Ibrahima Konate reality becomes clear as four Liverpool players give Arne Slot boost

How Liverpool’s players have been rated by the ECHO so far this season with Ryan Gravenberch, Caoimin Kelleher and Virgil van Dijk all causing a stir

Three months into the season and, one Forest-sized blip aside, Liverpool supporters have had little reason to complain about the ongoing progress of the Arne Slot era. The Reds stand five points clear at the top of the Premier League table while reaching the quarter-finals of the League Cup and winning their opening four games in the Champions League.

Not all players, though, have impressed quite as much as others, with the difficulties of some squad members adjusting to new roles and methods having been apparent.

The ECHO has rated Liverpool’s squad throughout the 17 games they have played in all competitions this season, marking them out of 10 for every appearance in which they played for at least 15 minutes.

The men who have impressed
Ibrahima Konate (average rating 7.33) is the first to admit last season didn’t end in a particularly positive manner, but the Frenchman has been in superb form this season having regained his centre-back slot.

Ryan Gravenberch (7.23) has been the other great revival of the campaign, although in recent weeks he understandably not quite been able to maintain the outstanding levels of the opening six weeks of the campaign.

Caoimhin Kelleher (7.13) continues to prove a more than able deputy between the sticks to perhaps pose a difficult conversation over his future, while evergreen duo Mohamed Salah (7.12) and Virgil van Dijk (7.00) have this season continued to show why they are fundamental to any Liverpool success. They’re certainly doing any hope of being offered a new contract no harm.

Best of the rest
Cody Gakpo (6.88) was among a number of players to have a shocker in the defeat against Nottingham Forest back in September, but has since forced his way back into the starting line-up with excellent performances in the last month.

That Luis Diaz (6.88) has the same average rating as the Dutchman highlights how the pair are pushing each other in the competition for places in attack; Diaz’s goal contributions in particular impressive thus far.

Alisson Becker (6.88) was once again underlining his importance in goal before injury struck at Crystal Palace last month while, after an injury-hit start to the season, Curtis Jones (6.83) has become an important figure in recent weeks to earn an England call-up.

Diogo Jota (6.70) had positioned himself as the first-choice number nine with four goals and two assists but hasn’t been seen since picking up an injury to his upper body during the win over Chelsea a month ago.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (6.60) was consistent enough in the opening months but recent displays were hampered by playing through the pain barrier. And Alexis Mac Allister (6.47) has also appeared to struggle of late through tiredness and the lingering effects of a fitness issue earlier in the season.

Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez (6.46) has had to adapt to new demands as a number nine under Slot but has shown signs in the last month of coming to terms with the change.

Must do better
Dominik Szoboszlai (6.38) started the season well but has seen his minutes become more limited due to the impact of Jones and a slight loss of form.