Ranking Liverpool's Top 5 Players for September
September was the month that everything threatened to boil over for Brendan Rodgers, but the Liverpool boss managed to keep a lid on things with help from a clutch of impressive performances from his Reds players.
Starting the month with a deflating 3-1 loss away to bitter rivals Manchester United in the Premier League, Liverpool then produced three successive 1-1 draws with Bordeaux, Norwich City and Carlisle United in the Europa League, the Premier League and the League Cup, respectively.
The Reds eventually defeated Keith Curle's Carlisle via penalty shootout, with summer signing Adam Bogdan the hero at Anfield.
Rounding off September with a 3-2 victory at home against Aston Villa, Rodgers has restored a sense of optimism on Merseyside—and he has five members of his squad to thank in particular.
Here are Liverpool's top five players from the month of September, subjectively ranked in terms of consistency and quality of performance.
5. Mamadou Sakho
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September would have been a perfect month for Mamadou Sakho, but Rudy Gestede had his say.
The Frenchman reclaimed his first-team place after making his first start of the season against Bordeaux, producing a phenomenal individual display on the left-hand side of Rodgers' back three—the 25-year-old made three successful tackles, two interceptions, seven clearances and won four aerial duels.
This form continued against Norwich, with This Is Anfield's Henry Jackson praising his "excellent all-round performance" in his post-match player ratings, saying: "How on earth has Brendan Rodgers not been playing him?"
With Dejan Lovren suffering a serious ankle injury against Carlisle, Sakho's position in Rodgers' starting lineup is now effectively unchallenged—but this did not stop a poor performance against Gestede at Anfield.
Gestede dominated Liverpool's centre-backs in the air, with Sakho culpable for the Villa striker's first of two goals, as he failed to deal with Alan Hutton's delivery.
Nevertheless, it was an impressive month for Sakho, who is now restored as Rodgers' finest centre-back.
4. Lucas Leiva
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"When your future is in doubt, you might have to think of another solution, but I'm happy that it didn't happen and I'm here to fight for the club as I have been doing for eight years," Lucas Leiva told James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo at the beginning of September.
"I'm just looking forward to a good season and putting Liverpool back where it belongs. I have this chance to say I'm fully committed."
Lucas was on the brink of a season-long loan move to Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas this summer, but involvement in Liverpool's 0-0 draw away to Arsenal saw the Brazilian hold on to his place in Rodgers' squad.
Now, with Jordan Henderson sidelined for two months after breaking a bone in his foot, Lucas has grabbed his opportunity with a series of fine performances.
Deployed chiefly alongside James Milner in a midfield two, Lucas' output in September has been markedly improved: energetic, disciplined and paramount to the Reds' success.
The 28-year-old made 11 successful tackles in Liverpool's win over Villa—an incredible tally for a defensive midfielder.
3. Daniel Sturridge
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Daniel Sturridge's return from injury has come at a vital time for Rodgers, with the 26-year-old's brace against Villa coming when the manager was under the most pressure at Anfield.
Sturridge only made two appearances in September, but he claims the third spot over Lucas here because of his outstanding contribution to a much-improved forward line against Norwich and Villa.
Sturridge's pace, dynamic movement and unerring eye for the goal have transformed a flagging attack to one that looks capable of firing Rodgers' side to victory—and the manager's post-Villa praise for the striker underlined this belief.
"He gives you a big opportunity to win games and compete at the top end of the table," he told the club's official website.
"He is a fantastic talent and now the job is hopefully he can stay fit."
Stability is key for Sturridge, but if he can return to full fitness, Rodgers may be right to target a challenge at the upper end of the Premier League table in 2015/16.
2. Alberto Moreno
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Alberto Moreno was, incredibly, linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer.
Prior to signing Paris Saint-Germain left-back Lucas Digne on loan, AS Roma were said to be planning an £8 million move for the Spaniard, according to Italian publication Calcio Mercato Web (h/t the Express).
While the credibility of these rumours may be questionable, Moreno's peripheral role under Rodgers at the beginning of the season—fuelled by the rise of Joe Gomez at left-back throughout the pre-season—inspired speculation that he could join the likes of Mario Balotelli and Lazar Markovic through the Anfield exit.
But the 23-year-old remained focussed, and after getting his first start of the season alongside Sakho at Bordeaux, Moreno underlined the top-level talent he can offer on Merseyside.
The standout performance of September for Moreno came against Norwich, when he was fielded as a left wing-back in a 3-4-1-2 formation—as with much of the past month. Moreno assumed the role of Liverpool's key playmaker, making six key passes—more than any other player—including the assist for Danny Ings' goal.
Since returning to Rodgers' starting lineup, Moreno has looked supremely confident, standing over free-kicks, taking corner duties and supporting the left flank with pace and intelligent movement.
It was a month of real promise for the former Sevilla man.
1. Danny Ings
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Ings kicked off September with his first starting appearance for Liverpool, and it came on the most demanding of stages: The 23-year-old was fielded as a wing-back in a 4-5-1 formation against United at Old Trafford.
Though Rodgers deployed Ings in an unnatural, defensive role, the former Burnley striker performed with distinction, producing a display hallmarked by an incredible determination and work ethic.
When given the opportunity to showcase his ability in an attacking role, Ings continued to improve.
Pairing this remarkable defensive contribution with a great close control, creativity in possession and, most importantly, goalscoring nous. Ings has become a key player for a resurgent Reds side.
Scoring goals against both Norwich and Carlisle, and playing a crucial role in linking midfield and attack against Villa, Ings has made his summer transition—from a battle for relegation with the Clarets to challenging for the top four with Liverpool—with ease.
Few supporters would have earmarked Ings for the top spot in this ranking at the beginning of September, but even fewer would argue with his inclusion now.
Statistics via WhoScored.com.
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