Now the season is over, Brendan Rodgers will be thinking about which players have a future at Anfield, and which he would like to move on before the new campaign begins.
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Some of the decisions regarding players on the periphery of the squad will have been made easier, as while some were unable to make a mark on the first-team, they were able to gain some much needed experience out on loan.
But, if he remained in any doubt over their futures, here is a guide that may help decide their fate:
Luis Alberto (Malaga)
The 22-year-old has endured a difficult season in Spain. Despite scoring two winning goals for Malaga – the first of which came during his debut – he was restricted to a handful of appearances in La Liga, and spent most of the season watching from the sidelines.
His side – who qualified for the Champions League three years ago – barely managed to finish in the top half of the table. The Daily Mail reported that the Spaniard joined us for £6.8m two years ago, however, it is likely that he will be on his way permanently this summer, the Liverpool Echo report.
Grade: D-
Iago Aspas (Sevilla)
It is never a promising indication of a player’s future at their parent club when they are being loaned out at the age of 26. Unfortunately, Iago Aspas has not been the talent that we hoped for when he moved to Anfield for £9m two years ago (via The Daily Telegraph). So it was not a surprise that he was sent out to Sevilla last summer.
His appearances have mainly come in the Europa League and Copa Del Rey, although he did enjoy a decent run in the league in the latter stages of the season. He managed ten goals, although six of those came over two legs against lowly Sabadell. The Liverpool Echo suggested that he may also be looking for a new club in the summer.
Grade: D+
Continuing with the report theme, you could probably say that Sebastian Coates is the annoying kid at school that doesn’t bother all year, but still nails the exam. The Uruguayan was practically non-existent during the first three-quarters of the season, but when Dick Advocaat arrived at the Stadium of Light, he became the defender that we have only seen glimpses of at Anfield.
He became a rock at the heart of their back four, and looked to thrive under the pressure of a relegation battle. The Black Cats managed to stay up, and Coates was a big part of that. With the options we already have however, it is difficult to imagine that his form will do anything to help his Liverpool career.
Grade: C+
Jordon Ibe (Derby County)
When Jordon Ibe was recalled from his loan spell at Derby County, the Rams were second in the Championship. He was a key component of the free-flowing, attacking football that made Steve McLaren’s men the most exciting side in the division. However, when he left, the side struggled and somehow missed out on a play-off spot.
Meanwhile, he lit up the latter stages of season for us, using his experience and dancing past defenders. He should be a key member of our team next season.
Grade: A+
Another centre-defender that may struggle to break into the side upon his return, Tiago Ilori has done little to stake his claim while on loan in France. He has made just 12 appearances in Ligue 1.
He is still just 22 years of age, so has time to turn things around. Perhaps the best thing for him next season, would be another loan deal so he can continue his development.
Grade: D
Sheyi Ojo (Wigan Athletic)
The experience of being part of a side that is battling to beat the drop, as he did with Wigan, is likely to have a positive impact on him, and his subsequent performances in our U21 side certainly suggest that that is the case.
The pressure of helping Wigan fight for Championship survival will hopefully mean that the fear of making a mistake should somewhat disappear once he is surrounded by better players. He suited the Latics’ philosophy of getting the ball down, but unfortunately, the situation they were in restricted the impact he could make.
Grade: B-
The Belgian is a victim of his own success. He burst onto the scene at last year’s World Cup, and fortunately, we were the ones that managed to sign him. However, he was certainly not ready for first-team football at Anfield, and only circumstances during the season led to calls to bring him back from his loan spell at Lille, the club we bought him from.
He has managed eight goals in Ligue 1, albeit whilst receiving criticism for his efforts. Hopefully, the year he has had will benefit him once he comes to Merseyside. The highs and lows will prepare him for the fickleness of English football.
Grade: B-
Jerome Sinclair (Wigan Athletic)
Like Ojo, Jerome Sinclair was around the Wigan side that tried to avoid relegation. Despite not really getting a chance – he played in only one game – he should still benefit from being part of the club for nearly two months.
He’ll have been made well aware of the implications of a bad performance and will hopefully grown more accustomed to being surrounded by senior players. His dealing of the pressure in that situation has allowed him to come back to us and make a couple of promising appearances from the bench.
Grade: C
Joao Teixeira (Brighton and Hove Albion)
Despite breaking his leg, the 22-year-old was outstanding for Brighton this year, and was voted their Young Player of the Year. He also finished as their top goalscorer, despite playing as a midfielder. His creativity helped take the Seagulls away from the Championship’s bottom three.
His injury has probably meant that his development has taken a step back, but if he can enjoy another loan spell, then he could get back on the right track to becoming a player who can make an impact for us.
Grade: A-
Andre Wisdom (West Bromwich Albion)
Under Alan Irvine, Andre Wisdom was a key member of the Baggies’ defence. However, he harshly became something of a scapegoat for their struggles, with Tony Pulis dropping him for the latter half of the season.
Nonetheless, he did make a couple of appearances in April and May, including in the surprise win against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The experience of featuring in the Premier League should mean that he is ready to be called upon should Brendan Rodgers wish to next year. He also signed a new four-year deal upon his return from the Hawthorns, as The Daily Telegraph reports.
Grade: B+
