10 Liverpool legends were quizzed on who they thought was the player of the season for Liverpool. Here's what they replied:
Lucas Leiva got the votes of:
Phil Thompson and David Fairclough.
Phil Thompson: "If you look at the consistency throughout the season I would have to say Lucas. Dirk Kuyt is also worth a shout because of his goals and Luis Suarez for the impact he has made since he arrived in January. I always look at the whole of the season and Lucas has been a 7/10, 8/10 in every game. I was critical of him in the past but he has responded and settled down and has enjoyed a very good season".
David Fairclough: "When you look over the season the one player who has shown the most consistency has been Lucas and he gets my vote. Given all the negativity that surrounded him for such a while he has overcome that and climbed a massive hurdle. Over recent weeks I think people now appreciate the work he does for the team. Granted there are one or two areas where he could improve his game - scoring goals for one which is important for a midfield player. I think he could get forward more but in recent weeks we have seen Kenny encourage him to do that. Generally his performances have been of a consistent level. I thought he was excellent against Manchester United at Anfield and in the two games against Chelsea he was fantastic".
Though Luis Suarez arrived at Liverpool only midway through the season, he managed to earn himself a vote from Alan Kennedy.
Alan Kennedy: "Luis Suarez gets my vote. I just think he has been absolutely outstanding and is an absolute joy to watch. His contribution has been vital giving Liverpool a great chance of qualifying for Europe. In a season dominated by off-field issues Suarez and Kenny have brought joy back to people's faces again. I just think he has been absolutely incredible and to adapt so quickly to English football says a lot about Suarez. He has brought the best out of other players including Dirk Kuyt who would be my second choice. He has been asked to play out wide and up front and always does a great job for the team".
Raul Meireles's versatility has earned him a vote from Ronnie Whelan.
Ronnie Whelan: "Raul Meireles. I think he has done very well in his first season in English football. He has been asked to play in different positions and he has never grumbled and just got on with it. I think he does a really good job for the team and under Kenny his game has flourished and he has scored some important goals - the winner at Chelsea for one".
Meanwhile Liverpool's loyal servant (Jamie Carragher) grabbed 3 votes.
Tommy Smith: "I don't think you can look any further than Jamie Carragher. He is now second in our all-time appearances list behind my good friend Ian Callaghan and that says everything about the man. I know he got injured against Tottenham but he made a quick recovery and he never has a bad game. He is what I call a real Liverpool player and Jamie is a fantastic help to the young lads like John Flanagan and Jack Robinson. There's been so much trouble at Liverpool this year but he never turned away from it. He just got stuck in and always gave 100 per cent and that is the measure of the man. I have a huge respect for Jamie".
Ian Callaghan: "Jamie Carragher for me. He is very consistent and his record speaks for itself. He is now second in our all-time list and I couldn't think of a better player or a better person to get close or even beat my record. He had one or two injuries but he sets the standard in every game he plays. I also think Dirk Kuyt has had a good season".
Jason McAteer: "I am going for Mr Consistency, Jamie Carragher. Again this was a big year for him because people were pointing fingers and asking questions about him but he has showed time and time again he is one of the first names on the teamsheet. He answers those questions every time he goes out onto the pitch. I remember he injured his shoulder at Tottenham but he then came back and looked as good as ever. When Liverpool play well Jamie is usually a strong candidate for man of the match. If you look at our back four this season it has constantly been changing because of injuries but Carra has always been the main one. He is the one that organises everyone and gets them playing and he has been brilliant for the likes of John Flanagan and Jack Robinson".
Dirk Kuyt and Jamie Carragher ended up joint winners after the Dutchman received votes from:
Gary Gillespie: "Dirk Kuyt because he has probably been the most consistent player this season. He has scored some important goals recently and the hat-trick against Manchester United stands out because it was a fantastic day for Liverpool and Kuyt. He always works hard for the team and the one thing you can guarantee with Kuyt is you know exactly what you are going to get from him. He gets my vote for his consistency level and scoring some important goals as well".
Phil Neal: "Dirk Kuyt gets my vote as our player of the season. You need the workers as well as the superstars and whether Dirk plays wide right, on the left or through the middle we always get the same kind of performance from him and I really commend him for that. He has linked up extremely well with Luis Suarez. He got a hat-trick against Manchester United which was absolutely fantastic. Dirk deserves a lot of credit because you can always rely on him. There's lots of things in his locker".
and
Jan Molby: "There are several good candidates. I was very impressed with Martin Kelly before he picked up his hamstring injury. Luis Suarez has come in and been absolutely outstanding but he's not played enough games over the course of the season. You look at the ones who have played the majority of the campaign and I would say our stand out consistent players have been Dirk Kuyt, Raul Meireles and Lucas. I just think the way Kuyt has played over the last six weeks is as well as any Liverpool player has played all season so I am going for him. Season after season Dirk delivers. He has got a great enthusiasm for the club and the city. I'm still adamant Dirk would get into any club side in any part of the world because of what he brings".
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