Liverpool: Full Report Card for Every Position for January
After a miserable first half of the season, January saw Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool finally reach a consistent level of fine form, with individual and collective performances improving significantly, and the Reds have climbed the Premier League table as a result.
A frustrating 2-2 draw at home to Leicester City on New Year's Day kicked things off, but consecutive wins against Sunderland, Aston Villa and West Ham United in the league have boosted Liverpool's placing.
Meanwhile, Rodgers oversaw performances in two domestic cups. An FA Cup third-round victory over AFC Wimbledon was followed by a draw in the fourth round at home to Bolton Wanderers, which was sandwiched between two legs of a League Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea that Liverpool ultimately lost.
Nevertheless, January has proved that Liverpool can cut it with the Premier League's best again.
But how did each Liverpool player perform individually?
Each player is graded for their performances over the month, with subjective considerations for goals scored, assists, contributions to clean sheets, overall performances and impact. Within their respective positions, each player is ranked from best to worst.
Here is our report card for every position for Liverpool for January.
Goalkeeper
1 of 8
After replacing an injured Brad Jones midway through December's 1-0 victory away to Burnley, Simon Mignolet has kept his place as Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper, bringing an end to his Rodgers-imposed exile.
This period on the sidelines has seemingly boosted Mignolet, who desperately needs to convince Rodgers of his quality in goal, as the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce told LFCFansCorner: "He’s got from now to the end of May to prove he is what Liverpool need going forward."
Happily, in January, Mignolet has been in inspired form.
Three clean sheets out of a possible four in the league—as well as an impressive display in the League Cup semi-final second-leg, extra-time loss against Chelsea—underlines his improvement.
If Rodgers is looking for Mignolet to prove himself as Liverpool's first choice, January's showing must have gone some way toward doing so.
Grade: B+
Right-Backs
2 of 8
Lazar Markovic
Deployed regularly as a right wing-back throughout January, Lazar Markovic has been one of Liverpool's most consistent attacking outlets in Rodgers' 3-4-2-1 formation.
Particularly outstanding against Sunderland, with his goal making the difference before a remarkable, acrobatic volleyed effort crashed against Costel Pantilimon's bar, Markovic is thriving with the width and space provided by this role.
The 20-year-old has understandably fluctuated in terms efficiency, but overall, Markovic had an outstanding January.
Grade: B
Javier Manquillo
It was quiet month for Javier Manquillo, with Markovic impressing in the right-sided defensive role. As such, the Atletico Madrid loanee was limited to just two appearances throughout January.
Both of these appearances came in the FA Cup, and he failed to impress in what is a more demanding role in terms of attacking contribution than his natural right-back position.
Manquillo, an accomplished defender, has not benefited from the switch to 3-4-2-1.
Grade: C-
Left-Backs
3 of 8
Alberto Moreno
While Manquillo was limited to appearances in the FA Cup, compatriot and fellow summer-signing Alberto Moreno enjoyed a central role in Liverpool's more demanding fixtures in January—he was an ever-present in both the Premier League and League Cup.
Moreno's left wing-back role complements Markovic perfectly on the opposite flank, and the former was arguably the more consistent throughout January.
Diligent in his defensive duties, persistent in attack and enjoying a great understanding with Mamadou Sakho and Philippe Coutinho on the left flank, Moreno was a vital asset for Liverpool last month.
Grade: B
Jose Enrique
Making just one start and a further two substitute appearances in January, Jose Enrique continued his peripheral role at Liverpool behind the superior Moreno.
After snubbing a move to Crystal Palace in order to fight for his place at Liverpool, according to the Mirror's David Anderson, Enrique must perform better than he did against Wimbledon, Villa and Bolton.
Grade: D
Centre-Backs
4 of 8
Mamadou Sakho
Reintroduced into the side in December, Sakho continued his role as Liverpool's left centre-back with an ever-present role through January.
This was very much a position held by merit, with the former Paris Saint-Germain man an imperious defender in all but one game—his shaky second-leg performance against Chelsea in the League Cup came as a result of a back injury.
A colossal display up against Andy Carroll in the victory against West Ham underlined his superiority.
Grade: A
Martin Skrtel
Another player who has benefited immensely from Rodgers' switch to the 3-4-2-1, Martin Skrtel has enjoyed his role as a limited defensive safety net in the centre of the back three.
Missing just two games in January—suspended against Leicester; rested against Bolton—Skrtel's raw qualities have been maximised alongside Sakho and Emre Can.
Skrtel's running battle with Diego Costa in both League Cup semi-final ties against Chelsea was a true highlight.
Grade: B+
Emre Can
Deployed in an arguably unnatural role at right centre-back since the middle of December, Can has performed admirably in both the defensive sector and in building from the back.
Lining up against Eden Hazard at both Anfield and Stamford Bridge, Can kept the elusive Chelsea midfielder quiet for over 180 minutes in the League Cup, serving as a testament to his performances in this defensive role.
Struggling against the physical style of Wimbledon and West Ham, however, Can still has work to do.
Grade: B
Glen Johnson
Returning from injury in January, natural right-back Glen Johnson was used as a centre-back in both of his appearances, perhaps pointing to his future under Rodgers at Liverpool.
Starting on the right-hand side against Bolton and introduced as left centre-back at Stamford Bridge, Johnson outlined why he has always been considered a primarily attacking full-back.
While far from abysmal, Johnson's poor positional sense detracted from Liverpool's defensive structure.
Grade: C
Kolo Toure
Before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast, Kolo Toure made a pair of appearances in January—in place of Skrtel at home to Leicester and a five-minute cameo at Wimbledon.
Keeping things simple and emphasising his defensive intelligence, Toure enjoyed a quiet but comfortable month.
Grade: C
Dejan Lovren
Struggling with injuries and form, Dejan Lovren made just one appearance for Liverpool in January, replacing Steven Gerrard in the win against Sunderland.
Even in that short dispay, Lovren cut a nervous figure in the back three.
That Johnson was preferred to Lovren as a replacement for the injured Sakho at Stamford Bridge—despite left centre-back being Lovren's natural position—goes some way to highlighting the challenge ahead for Liverpool's £20 million summer signing.
Grade: C-
Central Midfielders
5 of 8
Jordan Henderson
With Gerrard's role reduced since the announcement of his impending departure to LA Galaxy, Jordan Henderson assumed the Liverpool captaincy for much of January, and his performances arguably improved as a result.
Supported by defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva, Henderson was given freedom to roam and thrived.
Particularly impressive in the win over Villa, Henderson's creative influence has increased since the introduction of the 3-4-2-1.
Grade: A
Lucas Leiva
As mentioned, the inclusion of Lucas throughout January has allowed the Liverpool midfield to flourish, and his defensive contribution has been vital.
A player who knows his strengths and weaknesses, Lucas kept his performances muted but efficient, mopping up loose balls and making vital defensive interventions.
Ahead of the second-leg trip to Chelsea, Lucas told Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo that he feels "if people don’t mention me too much, that probably means I’m doing okay." This understated role suits the Liverpool midfielder.
Grade: A
Joe Allen
Another player who returned from injury in January, Joe Allen made just one appearance and was sorely disappointing.
Alongside Henderson in the centre of midfield against Bolton, Allen's disjointed display made it very unclear as to which role either midfielder was performing—Allen was ineffective in both defence and attack.
Grade: D
Attacking Midfielders
6 of 8
Philippe Coutinho
Restored to a central role in the 3-4-2-1, January was the month when Coutinho found consistency—a lack of which had previously marred his progress at Liverpool.
Coutinho shone in every game, with his direct dribbling and incisive passing a hallmark of the quick transitions that pervade Rodgers' new system.
His two assists in the win over West Ham were sublime.
Grade: A
Steven Gerrard
Gerrard announcing his intention to leave Liverpool has seen Rodgers release the captain from his ineffective deep-lying role into a rotational attacking-midfield berth.
This has seen the 34-year-old flourish, particularly with his two-goal performance against Leicester, his influential display against Wimbledon and with enduring vitality against Chelsea.
While age has limited his ability, Gerrard has improved in this advanced role in January.
Grade: B
Adam Lallana
January was a very disappointing month for £25 million man Adam Lallana, who after a solid end to 2014, suffered from injury and has so far failed to regain any sort of momentum.
Disappointing against Leicester, Villa and West Ham, the 26-year-old looked considerably off the pace.
This is all within the context of Lallana's transfer fee, however. The midfielder has kept the attack flowing and has been a useful outlet, particularly in his role off the bench in the first leg against Chelsea, but this itself generally heralded a fairly lacklustre end product.
Grade: C-
Jordon Ibe
Recalled from his loan spell with Derby County in the middle of January, 19-year-old winger Jordon Ibe has so far made just two substitute appearances for Liverpool due to being cup-tied from his time with the Rams.
However, in these brief spells, and in particular at the end of the victory over West Ham, Ibe has looked bright and direct—the former Wycombe Wanderers youth can make an impression this season.
Grade: C-
Strikers
7 of 8
Raheem Sterling
After a post-Christmas rest, involving a well-publicised trip to Jamaica, Raheem Sterling returned to the Liverpool side in January a refreshed prospect, and in his role as a lone striker in lieu of the injured Daniel Sturridge, the 20-year-old held his own.
Standout performances came in the first-leg draw with Chelsea, with a phenomenal solo goal to show for it, and an all-round modern forward's display in the victory over West Ham.
Sturridge's return can only benefit Sterling, who can now influence the game from a slightly deeper role.
Grade: A
Fabio Borini
Favoured as Liverpool's No. 9 in the absence of Sterling at the beginning of January, Fabio Borini led the line against Sunderland and Villa, performing with a typical fervour.
A persistent, pressing forward, Borini was rewarded with a goal against Villa.
Grade: C
Daniel Sturridge
After a frustrating five-month spell on the Anfield treatment bench, Sturridge returned to goalscoring ways 12 minutes into his first game back, grabbing Liverpool's second goal in the 2-0 win over West Ham.
With Sturridge, Liverpool looked instantly sharper and more dangerous in the final third.
Although this was a very brief appearance, Sturridge receives a positive grade due to the influence he had on the side on his return.
Grade: C
With just one start and three substitute appearances, Rickie Lambert had little chance to establish himself for Liverpool in January, and rumours persist—such as via the Mirror's Tom Hopkinson—that the striker could leave the club on loan before the transfer window closes.
A jarring performance as a substitute in extra time of the League Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea underlined his ill-fitting with Rodgers' style, but a goal against Villa goes some way toward salvaging his grade here.
Grade: C-
Mario Balotelli
"He knows the level of what this team is at—you see the aggression in our pressing, and if you can't do that, you are not going to be a part of what this team is trying to achieve," Rodgers said of Mario Balotelli, as reported by Sky Sports, after the FA Cup draw with Bolton.
This underlines the struggles that Balotelli has had since his £16 million to Liverpool.
But if this was Rodgers' attempt at stimulating the striker, Balotelli clearly didn't take any notice—the striker's most notable performance last month was a miserable cameo role in the loss to Chelsea.
Grade: D-
Manager
8 of 8
Brendan Rodgers
While his side have clearly picked up their form as individuals, with the likes of Sakho, Coutinho, Henderson and Sterling shining in particular, the way in which Liverpool have improved should be attributed to the fine management of Rodgers.
The switch to the 3-4-2-1 formation, the persistence with Can and Sakho at centre-back, the rotation of the previously untouchable Gerrard and the decision to rest a fatigued Sterling all contributed to this success.
The manager was not without his faults in January, namely in his in-game management and bizarre tactical approach to extra time in the League Cup loss to Chelsea.
Overall, however, January was a very successful month for a recently derided Rodgers.
Grade: B+
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
