16 Nov 2016 06:14:45
Dunno if this has been brought up or not recently but I want to ask for the opinion of the EDS and fellow reds about a simple question:

'Who do you think has been the most important player for our team this season so far and why? '

Personally I have to say it's Mane as he's been key to maximising Firmino and Couts through-balls with his off-the-ball running and his pace. Also, I feel like we don't have anyone else like him in the team right now so he's absolutely vital. Couts is the best player in our team imo but Mane is the most important for the team.

YNWA
Kopchu x.

{Ed001's Note - good question, I will go with Firmino as his workrate from the front sets the tone for the rest.}

1.) 16 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 07:15:41
I think it's a case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. The entire team has played well and performed, worked for each other and got the results they have deserved. This is the most collective 'team' I can remember at our club for a long time - a good argument could be made that, individually, this is not the strongest team we've had in the past 15 years or son - but as a team it is easily one of the most cohesive.

To respond to your contention that Mane has been the most important Kopchu: what I would say is that he has injected a serious amount of pace into our attack that was lacking since Sterling was moved on. However Mane benefits from a very fluid, dynamic and hard-working attack and this attack, this quality, gives everybody more space to operate in. I think if you take any of these players out of the team we look a lesser team - but it's not because of there individual brilliance, rather how they function together as a cohesive unit and how that cohesion seems less fluid when they're absent.

2.) 16 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 07:32:06
Great point well made Seano.

3.) 16 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 07:27:31
It's a close one but I'd also go for Firmino. Matip is also up there for me but as is the the majority of the team right now lol.

{Ed025's Note - trust me...the most important entity is the manager, a lot of the players have been habitual under performers previously but klopp is making a massive massive impact, he could make oumar niasse look world class and i have to be honest its making me sick.. :)

4.) 16 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 08:41:53
I'll go with Firmino. His movement/ work off the ball when we're in possession and when we're defending is absolutely superb.
His intelligence contributes massively to the fluidity of the front 3.and his pressing is key to defending and winning back the ball.

5.) 16 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 09:08:40
Firmino, overwhelmingly. When he's in form and playing well, he's the cog that makes Coutinho and Mane play equally well. And when this trio is playing well with support from Lallana, Henderson and Can/ Wijnaldum, there's magical creativity, blistering speed, and sublime one touch passes that most teams can't cope with. Sure Matip and Lovren/ Lucas are vital parts too, but games are won by scoring more goals than the opposition, right? And in case you haven't noticed, our defense doesn't start at the back four. It starts way upfront with this attacking trio too.

I know the OP asked about a player, but i'll twist it a little bit and say that the MVP (most valuable player) for this team is actually a most valuable person - and that is Klopp, without a doubt. Given the youth of this team and given the length of his intended stay at LFC, I think we're all witnessing the beginning of not only a lasting legacy but possibly a dynasty. This year is absolutely crucial. Last year was his apprenticeship in the English game (two lost finals and a mid table finish), but this year he has to deliver, and so far it looks good. And I think this is the best year for him to win the title because Pep and Conte have to go through the same apprenticeship. And Wenger is just. Wenger. And Mourinho is being Mourinho once again.

6.) 16 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 09:26:55
ra1969 - Spot on mate.

Klopp is indeed the most vital member at Liverpool and it's only the beinningg, a lot of great times to come, he's takingg us back to where we belong, most managers take quite some time to adapt to a new league/ team which is normal. Klopp however has hit the ground running, this is his first full season incharge and look at us, incredible how he's got the team playing. Somehow he is improving every player constantly I mean just for an example, Lallana, he's played a vital part this season, something we never saw before, this is all down to that Klopp effect.

7.) 16 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 10:04:48
It's easy to say Bobby or matip as they have been ace. But for me Milner must take the plaudits. unbelievable how he has made the switch look effortless. An he's been brilliant in fact I'd say in the top 3 fullbacks in the league. I'm also impressed with wiji think next year when he's settled an used to us he will be scholes esque for us.

8.) 16 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 10:12:27
Coutinho, Simply because of the position he plays and the responsibility he takes. He see more of the ball after Henderson. Firmino would still miss a handful of sitters up top. But when Coutinho has an off day we create next to nothing. He is the only player who could unlock any defense.
Opposition deploys a man to stop him says a lot about his quality.

9.) 16 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 10:48:24
When was the last time we had this much choice. Just brilliant. From manager to every player in the squad. Fantastic feeling!

10.) 16 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 13:05:11
Was going to praise Milner too scouse_john. He's not been the greatest player but the stength of any team is based on its biggest weakness. Our biggest weakness has been left back for some time and Milner has been more than steady in this position.

11.) 16 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 14:39:53
Milner is indeed a good shout. Overall I'm happy we have many great players who can be classed as up there. whether it be Milner, matip, firmino, coutinho or hendo all are playing brilliantly and will guide us to that title mark my words. I've had a bet put on and this squad will win it for me!

12.) 16 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 14:47:20
I'd agree with anyone who said Firmino or Matip or Couts. All worthy choices.

However Klopp has done such a fantastic job improving players that there are a number that could be noted favourably. Whereas last season many would have scoffed at his choice, this season I think there could be a reasonable argument that Lallana might be considered one of the most important cogs. When he's on the pitch, there's a whole new level of intensity that seems to infectiously spread. And he's no longer a Cruyff and hustle' he's a player.

Klopp has emphasized 'team' and that's obvious in the variety of names pointed out thus far: almost half the regular squad. My brother-in-law is a ManU fan (poor sod) and he reluctantly says Liverpool is the best coached and most entertaining team anywhere at this moment in time. High praise considering the source.

13.) 16 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 11:19:49
The way I look at it is which player would be most missed if they were injured and for me that's Mane. He's introduced pace and directness into our attack which was missing last year. After that would be Coutinho, every great team needs a genius who is a level above everyone else and he's ours, our attack would be a lot less dangerous without him. Firmino only gets fourth after Matip for me. It's not that he hasn't been brilliant but I think, thanks to Studge, we could afford to lose him without breaking our stride to much.

14.) 16 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 08:32:18
Haha refreshing to hear your honesty ed25, admit it your a secret admirer. I agree with your assessment though. Rodgers had largly the same players and failed to make them into a team, and klopp came in and got that same group of players to 2 cup finals.

Alas they did not have enough belief in themselves to go all the way but one senses that there has been a change in their mental attitude this season and that has to be all down to klopp. And it will be down to his influence when we lift the title in may.

{Ed025's Note - im a massive klopp fan JB hes a breath of fresh air compared with the arseholes like mourinho, my only hope is that couts and firminho get poached by the bigger boys and the incredible sulk (sturridge) gets more game time and destroys the team spirit you have mate.. :)

15.) 16 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 13:20:38
You're wrong Ed025.

Oumar Niasse IS world class.

Even under Hodgson he would excel!

{Ed025's Note - you obviously have not seen him zeddicus, hes as much use as a chocolate fire guard mate..

16.) 16 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 21:26:28
The answer is . Milner.

17.) 17 Nov 2016
16 Nov 2016 23:39:34
Lallana is the most improved player.

18.) 18 Nov 2016
18 Nov 2016 00:27:45
Mane has added something different upfront we desperately lacked, firmino has been probably best on the pitch at setting tone from the front and ensuring we don't let the opposition any time on the ball (alongside Llalana), Milner has been a true champion to solve LB, Matip has been immense, and we shouldn't forget how Hendo has adapted brilliantly to create a really solid deep playmaker role that breaks down play and unleashes the attack quickly on any turnover. but

Most of these players were around under Rogers and looked nothing like the side they are now. Klopp established the system, style of play, the togetherness, confidence and sharpened the fitness and skills to get us where we are.