5 Liverpool players who have underperformed this season (2021-22)

Sadio Mane has had better seasons for the club.

Liverpool have had a mixed first half of the Premier League season.

The Reds currently sit second in the Premier League table, nine points adrift of defending champions Manchester City, though they have a game in hand.

It's fair to say that Liverpool are exactly where they deserve to be. A few draws and a couple of unexpected losses to West Ham and Leicester City have led to them falling behind the league leaders.

With just over half the season complete, the club will be looking to pull up their socks to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title.

Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been two of the standout players for the team this season. However, some others have not performed to expectation.

Let's take a look at five Liverpool players who have underperformed this season.

#5. James Milner

James Milner has been average this season.

James Milner has been one of Liverpool's underperformers this season.

The 36-year-old has been with the club since 2015 and has been one of the Reds' most dependable players over the years. An extremely versatile player, Milner has slotted in at several positions across the field during his career.

Liverpool were going through a tough spell in their Premier League title season so Milner had some words before their game vs Bournemouth 🗣

He's now expected to leave Liverpool in the summer. What a servant he has been to the club 👏

givemesport.com/1830641-liverp…

Milner is currently being used in rotation with the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson. He has often looked off the pace this season that has led to him losing his starting spot.

🕰🔴 James Milner has built a legacy at Liverpool, but with less than six months left on his contract, what comes next?

@beatts94 asks. thisisanfield.com/2022/01/what-n…

Milner is not as adept defensively as Fabinho and does not have the passing range that Henderson possesses. Fans suspect his age has finally caught up with him, as Milner seems to be out of his depth in the Premier League this season.

#4. Joel Matip

Joel Matip is central to the club's plans.

Joel Matip has looked like a shadow of his former self this season.

Matip was signed from Schalke 04 in 2016 and has been one of the club's most reliable players over the years. He has featured regularly this season, lining up alongside Virgil van Dijk in the center of the defense.

⭕ Alisson and Andy Robertson excellent
⭕ Virgil van Dijk's goal
⭕ VAR controversy
⭕ Joel Matip shaky

That and more among the six things I spotted as #LFC's win unfolded ⤵️

liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-n…

Matip has been excellent in previous seasons and is even considered an overachiever by some of the club's faithful. He was a trusted player during the Red's title-winning season and has since been promoted to the first-team.

🗣️ "With both Joel Matip and with Virgil van Dijk, their bar is so high that even 5 or 10% off it a little bit, is noticeable".

@StanCollymore on Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk not playing to their usual high standards ⬆️ #LFC https://t.co/0QvfpeABpU

Matip has looked jaded ever since the season kicked off in August. He seems to have lost a yard of pace, causing an increase in workload for his defensive partners. With just 16 Premier League games left this season, Matip will have to be at his very best if Liverpool are to challenge for the title.