Season Review Part Four: Forwards

Liverpool

Sadio Mané

With 13 goals and five assists, Mané’s debut season was phenomenal. The forward’s injury undoubtedly broke the hearts of many fans as they lost their star player, whose countless surging runs and invaluable goals won the Reds so many games at the beginning of the season. The Senegal forward was also lost to the Africa Cup of Nations, yet came back as spritely as ever and added even more goals to his impressive tally. He became an instant hit at Anfield and hasn’t looked back since, while his position up front is under no threat next season regardless of who Klopp brings in to strengthen his side. His threatening drives down the right wing became routine as sensational attacking football returned to Anfield, while his mazy, pacey and hugely accurate forward runs terrified defenders, and an assured finish was more often than not waiting at the end.

Roberto Firmino

Another player who thrived under Klopp’s passionate leadership, Firmino was often the unsung hero in many victories for the Reds. His deft touches and flicks, along with selfless and often sole pressing, were enough to ensure his name was on the team sheet every week, while his 11 league goals and seven assists were crucial to that fourth place finish. Firmino’s link up play with fellow Brazilian Coutinho and fellow forward Lallana was pivotal as Liverpool’s front line terrorised defences, and his chances created were perhaps were the number 11 was so effective. He is another who, as he finally settles to life in England, has the potential to thrive on the biggest of stages in both the Premier League and elsewhere in Europe.

Divock Origi

The young forward was called upon regularly this season, and although he managed to step up to the plate on occasions, seven goals in 34 appearances perhaps isn’t the ideal return for a place in the Liverpool starting 11.That said, Origi has undoubtedly given his all for the club and certainly has potential to progress, yet subtle weaknesses in his game must be improved in order to impress Klopp further. He has however scored some important goals throughout the campaign, and has definitely linked up well with fellow forwards Sturridge and Firmino as they found the net so many times this season.

Daniel Sturridge

The England international has evidently been out of favour this season, yet when called upon has delivered and has found the net on three occasions. Although not given the opportunity, Sturridge has been patient and is reportedly willing to continue his development at Liverpool. His finishing is second-to-none, and a striker of that quality should not be let go so easily and so foolishly after impressing throughout his time at the club, although his injury record is obviously a major worry for Klopp as he looks to strengthen in that area. His quick-fire goal at West Ham epitomised just what he has to offer, though at times he has frustrated both his manager and teammates this season. But countless fans would be heartbroken to lose such a potentially crucial player as Champions League football returns to Anfield.

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