The ECHOs Liverpool FC correspondent runs the rule over the players used across Arne Slot's 100 games as head coach
Arne Slot lifts the Premier League trophy at the end of last season
Arne Slot lifts the Premier League trophy at the end of last season(Image: Getty Images/Getty Images For Th)
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If Tuesday night's disappointing 1-0 to Galatasaray in the Champions League is to be remembered for anything, it is that it was Arne Slot's 100th game in charge as Liverpool boss.
Of all the managers to reach that milestone at Anfield, Slot's record of 62 wins was equalled only by Sir Kenny Dalglish, with the defeat at Rams Park meaning the head coach was unable to take that record outright.
Despite the troubled season, that Slot still has so many wins on the board showed just how good the Reds were last term on his watch as they swaggered their way to the Premier League title with a month and four games to spare.
In that regard, it has felt like a Liverpool career of two halves for Slot as he battles to keep pace for the Champions League spots this time around having overseen a major overhaul of the squad.
To mark the 100th game in charge, the ECHO has taken a look at the players involved who have made five or more appearances and their rated their performances, while attempting not to be too influenced by the current state of play. Here's what we think.
Goalkeepers
ALISSON BECKER - 7
His performance at PSG away would have become legendary had Liverpool progressed further in the Champions League last season. Injuries are starting to pile up for the vaunted Brazilian but he still remains one of the best around. A huge part of the title-winning squad.
GIORGI MAMARDASHVILI - 6
Has shown flashes of why he is so highly rated and why Liverpool courted him a year before his arrival. He will be the long-term custodian once Alisson departs.
CAOIMHIN KELLEHER - 7
Ten Premier League appearances last season prove that he more than played his part. Irishman deserves to be playing every week and has become a key member of the Brentford squad. Unflappable.
Defenders
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD - 6
An important figure in the Premier League triumph overall, but he was not at his bewitching best as during other seasons under Jurgen Klopp. Injury against PSG in the second leg was a sliding doors moment in Europe. Manner of Anfield exit also casts a shadow over his legacy for some.
JEREMIE FRIMPONG - 6
Too often injured to make a significant impact over a lengthy period, but the jet-heeled Dutchman has shown enough to suggest he will be a vital player in the coming years. Needs to stay fit now.
CONOR BRADLEY - 6
Season-ending knee injury at Arsenal was heartbreaking. He has the makings of a top-class, modern-day full-back - if he proves his fitness for the long term. Jury remains out on that for now.
JOE GOMEZ - 7
Not used as often as he would like but has barely put a foot wrong under Slot. Early injury at Plymouth didn't help the cause on a disappointing FA Cup exit last year and was in fine form before a muscle issue was picked up against West Ham in December 2024.
VIRGIL VAN DIJK - 8
The club captain remains the best defender at the club and was integral to last season's title win. Plays every week, showcasing his impressive fitness levels at the age of 34 too. He will be vital to any success this season.
IBRAHIMA KONATE - 7
Few players have encapsulated Liverpool's inconsistencies like the Frenchman this season but he was imperious last year alongside Van Dijk, however, and that should not be forgotten too easily.
JARELL QUANSAH - 5
Subbed within 45 minutes of Slot's first game and never regained his spot in the team. Was asked to play at right-back for the Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle and was more often than not used in the domestic cup competitions.
ANDY ROBERTSON - 6
Came in for some criticism that, with the benefit of hindsight, now looks unfair as Liverpool streamed to the title last year. Was neck and neck with Milos Kerkez earlier in the season but has now dropped behind the Hungarian. Liverpool legend who may be entering his final months.
MILOS KERKEZ - 6
Started slowly at Anfield but has improved steadily. Was excellent against Brighton in the FA Cup last month and played well in the 1-0 win against Arsenal in August. Liverpool's long-term future at left-back is Kerkez.
KOSTAS TSIMIKAS - 6
Did his bit to help Liverpool to the title last season, including a corner with his first touch to secure an important away draw at Nottingham Forest last January.
Midfielders
RYAN GRAVENBERCH - 8
Like many of his team-mates, the Dutchman has not hit the same heights of last season but he remains the Premier League's reigning young player of the year and has his best years ahead of him. So elegant when at his best and he was instrumental last season.
DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI - 8
Hungary captain is one of the few who have gone up a level this season. Ten goals, many of them spectacular, in a campaign where he has often played at right-back. Liverpool need to tie him down.
ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER - 6
Levels have dropped worryingly this season after an excellent campaign last time out. Looks so short of confidence and energy at a time when Premier League midfield battles are based on power rather than poise.
CURTIS JONES - 7
A career-best performance helped secure an important early win against Chelsea last season and he never shirks responsibility when called upon. Wants more minutes and probably deserves them. Inter away in December was another eye-catching display.
FLORIAN WIRTZ - 6
Lots to admire in the early going of the Germany playmaker's Anfield career but has been impacted by the other factors around the general malaise. A sluggish start didn't help but he's improved considerably since December. He needs more conviction with some of his finishing at times, but he will be an important cog for the coming years.
WATARU ENDO - 7
Battle-hardened Japan captain has always given everything when called upon, be it in midfield or at centre-back. Breaking his ankle at Sunderland was desperately unlucky, especially since he started at right-back. A cult hero for a reason.
TREY NYONI - 6
Developing nicely as a young prospect. Been limited to just a few appearances but has a bright future.
HARVEY ELLIOTT - 6
Rarely featured under Slot last season, making just two Premier League starts, both of which came after the title had been won. Winning goal at PSG felt massive at the time.
TYLER MORTON - 6
Helped out in cup competitions before getting the move he craved. He is now shining at Lyon.
Forwards
MOHAMED SALAH - 9
More recent performances may stick in the mind but Salah's 24/25 campaign-from-the-Gods was the major reason Liverpool won the Premier League. This season has been much different and outspoken interview at Leeds was regrettable but those scenes in April and May were largely down to him.
CODY GAKPO - 7
Netherlands forward had made real progress under Slot last season, playing regularly in his preferred position on the left of the attack. Eighteen goals across all competitions was evidence of his new-found importance to the cause but he has regressed alarmingly this year.
HUGO EKITIKE - 8
Sixteen goals in his maiden campaign on Merseyside is proof that Liverpool have a young forward with a huge future. He has been the outstanding purchase from last summer.
ALEXANDER ISAK - 4
Arrived unfit after a controversial summer and was unable to properly impact games as he would have liked when finally up to speed. Leg break at Tottenham was unlucky but means he hasn't featured since December and fans will have to wait to see the best of the £125m man.
RIO NGUMOHA - 7
Winning goal at Newcastle was one of the moments of the season in August while his 70-minute cameo at Wolves recently showcased an extraordinary talent further. He surely has a brilliant future ahead of him
FEDERICO CHIESA - 4
The man responsible for one of the catchiest terrace anthems in years hasn't lived up to his billing. Volley against Bournemouth in August was classy but the Italian has not proven to be a successful punt in the market.
JAYDEN DANNS - 6
Has been missed at times this season due to the lack of options at No.9. Just makes the cut with five appearances for Slot and a goal against Accrington.
DARWIN NUNEZ - 6
It just never quite worked for the popular Uruguayan at Anfield, particularly under Slot. Brentford brace at the midway point of last season was enormous at the time.
LUIS DIAZ - 8
Colombia international was outstanding in his final term at Anfield, often leading the line up front while also contributing from the left wing. Thirteen league goals were bettered only by Salah en route to the title.
DIOGO JOTA - 20
Diogo's contributions to league title No.20 will never be forgotten at Liverpool Football Club.