Liverpool's Dream Team Revealed: The Season's Most Dominant Stars Ranked
Following Liverpool's completion of a record-breaking transfer window with their biggest summer signing, most expected the Reds to cruise to consecutive Premier League championships.
Nevertheless, Arne Slot's title holders are struggling. A crushing 3-0 loss to Manchester City has dampened hopes of recovery, leaving Liverpool in eighth place and trailing league leaders Arsenal by eight points heading into the November international pause.
Slot has faced numerous challenges in his second campaign, mainly concerning team balance. The Dutch manager has yet to successfully blend most of the Reds' expensive new signings, while reverting to previous season's tactics has also failed to produce consistent results.
In essence, the Liverpool boss remains uncertain about his optimal starting eleven. Perhaps FotMob could provide guidance? Here's the Reds' top-rated lineup in Slot's favored 4-2-3-1 formation according to FotMob's Premier League player ratings this season.
GK: Alisson – 7.0
The Brazilian has again fallen victim to hamstring problems, allowing Giorgi Mamardashvili to assume control for the last seven matches. The Georgian, though, has yet to bring stability to Liverpool's troubled defense.
While Alisson wasn't particularly exceptional before his setback, this Liverpool squad urgently requires their star goalkeeper's return.
RB: Conor Bradley – 6.61
Maybe insufficient attention was paid to Trent Alexander-Arnold's exit. Liverpool have lost an attacking third creator, and they appear stagnant when facing intense pressure. The right-back frequently helped the Reds advance upfield through his exceptional passing ability.
Summer recruit Jeremie Frimpong remains injury-prone, leaving Conor Bradley with most playing time since Trent's departure. The Northern Ireland international has been reliable enough, impressing again against Real Madrid, though Jérémy Doku dominated him in Sunday's 3-0 loss.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté – 6.95
Could Real Madrid be occupying Ibrahima Konaté's thoughts? The French defender has reached his contract's final year, and his performances have declined amid rumored Spanish interest.
Konaté has maintained fitness, yet he's been remarkably inconsistent this season. Excellent displays against Arsenal, for instance, have been offset by disastrous showings versus Bournemouth and Crystal Palace. He earns selection by elimination, given limited options.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – 7.15
Liverpool's skipper returned to peak form last campaign, but Konaté's fluctuating displays have affected Virgil van Dijk as well.
Simply stated, the legendary Dutch center-back hasn't provided the reliability he showed during their championship run. Multiple instances of questionable judgment and careless defensive moments have emerged.
LB: Andy Robertson – 6.78
Left-back was identified as a position Liverpool needed to strengthen during summer. Andy Robertson was considered the Reds' primary weakness last season, yet the experienced defender hasn't been replaced.
New signing Milos Kerkez has created havoc on the left wing since joining from Bournemouth, prompting Slot to rely on Robertson once more. The Scottish player hasn't excelled, but he's provided greater stability than the Hungarian option.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch – 7.36
The ex-Ajax talent emerged as a key figure in Liverpool's championship success, with Slot trusting Ryan Gravenberch to operate as the smooth orchestrator in midfield.
The Dutch midfielder hasn't reached his 2024-25 peaks early this season, yet Gravenberch remains among FotMob's top-rated Liverpool performers.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister – 6.77
Curtis Jones narrowly loses out to Alexis Mac Allister, who's experienced a challenging campaign start following an interrupted preseason.
Summer fitness issues meant the Argentine needed time to find rhythm, and he's lacked consistency thus far. An impressive performance against Real Madrid was followed by a nervous display at the Etihad. His form has been disappointing.
RW: Mohamed Salah – 7.02
Mohamed Salah faced enormous expectations to match his remarkable 2024-25 campaign, when he established a Premier League record with 47 goal contributions.
This season, Liverpool's Egyptian superstar has experienced both reduced output (eight goals and assists in 16 matches) and struggles with basics. His campaign has been marked by poor first touches and awkward final third moments. Insufficient defensive contribution is also proving problematic.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.4
Dominik Szoboszlai has undoubtedly been Liverpool's top performer this season. However, the Hungarian midfielder doesn't lead FotMob's rankings.
Szoboszlai has filled various positions under Slot, and when Liverpool have reached levels approaching last season's standards, the former RB Leipzig player has been central. Many consider him future captain material.
LW: Cody Gakpo – 7.44
Cody Gakpo claims FotMob's top spot. His 7.44 Premier League average rating leads Liverpool's rankings.
His playing time has grown following Luis Díaz's move to Bayern Munich, and despite moderate productivity (four goals and three assists across competitions), Gakpo can become predictable operating wide. He works hard defensively and possesses good positioning instincts. Nevertheless, he isn't always clinical in front of goal, as his wastefulness against Manchester United demonstrated.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké – 6.78
Hugo Ekitiké has clearly been the standout among Liverpool's disappointing expensive signings. He edges Alexander Isak mainly due to the Swede's fitness problems.
Ekitiké has experienced invisible performances, like at the Etihad, but he's a versatile player who links well and moves smoothly. Growth potential exists, though the groundwork is genuinely promising. The French striker tops Liverpool's goal tally with six strikes across all competitions.
