Liverpool player ratings: Philippe Coutinho stands out in mid-term report

Goalkeepers

Simon Mignolet The Liverpool number one has been relatively solid so far. Simon Mignolet was guilty of a mistake in a 1-1 draw with Norwich City but the Belgium international hasn’t been as calamitous as he was in the first half of last season. B

Adam Bogdan Signed from Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer in the summer, Mignolet’s understudy Adam Bogdan was the hero in a 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Carlisle United in the League Cup in front of The Kop. B-

Defenders

Nathaniel Clyne Nathaniel Clyne has quietly made the transition from Southampton to Liverpool player and made the right-back spot his own. The England defender is a noticeable upgrade on Stoke City full-back Glen Johnson. His link-up play with Jordon Ibe is something to watch out for over the next few weeks. B+

Joe Gomez A whirlwind start for the 18-year-old defender was cut short by a knee injury. Joe Gomez started the opening four games and didn’t look out of place in the Liverpool side. He already looks a shrewd signing by axed Brendan Rodgers (or the transfer committee). B

Dejan Lovren The Croatia international benefited from a change of heart from Rodgers as he started Liverpool’s opening five games. However, his performances were notably edgy and his injury blow was a blessing in disguise for the Reds. Alas, Mamadou Sakho’s recent knee problem means Lovren could be set for another disconcerting run in the firs-team. C-

Martin Skrtel Martin Skrtel has been relatively consistent despite a largely unsettled back four before Jurgen Klopp’s appointment. He is a rock in the Liverpool defence and a leader on the pitch in the absence of Jordan Henderson. B

Mamadou Sakho The France international is fast becoming a fans’ favourite. He is undoubtedly a better option than Lovren. However, his progress has been cruelly halted following a recent knee problem. Liverpool need him back so he can forge a long-standing relationship with Skrtel. B-

Alberto Moreno The Spain international didn’t secure a starting spot until the sixth Premier League game of the season much to the former Sevilla man’s chagrin. His performance at Chelsea was a particular highlight, but unfortunately, he followed it up with a naïve display against Crystal Palace last weekend. B-

Kolo Toure Presumably a source of advice and encouragement off the pitch, Kolo Toure has offered little on the pitch. He has made two Europa League appearances but his Premier League days could be numbered. D-

Midfielders

James Milner He has stepped into the role of Liverpool captain following Henderson’s injury problems this season. As we’ve come to expect from James Milner over the years, the midfielder rarely puts a foot wrong, but he isn’t a match-winner. Still, he did score a nice goal against Aston Villa. He has made three assists, too. B

Jordan Henderson The Liverpool midfielder lasted just shy of 150 Premier League minutes before he succumbed to a foot injury. He hasn’t featured since. N/A

Adam Lallana When will Adam Lallana deliver the scintillating performances that earned him a move to Liverpool from Southampton? The former Saints captain is a talented individual but he hasn’t kicked on at Anfield. Hopefully Klopp can squeeze some consistency out of the England man. C

Philippe Coutinho Liverpool’s player of the season so far. After a brilliant winner against Stoke City on match-day one, the Brazilian magician made Liverpool fans wait another 10 games before his next dash of brilliance. His brace against Chelsea was worth the wait. Coutinho has four goals and two assists in 12 games – respectable. B+

Lucas Leiva Like Coutinho, Lucas Leiva looks reinvigorated under the former Borussia Dortmund manager. Albeit a tad fortunate to avoid a red card at Stamford Bridge, Lucas looks like he is back to his cynical and defensive best. As we’ve come to expect, a careful distributor of the ball, too. B

Joe Allen The Welshman is fighting for his Liverpool career if Bundesliga expert Raphael Honigstein is to be believed. Will he go the way of Tamás Hajnal or Ilkay Gundogan. D

Jordon Ibe A slow start to the season after he impressed following his return from a loan spell at Derby County. Jordon Ibe has looked impressive in recent weeks since Klopp took over. Liverpool’s bright spark in a 2-1 loss to Palace. Hopefully, there is more to come from the teenager. C+

Roberto Firmino The £29m signing has been one of the most-disappointing aspects of Liverpool’s season so far. The Brazilian hasn’t got going, although he hasn’t been helped from injury. The feeling is that Klopp could be the right man to kindle some form from the former Hoffenheim man. D+

Strikers

Christian Benteke The Belgium international has returned from injury with a flurry. Christian Benteke has scored three goals in his last four games for the Reds. Liverpool’s second most-expensive signing has a long way to go to justify his £32.5m price tag, but it has been a promising start. B-

Daniel Sturridge Frustratingly, Daniel Sturridge is back in injury purgatory. When will the striker return to the Liverpool side? You’re guess is as good as mine. The England striker teased Reds fans with a brilliant brace in a 3-2 win against Villa. Keep fingers and toes crossed for Liverpool’s main man. C

Divock Origi He can run and run and run. Divock Origi is Liverpool’s Forrest Gump on the pitch. However, the Belgium international is smart enough to realise that he must be patient under Klopp. He served his purpose with three energetic performances but Liverpool fans will want to see his finishing quality. C

Danny Ings Something of a surprise package after he seized his chance when Rodgers turned to the 23-year-old striker. The summer signing won Liverpool fans over with his Origi-like work ethic. Unlike the former Lille man, he showed a ruthlessness in front of goal, too. Scoring in his first Merseyside derby will be some solace for Ings after his injury blow. B-

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