While Liverpool remain unbeaten under new head coach Andoni Iraola, they have dropped points in three of their five Premier League games so far this season.
Some new signings have adapted quicker than others. Certain squad players have benefited from Iraola's arrival, but others are struggling to adjust to his methods and tactical approach, which aims for front-footed, aggressive, urgent football.
The ECHO has rated Liverpool's squad across their seven games in all competitions this season, marking each player out of 10 for every appearance in which they played at least 15 minutes. The sample size is small, but it offers a telling guide to who is performing well for Iraola and who needs to do better.
Cody Gakpo leads the way with an average score of 7.33, following a hugely impressive response to almost leaving the club in the summer. He has already notched two goals and four assists in six outings. Less expected has been the impact of Jeremy Jacquet (6.71) since his arrival from Rennes, with his form earning a first call-up to the France senior national team.
Alisson Becker (6.67) delivered an excellent performance at Bournemouth, showing in trademark non-flashy fashion how important he remains when fully fit. Alexis Mac Allister (6.57) might be unhappy at not yet being offered a new contract, but he is channelling that into a series of much-improved performances compared to last season.
Ronald Araujo (6.33) stepped in from the bench at centre-back in the opening weeks, but it is as a right-back that the on-loan defender has demonstrated his value. Alexander Isak (6.33) had a tough opening weekend at former club Newcastle United but has since blossomed with four goals and an assist, starting to deliver on his British record transfer fee.
Given the ongoing debate over his usefulness for Liverpool, Florian Wirtz (6.33) ranking among the better players highlights that, while inconsistent, he merits his place in the team. Virgil van Dijk (6.17) has been quietly effective at the heart of defence, cajoling Jacquet through his first Liverpool steps and benefiting when there has been extra security in midfield, evidenced by three successive Premier League clean sheets.
Victor Munoz (6.17) shone during the opening few games but is still to properly settle, while fellow new wing signing Bradley Barcola (6.00) has been the epitome of steady as he adjusts to the English game. It seems a little harsh that Rio Ngumoha (5.80) is ranked quite so low given his fine showing last time out against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup, but his mark is affected by some ineffective showings from the bench.
Milos Kerkez (5.71) started the season poorly but has gradually improved, while fellow Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai (5.71) has struggled to get close to last season's form. Ryan Gravenberch (5.33) has been the one midfielder struggling to initially grasp the Iraola approach, but no player has underperformed as much as Jeremie Frimpong (5.20). In fairness, the Dutchman has shown more encouraging signs in his last two outings.
Source: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk — Read the original article
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