Van Dijk, Nunez and how EVERY Liverpool player ranks in 2023-24 season

The Jurgen Klopp era is over at Anfield, which still seems hard to process, with Arne Slot now preparing to take the Reds forward.

The German's final season ended with Champions League football, with League Cup success sealed back in February.

We've given an end-of-term grade to each Liverpool player from worst to best, from those who played at least five times in the Premier League.

Do you agree with our assessment?

Kostas Tsimikas: C

Kostas Tsimikas' season was an instantly forgettable one, with only eight league starts handed to him.

Joe Gomez was preferred at left-back at times, and while four assists in all competitions shows that he did have an impact, accepting a summer offer for him could be the right decision.

Ryan Gravenberch: C

Of all Liverpool's summer signings, Ryan Gravenberch arguably split opinion the most, with some excited about such a big talent coming in, and others wary of his enigmatic nature.

In truth, the young midfielder's first season at Liverpool was an underwhelming one, with too many flaky performances thrown in, particularly in terms of his off-the-ball work.

It is too early to give up on Gravenberch, however, and there were moments to enjoy, including a well-taken strike away to Fulham.

Darwin Nunez: C

Darwin Nunez finds himself in a strange position where he receives too much criticism from a chunk of the Reds fanbase, but also gets too much support from others.

The fact of the matter is that the Uruguayan has to do better, with his unreliable finishing proving costly numerous times, and 11 league goals in 36 appearances not a good enough return.

Nunez was still always involved with his pace, power and movement, however, and he had a big impact on occasions, not least popping up with a dramatic late winner at Nottingham Forest.

Ibrahima Konate: B-

A combination of injury problems and inconsistent form means Ibrahima Konate endured a slightly disappointing season by his high standards.

In fairness, he was performing very well during the earlier part of the season, using his speed and strength effectively, but his campaign really tailed off.

The fitness issues are becoming a genuine concern, and he has to rid himself of them if he wants to be a long-term fixture at the heart of Liverpool's defence.

Joel Matip: B-

Joel Matip has left Liverpool after eight brilliant years, and his final season was a predictably injury-prone one.

When he was fit, the 32-year-old did well, barring that horrible last-gasp own goal at Tottenham, but he can't be graded higher than a B- because of his lack of availability.

Bobby Clark: B

Bobby Clark just squeezes in after picking up five Premier League appearances, following a season that he will likely treasure for years to come.

The 19-year-old played his part in the League Cup success and also scored his first Liverpool goal, coming against Sparta Prague in the Europa League.

Cody Gakpo: B

Cody Gakpo remains a frustrating player to watch, possessing so many strong attributes but not always using them to the best of his ability.

The 25-year-old often had to play second fiddle in the Premier League, starting 17 out of 38 games, but he appeared 35 times in the competition and registered 13 goal contributions (eight goals and five assists).

Could he explode into life with his compatriot Slot in charge?

Andy Robertson: B

Like so many Liverpool players, it's hard to truly assess Andy Robertson's 2023/24 season because injuries saw him miss a chunk of action.

While not necessarily the marauding force he once was, the Scot was still a reliable figure when he did play, though, and scored one vital late winner away to Wolves.

Dominik Szoboszlai: B

During the first few months of the season, Dominik Szoboszlai was a strong contender for Liverpool's best player, as he made an incredible start to life at Anfield.

The minutes caught up with the Hungarian, though, niggling injuries affected his rhythm, and he found himself out of the team by April and May.

Still, Szoboszlai is a fantastic young player who should be viewed as a massive player under Slot.

Curtis Jones: B

There was a period earlier in the season when Curtis Jones was threatening to have an outstanding season, looking every bit Liverpool's new version of Gini Wijnaldum.

As has too often been the case, however, fitness issues affected his flow, and he ended the campaign lacking the zip of the late summer and early autumn months.

Jones is growing in importance, though, and has turned into an intelligent and understated member of the midfield.

Luis Diaz: B

No Liverpool attacker gave their all in 2023/24 more than Luis Diaz, whose energy levels and team ethic were so impressive.

There are lingering concerns about the Colombian's profligacy in front of goal, however, and he isn't the world-class killer that the Reds need him to be.

Still, eight league goals shouldn't be sniffed at, and the positives outweighed the negatives with Diaz.

Wataru Endo: B+

Nobody saw the signing of Wataru Endo coming last summer, with some even turning their noses up at his arrival.

While his season tailed off in the end, like so many, it should never be forgotten what an influential presence he became in the early part of 2024.

A tenacious figure who allowed Alexis Mac Allister more freedom, Endo has deservedly earned cult hero status.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: B+

In his first year as Liverpool's vice-captain, Trent Alexander-Arnold showed his usual world-class magic on the ball, enjoying life drifting into midfield more often.

There were the usual sporadic defensive blips, not least simply failing to challenge Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the air at Everton, but this was another impressive season overall.

Could Slot turn him into an out-and-out midfielder?

Mohamed Salah: B+

Short-termism could make some balk at Mohamed Salah's rating, but his season was still a good one, as 25 goals and 13 assists suggest.

The Egyptian legend was easily Liverpool's most productive attacking player, and before AFCON and injuries affected him, he felt as important as ever.

A really flat end to the campaign, though.

Conor Bradley: A-

Conor Bradley's rise has been meteoric over the past nine months or so, and he now looks like a genuinely excellent option at right-back.

The youngster produced arguably the best individual display of the season at home to Chelsea, scoring once and bagging two assists, and he filled in superbly for the absent Alexander-Arnold.

He looked tired by the end, but that's understandable - he could be a regular starter if Slot does move Trent into midfield.

Diogo Jota: A-

Had it not been for Diogo Jota's constant injury absences, you just wonder how different Liverpool's season might have been.

The Portuguese was easily the Reds' best finisher, netting 10 times in only 14 league starts, and he was on fire when injury cruelly struck him down at Brentford.

A massive player moving forward, assuming he can avoid these frustrating layoffs.

Joe Gomez: A-

Gomez was one of the feel-good stories of the season, with the England international recovering from a dreadful campaign last time around to make 51 appearances in total.

The 27-year-old was such a consistent player, often at left-back when Robertson was out, and his form looks set to be rewarded with a place in England's final squad for Euro 2024.

A first-ever Liverpool goal would have been the icing on the cake.

Jarell Quansah: A-

At the start of the season, very few Liverpool fans would have backed Jarell Quansah to play any sort of key role in the Premier League.

The young Englishman ended up appearing 17 times in the competition, though, starting 13 of those games, and he looks like a centre-back of huge promise.

By the end of the campaign, he had ousted Konate, which speaks volumes.

Caoimhin Kelleher: A-

Supporters were understandably concerned when Alisson got injured, but Caoimhin Kelleher was near-faultless during his lengthy stint between the sticks.

The Irishman was a star performer in the League Cup final win over Chelsea, and in the league, he proved to be dependable time and time again.

Has he played his last game for the Reds?

Alisson: A-

At one point early in the season, Alisson was as good and important as anyone for Liverpool, with an outrageous save away to Newcastle summing up his world-class brilliance.

Injuries have been a slight issue in the past, however, and that again proved to be the case, meaning he missed 10 league games.

Upon his return, Alisson wasn't quite as perfect, proving to be shaky on the ball, but he was still outstanding overall.

Harvey Elliott: A-

This was another big season for Harvey Elliott, who was Liverpool's go-to impact substitute and also someone who deserved more minutes from the start.

Still only 21, the boyhood Reds supporter has really grown in stature, adding substance to his game, as outlined by 11 assists and four goals overall.

Fitting Elliott into the team isn't easy, but has become such a reliable player who provides guile in midfield - he could grow into an elite footballer over time.

Alexis Mac Allister: A

Of Liverpool's four summer additions in midfield, Mac Allister was the standout signing, growing into a hugely influential figure.

After a relatively slow start, the Argentine World Cup winner found a fantastic run of form in the second half of the season, ending the campaign with five goals and assists apiece in the league.

A complete midfielder, Mac Allister could become a genuine Liverpool midfield superstar - provided Real Madrid's interest can be seen off.

Virgil van Dijk: A+

In his first season as Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk was his side's best player, outlining why remains the leading centre-back in world football.

After a below-par 2022/23 campaign, the towering Dutchman was largely immaculate, that error with Alisson at Arsenal aside, and he will be Slot's key man from day one.

Van Dijk scored the winning goal in the League Cup final, and was generally a player you looked at in awe most weeks.