a skip. Aerial ability is good, though, and he's worth keeping for another season if he can slim down, calm down, and speed up.
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Fowler - 7. Has done the job when he's been given minutes, and has the best goals-to-games ratio of all our squad, I do believe. Conducted himself with dignity, humility, grace and humour.

Farewell Robbie - you are and always will be a Liverpool Football Club and Scouse LEGEND. 

[Rafa D]

Its a team effort so I am giving the team a 7 and 1/2.

I expected a push for the title, I was spectularly let down when our bid was over by Spetember.

Champions League made up for it slightly.