Liverpool End-of-Season Awards: Youngsters Shine but Salah Absent | OneFootball

Anfield Index’s End-of Season Awards: Who Were the Standout Performers in 2023/24?

As Liverpool finished their 2023/24 campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wolves, we now have time to reflect on the past season and some of the standout performers from across the season. Many Liverpool supporters will still be drying their cheeks from Jurgen Klopp’s farewell, so let’s try and lighten the mood by placing some praise on some of our amazing Reds.

With that being said, let’s get started…

Player of the Season – Virgil Van Dijk

Perhaps the easiest choice out of these awards, I think Van Dijk has comfortably been our strongest and most consistent performer this season. Racking up a huge 48 appearances for the club across all competitions this season, the Dutchman was the rock to our defence regardless of who his partner was.

Photo: IMAGO

Whether it be Ibou Konate, Joel Matip or the young Jarell Quansah, Van Dijk’s levels remained extremely strong. Of course, it’s impossible to forget that world-class performance and final-winning goal in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.

The likes of Alisson Becker and Alexis Mac Allister deserve a shout for this one, but just haven’t been as consistent as Van Dijk over the course of the season.

Young Player of the Season – Harvey Elliott

Only Kevin De Bruyne has more assists in 2024 than Harvey Elliott, which really proves the level of performance he has been reaching this season. The 21-year-old has made 53 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and assisting a further eleven in the process.

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The youngster has also produced moments of magic in important games too, with his last-minute winner at Crystal Palace and his screamer against Tottenham Hotspur being two highlights. Conor Bradley is really unlucky to miss out on this one, but has ultimately made 30 less appearances than Elliott. His incredible progress should still be applauded by everyone at the club, though.

Signing of the Season – Alexis Mac Allister

This is also a no-brainer for me, with the £35milliong signing of Alexis Mac Allister up there for the entire league rather than just Liverpool. Whether it be his defensive work as a six, his ability to control games from the eight, or his game winning moments that stole the headlines for days after – he has been incredible.

Photo: IMAGO

As previously mentioned above, Mac Allister is unfortunate to not be picking up the Player of the Season award, but perhaps he could get his hands on it next year. It’s also important to give credit to the rest of the new signings, who all faced their own difficulties. Wataru Endo proved to be miles better than anticipated, whilst injuries stunted the progress of both Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch. I still remain confident in all of those players under Arne Slot.

Most Improved – Jarell Quansah

From battling for a spot in Joey Barton’s League One side, Bristol Rovers, to making 33 senior appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side just a year later. The 21-year-old has even displaced France international defender, Ibou Konate, from Klopp’s preferred eleven at the end of the season.

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The future remains incredibly bright for Quansah and I suspect he could continue this incredible form into next season under Arne Slot.

Goal of the Season – Alexis Mac Allister vs Fulham

The final award goes to Alexis Mac Allister, who picks up his second, thanks to his sensational strike against Fulham back in December. As the ball fell to him from 35-years-out, the midfielder launched the ball past Bernd Leno and into the far top corner.

Photo: IMAGO

His strike against Sheffield United also deserves a mention, as well as Harvey Elliott’s against Spurs and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s against Fulham but for me, Macca’s Fulham strike wins this one comfortably.