Last season was not amongst the best for Liverpool. An unsatisfactory 8th position in the Premier League and losing two finals did not make it a happy one for Liverpool fans. But Jurgen Klopp taking over as Liverpool’s head coach was the best piece of news for Liverpool fans. And the Klopp effect was visible on some of the players. Players who hardly made an impact during Brendan Rodgers’ time became the most influential players. Players like Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren showed a drastic improvement in their performances. Coutinho, Firmino, Can and Lovren were amongst the best for Liverpool. But there were some players who did not get the recognition they should have for their performances. The stats are not in favour of these players but their contributions are much more. These are Liverpool’s 3 highly underrated players from last season.
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Joe Allen
The Welsh midfielder could never make a place for himself in the starting eleven under Brendan Rodgers. The first half of last season was no different compared to the earlier seasons. But since Klopp became Liverpool’s head coach, Allen managed to find his form back. He was more of a super-sub for Liverpool. Allen’s performances in the middle of the park were solid. His contributions attackingly as well as defensively were equally good. He managed only 2 goals and 1 assist in 19 appearances in the league but these statistics do not determine his contributions. He provides a counter attacking threat and can play key passes which create goal scoring chances. He also makes vital tackles and is good at high pressing. Alongside Emre Can he can form a very stable midfield pair.
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Nathaniel Clyne
Nathaniel Clyne was Livepool’s most consistent player last season. He was omnipresent in the Liverpool squad, making 33 appearances in the Premier League. He is pacey and makes darting runs down the right wing. He also has the ability to deliver good balls and created 24 chances. His defensive contribution was also very good. Making interceptions and tracking runs of opposition players, he defended Liverpool’s right wing very well. He also made some vital tackles. Clyne’s performances were more impressive than what the statistics say. He was also one of Liverpool’s underrated players last season.
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James Milner
James Milner joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Manchester City last summer. And he was very vital in Liverpool’s midfield last season. Milner is a very versatile player and can play on the wings as well as through the centre of the midfield. And it is his stamina which makes him a utility player. Milner’s fitness levels are very good and his energy level in the 90th minute is almost as good as that in the 1st minute. When playing in the wings, Milner can deliver in very good crosses in dangerous areas and this fact is evident from the number of assists that he had in the league last season. And he was also good at maintaining his defensive duties. In Henderson’s absence, he played the captain’s role efficiently. Yet he did not get the recognition for the effort that he put in. He was also an underrated player.