annual

Seems as good a time as any to do our annual ratings and "Player Of The Year" thing, so here goes.......

1. Diego Cavalieri - Thank god Reina is so, so good, because I dread to think how bad things would've been had this person stood between the sticks more often this season. 3/10

2. Glen Johnson - A great start, but not as defensively-solid as the money paid out on him would suggest. 6/10

4. Alberto Aquilani - As a direct replacement for Alonso, this simply hasn't worked out. There are times he oozes class, and he has an eye for goal that we badly need from an attacking midfielder. But his season has been completely wrecked by injury, and a stubborn reluctance from the management to let him off the leash. Too soon to get rid, but next season demands a positive upturn in fortune for the lad. 5/10

5. Daniel Agger - Despite injuries, has gotten better as the season has gone on. His seamless slot in at left-back makes one wonder why he hasn't been played there more often. 7/10

8. Steven Gerrard - By his immense standards, this season has been a major disappointment. Not helped by sub-standard team-mates around him. Form has dipped in and out, and his engine seems to have passed its' peak at times. How long can Steven go on like this? A move during the summer wouldn't surprise me in the least. 7/10

9. Fernando Torres - When fit, there is no finer sight in the world of El Nino running in on goal. But this season he's been plagued by injury, and there have been games when it's obvious he's carrying a knock, and is no use to anybody. His frustration is there for all to see - the way he mouths at referees, and his increased use of diving to gain a decision. He's better than all this. Next season could be his last at Anfield if things don't improve for both him and the team. 7/10

11. Albert Riera - After showing some promise in his first season at Liverpool, Riera has gone and ruined it for himself and the club by a poor attitude both on and off the pitch. Likely to be sold in the summer. 2/10

12. Fabio Aurelio - The word "injuries" will figure a lot in this blog-post. The word applies more to Fabio Aurelio than probably anyone. His experience at left-back was sorely missed. 3/10

15. Yossi Benayoun - Frustratingly not used as much as he should've been. In previous seasons, Yossi's goals and skill have been crucial, but poor management has not let his talent shine as it should. 6/10

16. Sotirios Kyrgiakos - As a replacement for Sami Hyypia, his early games were a major embarrassment. Soto looked so out of his tree. But, with a little patience, he's become a dominant force in our defensive line, and the back-four looks less secure without him there. Unbeatable in the air, and hard as nails in the tackle. Keep it up. 8/10

17. Maxi Rodriguez - Many folk, myself included, wondered by Benitez made a mid-season grab for Maxi. He took a little time to settle in, but has impressed in recent times with his tenacity and a willingness to get forward when so many in our team just won't. 7/10

18. Dirk Kuyt - after a great 2008/09, the headless chicken has found the going a little rougher this term. Another player who I wonder if the legs are starting to give out? Great Scouse accent though. 6/10

19. Ryan Babel - the enigma that is Babel, he graduates between being piss-poor (most games) to sublime (strike against Lyon). He's the sort of player you've got to keep on the back of. Blinkered and selfish beyond belief and runs into too many dead ends, when a simple pass would do nicely. Should go in the summer 5/10

20. Javier Mascherano - The "Little Chief" has had another effective season, even doing a good job at right-back when needed. Just wish he'd score more and keep his mouth shut at officials. But keep it up, son. 8/10

21. Lucas Levia - I was tempted to do a separate post for Lucas. But I have to say he's the most improved player of 2010. Fantastic against Benfica at home, and got a great goal. He's not helped by playing alongside Mascherano when both of them do the same job - instead Javi is the much better of the two. Lucas looks reluctant to get forward in case he does something right. Passing is still awful, his tracking back and tackling are abysmal. And then there's Benfica because when he's good, he's very good. Probably Rafa's player of the season, but certainly not mine 6/10

22. Emiliano Insua - I've had high hopes for this kid for a couple of seasons. And despite a long-run in the first team at left-back, he's been consistently caught out to the point where opposing teams target him as the weak link in the side. And they're right. Too often is Insua left for dead by the man attacking him, and the number of times he's been caught upfield is not on. It's a shame, and he's had little or no help from his team-mates, but I feel it was best for Agger to take over at left-back. 5/10

23. Jamie Carragher - Early season form was not good, but he's improved immeasurably as time's gone on. An Indian Summer for Carra? Let's hope! 7/10

24. David N'Gog - the kid really hasn't got a chance as replacement to the injured Fernando Torres. Willing runner and a few decent goals. But, like Babel, when he's bad he stinks. And there's been too much of that this season 6/10

25. Pepe Reina - one word - brilliant! But isn't it a sad state of affairs when the keep is PLAYER OF THE SEASON?

27. Philipp Degen - Not looked too bad at right-back when called upon, but he's no first team regular, and is probably in his best interests to go elsewhere. 5/10

31. Nabil El Zhar - This time last season I was saying he was pointless, and I say the same this season too. Mind, with the wages he's on I'd probably not be very motivated either. 3/10

34. Martin Kelly - A few fleeting appearances from the young right-back was promising enough to get fans talking. But injury has sadly halted his momentum, though time is on his side. 5/10

37. Martin Skrtel - Very, very poor form and constant injury has robbed Martin of any step-up from his fantastic 2008/09. And he's well down the pecking order of defenders now. 4/10

40. Daniel Ayala - Like Martin Kelly, a couple of first-team games has done Ayala no harm, but one wonders if he's got the necessary ambition and drive to become a regular? 5/10

47. Daniel Pacheco - Back in 1971, Bill Shankly bought a 19-year old Kevin Keegan into the Liverpool side. His introduction was incendiary. Like putting a match in with a box of fireworks. The same analogy will hopefully be true for Pacheco next season. Just not given the chance this term that his talent would allow. 5/10

PLAYER OF THE SEASON - Pepe Reina

HONOURABLE MENTIONS - Sotirios Kygrakios, Javier Mascherano and Steven Gerrard.