A few Liverpool players disappointed this season - with the full-backs especially found wanting. John Arne Riise and Steve Finnan were consistently under par and simply did not play to their full potential.

Last season, Finnan was arguably one of Liverpool’s best players. Mr. Reliable had been whipping in crosses that strikers thrive on. His tackling was excellent and he didn’t have one bad game. He also beat out stiff competition from new boy Alvaro Arbeloa.

This season has been different. While Finnan hasn’t been conspicuously bad, he hasn’t been playing to his absolute best. Of course, injuries have played their part, but he has been struggling. We all know he can be a better player and hopefully next term he can be outstanding.

'Riise started the season as a left-winger and looked excellent. However, when he was reverted to his original left-back slot, his defensive abilities came back into question'


Riise had a nightmare season that finished with his bizarre own-goal against Chelsea. He started the season as a left-winger and looked excellent. However, when he was reverted to his original left-back slot, his defensive abilities came back into question. The previous season, he had an excellent showing, scoring a thunderbolt against PSV and remaining consistent in his form. But this term, he has been off his mark all the way. Riise has good attacking ability but his defensive skills are erratic and a permanent move to midfield could benefit him.

Arbeloa has also not been at his best after making his full debut against Barcelona. Rafa Benitez must have had tremendous faith in him to make such a daring move and it paid off brilliantly as he kept Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho quiet. He has improved, and even earned a call to Spain's Euro 2008 squad. He is a good defender but the best is still yet to come.

Liverpool’s best full-back this term, without a doubt, has been Fabio Aurelio. He is also the club's most improved player and has made some key tackles. He isn’t afraid of getting forward and contributed significantly in the middle part of the season, before his injury against Chelsea.

Before Momo Sissoko was sold in January, he had numerous disappointing outings. A brilliant tackler, he just didn’t seem to know how to pass the ball properly. He had shown glimpses of what he could achieve during the previous season, but failed to build on it.

Harry Kewell's Liverpool career has been filled with injuries. He can be a great player when fit, but injured, he’s useless. This season was especially disappointing, having been given a run in the Champions League, and ultimately he declined a new contract with Liverpool.

FInally, Jermaine Pennant has not reproduced his form of late last season. He did tremendously against AC Milan, and scored a stunner against Chelsea. This term was marked by two fluke goals against Newcastle and Fulham respectively and he has reportedly been told he can look for a new club.

All these players have lacked the consistency and form they showed in previous seasons. While some may not be evidently 'disappointing', they surely have not been playing with the same tenacity and will.