Liverpool Premier League squad: Salah, Firminho and Mane stay, Hardy released

LIVERPOOL 2020/21 SEASON RATINGS: Jurgen Klopp 5 - The 53-year-old did not cope with the defensive injury crisis. He allowed Dejan Lovren to be sold and not replaced, meaning that the squad was left with just three front-line centre-backs. Then he tried to solve the back-four problems by using midfielders. That affected the balance of the side. Once he deployed dedicated, albeit inexperienced, centre-backs and returned Fabinho to the midfield, things improved. Rival managers came to terms with his tactics and Klopp was slow to adapt. Things got back on track in the last month of the season but even then the team were living on a knife-edge. Getty

Alisson Becker 7 - The goalkeeper endured a difficult season. He was injured early on and did not exude the same sense of security he displayed in his previous two campaigns. Off the pitch he suffered personal tragedy when his father died in a fishing accident in Brazil. He finished on a high, however, scoring arguably the most important goal of Liverpool’s season, a stoppage time header against West Bromwich Albion that kept the team in Champions League contention. AFP

Trent Alexander-Arnold 8 - The first item on the agenda of opposition managers is straightforward: ‘Stop Alexander-Arnold.’ How often is a full-back the focus of rival teams’ gameplans? The 22-year-old had some flat performances but he continues to provide much of the creative spark for the side. His defending was pretty good, too, given the insecurity at centre-back. A candidate for the club’s player of the year. Reuters

Nathaniel Phillips 6 - Jurgen Klopp was reluctant to use the 24-year-old when the defensive injury crisis hit, preferring to shift Fabinho and even Jordan Henderson into the back line. When Phillips got his chance you could understand the manager’s logic. He is raw and does not have an elite defender’s skillset. Yet the centre-half has shown character and drive to win over his critics. He may not be the long-term answer but he has given everything and emerged with credit. Reuters

Rhys Williams 6 - The 19-year-old was given his chance because of injuries and that is a double-edged sword. He has had the opportunity to learn on the job but has been without a senior partner to help guide him through. In this context his progress has been admirable. At times all of his inexperience showed and a season or two developing outside the spotlight will probably do him good. AFP

Andrew Robertson 7 - The Scot suffered from a concerted attempt by Liverpool’s opponents to shut down the crossing threat from the full backs. His rampaging runs forward were not as effective as in the previous couple of seasons. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old did not let it affect his work ethic. He was as industrious and competitive as ever. No cause is ever completely lost when Robertson is on the pitch. AFP

Fabinho 8 - The Brazilian was superb when drafted into defence as the centre-back injuries piled up but his absence from the midfield hurt the side. That showed when he returned to a more natural position and the team improved immeasurably. At his best the 27-year-old sets the tempo, gets the ball forward quickly and breaks up danger. He put the team before his personal interests and did the dirty work when asked. Getty

Thiago Alcantara 7 - The 30-year-old ended the season well but took a long time to grow into his role after arriving from Bayern Munich last year. His passing ability has never been in question but even now he is lagging a little behind the pace of the Premier League. Even experienced campaigners need time to adjust to English football and every sign suggests Thiago will be significantly better next season. Getty

Georginio Wijnaldum 7 - The Dutchman’s contribution to the team has often gone unnoticed but he has always provided a crucial element of balance to the side. Colleagues benefit from the effort put in by the 30-year-old. The knock-on impact of injuries at the back meant the midfield was frequently disjointed. Wijnaldum worked to find some coherence and was not always successful this season. Liverpool will miss him when he’s gone. Reuters

Mohamed Salah 9 - Strikers who score 30 times in a season are rare. Goalscorers who visibly unnerve defences are even more unusual. Opponents cannot switch off for a moment when the Egyptian is on the pitch. Even in matches when he does not score, he creates space and opportunity for his teammates. His frustration shows when things are not working out but this is an indication of his will to win. Getty

Roberto Firmino 5 - The Brazilian finished the season with some of his old flourish but for much of the campaign he was sub-par. His confidence appeared to be low and although his movement was still good, his ability to knit together attacks faltered. The 29-year-old is another who has suffered from rival sides coming to terms with Liverpool’s style of play. He will need to adapt or his place in the team will be under threat. Getty

Sadio Mane 7 - The Senegalese rarely hit the expected heights during the campaign and for long stretches looked weary. He told a French TV channel this month that it was the “worst season of my career.” His exasperation has been clear at times but his efforts have not slackened. Certainly, Salah should be grateful for his presence. Mane stretches defences and they have to account for him at all times. Getty

Diogo Jota 7 - The Portuguese had a sensational start to his Anfield career and provided a fourth option up front. A knee injury in December slowed his progress and by the time he returned the season had spun out of control. There were many positive signs during his truncated campaign and even though there is work to be done to get him fully integrated into the team, Liverpool can be optimistic about the 24-year-old’s future impact. AFP

James Milner 6 - The 35-year is a model of consistency. He slots in anywhere his manager asks and was particularly effective off the substitutes’ bench to shore up the team. Age is beginning to catch up with him but his experience is invaluable. He will increasingly become a bit-part player and he is not the man to call on for a flash of creative genius but Milner is always primed for battle. AFP

Curtis Jones 6 - The 20-year-old brings something different in midfield. He is prepared to run at defences. His energy is boundless. The downside is that he is still developing his ability to judge situations on the pitch and he has made poor choices on occasion. The Scouser has not been helped by the constant changes in midfield. In a more settled side with a more defined role he will thrive. He was good this season but will get much better. Reuters

Jordan Henderson 7 - The captain is not the most flamboyant midfielder but his combination of leadership, nous and workrate make him one of the most important players in the side. The groin injury in February that ended his campaign was a huge blow. He is 31 next month and may see less playing time as Klopp rejigs his tactics next season but he remains one of Liverpool’s standout characters. Reuters

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 5 - His season did not get started until December and then never really got going. Despite all the shuffling in midfield, he was largely consigned to the bench. More than most, Oxlade-Chamberlain needed playing time. Instead he had to make do with late cameos. It is most likely he will exit Anfield this summer. The suspicion is that even after this difficult campaign any buyer would get a bargain. Getty

Naby Keita 3 - In a season of many disappointments, Keita was close to the top. He has been at Anfield for three years and has struggled with the physicality of English football. This had to be his year. It was not. The worst moment came in the away leg against Real Madrid when he was substituted three minutes before half time. That did not seal his fate but the 26-year-old has never lived up to expectations. A summer departure would be no shock. AFP

Joel Matip 5 - When he was on the pitch the 29-year-old played well. The problem is that it is impossible to rely on the centre-back for any length of time. Liverpool were foolish to let the transfer window close with only three front-line central defenders and Matip was the least secure of that trio by a long shot. You don’t have to be top class to contribute, you just need to be fit. For long stretches the centre-back was neither. Getty

Xherdan Shaqiri 4 - The Swiss was never going to start on a regular basis. He is not good enough to break into the front line and does not fit into the midfield. The best he could hope for was coming off the bench. When he was picked in the first XI, he did not show enough to retain his place. Off the bench he was busy but mostly ineffective. He is among of number of the squad who should have been offloaded last summer. Getty

Ozan Kabak 5 - The Turk was one of the late-January defensive panic buys. Ben Davies, a centre-back who arrived the same week, was mere window dressing and has not played a game. Kabak got his chance. At first he looked as if he was in over his head but he improved. It is arguable whether he has sufficient class to develop enough to fill Liverpool’s needs but he is only 21. He did enough to suggest there might be scope for growth. AFP

Divock Origi 3 - Another of those players who overstayed their welcome at Anfield. The Belgian should have been a classic ‘Plan-B’ centre forward but his abilities never matched the level of his teammates. His tendency to slow down attacking play meant his arrival on the pitch felt more like throwing in the towel than throwing on a goal threat. He probably should have been offloaded after his goal in the 2019 Champions League final. This summer will see his exit. Getty

Joe Gomez 4 - It was a huge blow when the 24-year-old picked up a long-term injury on England duty in November. He had not had the finest start to the season – he was awful in the 7-2 defeat by Aston Villa at Villa Park – but his partnership with Van Dijk during the title-winning campaign was very solid. This is his second serious knee injury – he suffered cruciate damage five years ago. That is not good for a player who is so young. Reuters

Neco Williams 5 - The 20-year-old experienced some tough times when he was drafted into the team. The right-back has lots of promise but was thrown into the side too early in his development. Even so, he showed signs that he could grow into the role. He will improve for the experience but is not ready for regular first-team action at this stage of his career. AFP

Virgil van Dijk 5 - The injury to the Dutchman in October was a turning point for the season but assuming his return will be a panacea for Liverpool’s problems requires a leap of faith. The centre-back was on the pitch for the 7-2 defeat by Aston Villa and the team’s problems in 2021 ran deeper than the injuries. He will be 30 by the time the new campaign kicks off and Klopp needs Van Dijk to be somewhere near his best when the action starts anew. PA

Adrian 3 - The Spaniard stood in for Alisson when the Brazilian was injured in the early part of the season and it became obvious that he was not up to the task. Since then the 34-year-old has been marginalised. He will be moved on swiftly in the summer. Reuters

Caoimhín Kelleher 6 - The 22-year-old stepped up when Alisson was injured and leapfrogged Adrian for the role of second-choice goalkeeper. The Irishman proved a good shot-stopper, was composed on the ball and displayed few nerves. Klopp no longer needs to panic when Alisson gets a twinge. AFP

Konstantinos Tsimikas 3 - The Greek was brought in to provide back-up for Robertson but has hardly been seen, even though the Scot has looked exhausted. It can take Klopp a long time to trust players – Robertson hardly got a look-in for his first five months at Anfield – but the 25-year-old has had suspiciously little action. The only conclusion is that the manager thinks he is not good enough. Getty

The 20 Premier League clubs that took part in the 2020/21 season have submitted lists of players they will be retaining in their squads, and ones they will be releasing.

All clubs must submit their respective lists by June 23.

It is worth noting that player contracts typically will run until June 30, and therefore players who are soon to be out of contract are still on the 'retained' list at the time of publishing.

Next up are Liverpool, the reigning English champions who looked like they were going to be without European football next season, but a late run of form saw them seal third place in the table and place in the Champions League.

Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah finished the season as Premier League's second top scorer with 22 goals, one behind Spurs and England attacker Harry Kane.

Jurgen Klopp's side were knocked out the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Real Madrid.

Liverpool 

2020/21 Premier League position: 3rd

Retained

Thiago Alcantara
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Taiwo Awoniyi
James Balagizi
Roberto Firmino
Jack Bearne
Michael Beck 
Alisson Becker
Harvey Blair 
Morgan Boyes
Conor Bradley
Jake Cain
Leighton Clarkson
Tom Clayton
Anderson Arroyo
Dominic Corness
Ben Davies
Marcelo de Araujo Pitaluga
Elijah Dixon-Bonner
Harvey Elliott
Tony Gallacher
Paul Glatzel
Joe Gomez
Kamil Grabara
Marko Grujic
Jordan Henderson
Fabinho
Thomas Hill
Liam Hughes
Viteslav Jaros
Curtis Jones
Loris Karius
Naby Keita
Caoimhin Kelleher
Billy Koumetio
Yasser Larouci (Offer)
Adam Lewis
Luis Longstaff

Liverpool 2 Palace 0: player ratings

LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 7: This was not the Brazilian’s busiest afternoon but he made a good stop early on from Zaha and pushed a Townsend free kick over the bar. He could have taken most of the second half off. Reuters

Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7: There were very few uncomfortable moments for the 22-year-old, who has struggled defensively with Zaha in the past. He caused Palace plenty of worries going forward. AFP

Nathaniel Phillips - 6: The centre half was not tested too much by the opposition attack and coped well in the wind. He was steady rather than spectacular and largely error-free. PA

Rhys Williams - 6: The 20-year-old missed a sitter with a free header but got an important touch on the corner that led to the opening goal. He was rarely troubled when defending. AP

Andrew Robertson - 7: The Scot was threatening down the left. He combined superbly with Mane. When forced to defend he did so without fuss. Replaced by Jota in stoppage time. PA

Fabinho - 7: The Brazilian controlled the areas in front of the defence and established midfield dominance. Palace never forced him out of his comfort zone. AFP

Thiago Alcantara - 7: The 30-year-old has got better and better in the past two months. His passing was excellent and he set the tempo. He produced a great chance that Salah was unable to convert. PA

Georginio Wijnaldum - 7: The Dutchman, on what may be his last outing for Liverpool, gave a performance that summed up his Anfield career. He screened the defence, won the ball, drove forward when appropriate and knitted play together. He was given a huge ovation when replaced by Milner with 12 minutes left. PA

Mohamed Salah - 8: The Egyptian missed out on the Golden Boot but was magnificent. He terrified the defence. There can be no doubt about his commitment to the team after he passed up a shooting opportunity to set up Mane for the second goal. AFP

Roberto Firmino - 6: The Brazilian’s touch set up the opening goal, the high point in a quiet game for the 29-year-old. He made way for Oxlade-Chamberlain in stoppage time. AP

Sadio Mane - 9: The Senegalese was back to his best and deserved to score both goals. He was a menace to the defence from the off and harried the Palace backline relentlessly. AFP

SUBS: James Milner - (On for Wijnaldum 78') N/A. The 35-year-old replaced Wijnaldum with 12 minutes left and ensured that there was no chance of a late revival from the visiting side. He picked up a yellow card in his cameo appearance. Diogo Jota - (On for Robertson 90 +1'). N/A. Oxlade-Chamberlain - (On for Robertson 90+2'). N/A. Reuters

CRYSTAL PALACE RATINGS: Vicente Guaita - 5: The Spaniard’s main contribution to the game was denying Salah the Golden Boot. He could do nothing about either goal. Reuters

Joel Ward - 5: The full back battled against the dual threat of Mane and Robertson but lacked support from the players in front of him. He made an excellent last-gasp block but Liverpool scored from the subsequent corner. EPA

James Tomkins - 5: The 32-year-old struggled with the movement of Salah and Mane. He should have done better for the opening goal. Injuries have ruined his season and he was replaced by Schlupp just before the hour. Reuters

Gary Cahill - 5: The 35-year-old relies on his experience rather than pace but he too often left space behind him for attackers to run into. He was too slow to Mane for the second goal and deflected the shot into the net. Reuters

Tyrick Mitchell - 5: The 21-year-old was put under huge pressure by Salah and Alexander-Arnold. At times he was close to being overwhelmed but to his credit he kept to the task. AP

Cheikhou Kouyate - 5: The Senegalese was unconvincing in midfield, especially when tracking back to help against Salah. His distribution was also poor. He moved to centre half after Tomkins departed and was no more impressive. PA

James McCarthy - 4: The Irishman chased around the midfield to little effect. He made a superb challenge in the area to deny Salah a shooting chance but was disappointing overall. Replaced by van Aanholt late on. PA

Jairo Riedewald - 4: The Dutchman tried to get the team moving forward but his passing was off beam. In the second half he pressed higher and harder but Liverpool knocked the ball around him. AP

Andros Townsend - 3: The winger began with purpose, shooting on sight, and made Alisson work twice. He had Palace’s best chance when one-on-one with the goalkeeper but screwed his shot wide. After that, he disappeared. Reuters

Wilfried Zaha - 4: The striker opened up the defence in the first five minutes but shot when he should have passed. After that he was isolated and unable to have any impact on the game. AP

Jordan Ayew - 4: The 29-year-old was wasteful in possession and more concerned with defending than attacking. He became tetchy as the game went on and lost his discipline. Reuters

SUBS: Jeffrey Schlupp - (On for Tomkins 58') 5: Brought a bit more energy into the midfield but rarely looked like creating any forward momentum. Patrick van Aanholt - (On for McCarthy 58') N/A. Martin Kelly - (On for Kouyate 89') N/A. PA

Sadio Mane
Joel Matip
Liam Millar
James Milner
Takumi Minamino
Tyler Morton
James Norris

Fidel O'Rourke
Sheyi Ojo
Jakub Ojrzynski
Divock Origi 
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Nathaniel Phillips 
Jarell Quansah
Matteo Ritaccio
Andrew Robertson
Mohamed Salah
Adrian (Offer)
Remi Savage (Offer)
Xherdan Shaqiri
Luca Stephenson
Layton Stewart
Diogo Jota
Konstantinos Tsimakis
Sepp Van Den Berg
Virgil Van Dijk
Georginio Wijnaldum (Offer)
Neco Williams
Rhys Williams
Harry Wilson
Wilson, Sean William
Woltman, Max Reuben
Woodburn, Benjamin Luke

Released

Liam Coyle
Joe Hardy
Abdi Sharif
Jack Walls