Liverpool had a number of players who simply did not reach their usual standard in 2025/26, contributing to them finishing a disappointing fifth in the Premier League.
Things could have been worse for the Reds, but they should have been so, so much better, and surely would have been if the squad had collectively raised their level.
While not everyone was completely guilty, most members of the Liverpool team were miles off their usual selves throughout the whole season. A more difficult list to compile than it ever should be, here’s who we think were the worst five culprits, from five to one.
Why do you think Liverpool did not hand Mo a microphone during his Anfield farewell?
Surely he deserved the chance to say his piece!
5. Cody Gakpo
Ask many Liverpool fans, and they would perhaps have Cody Gakpo as their most under-performing player of the 25/26 season.
However, judging from expected level, the drop-off was not as big in Gakpo as in others.
Yes, his output dropped alarmingly from 24 goals and assists, to just 15, but the Dutchman was never really supposed to be a regular starter for Liverpool. He should have done better, but compared with some of his teammates, Gakpo’s drop was not as steep.
READ MORE: What’s now expected to happen with Ibrahima Konate after his last contracted Liverpool game
4. Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate was another player who plenty of fans would look at as being one of the worst performers of the season.
While that is surely true, it would, in our opinion, be unfair to stick the Frenchman in the top three.
Yes, he was a long way from the level of his title-winning standard one year previously, but he still righted his form after half a season of struggle and was one of Liverpool’s better players through the second part of the campaign.
Much better is needed if Konate signs a new contract, but he never hid away, and deserve at least some credit for that. That being said, Arne Slot said he was at the ‘scene of the crime’ far too much this season, and that is an undeniable fact.
3. Mohamed Salah
Given he still managed 22 goal contributions across the season – and hit double figures for goals and assists – some would argue that Mohamed Salah has no business being in a list of Liverpool’s worst performers of 25/26.
That may be true, but in terms of under-performance, nobody could argue against Salah’s inclusion.
His drop-off from being the Premier League’s best player to one of its most toothless was one of the biggest reasons for Liverpool’s struggles this season, and though he deserved for some of his teammates to step up and help him out, Salah also has to shoulder blame for that.
The 33-year-old still out-scored many celebrated wingers, such as Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, but this was a long, long way from what is usually expected of the Egyptian King.
That’s how it all ends, Reds. What are your biggest concerns about this season?
And are there any positives to be found?
2. Alexis Mac Allister
When compiling a list of Liverpool’s worst performers of the season, Alexis Mac Allister would likely sit top of a big majority of them.
The Argentine has had a shocking season, going from one of the Premier League’s best midfielders to a player who simply looked like his legs had gone.
His lack of presence in midfield has been a huge problem for Liverpool, and though he is not alone in being culpable for that, Mac Allister was arguably the biggest issue of all.
So much more will be expected of him moving forward, and if he does stay with the Reds, he will have to show a far higher level next season.
1. Florian Wirtz
Others may have hit a lower level throughout the course of the season, but it is hard to say there has been a bigger disappointment than Florian Wirtz.
The German should have been one of the best players in the Premier League this year, but never really got going at all.
There were a handful of bright moments, and he looked like he was going to get going around Christmas time.
But when all is said and done, seven goals and eight assists is just not enough for a player who cost so much. Regardless of output, Wirtz has not delivered when Liverpool have really needed him to, and for that, he is the biggest under-performer by a good margin.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
