Ranking Liverpool's best players of 2025 as 'underrated' new signing sneaks into top five - opinion
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Who has been Liverpool’s best player in 2025? Hugo EkitikePart of Liverpool’s story of 2025 was an uncharacteristic splurge in the summer transfer market.The Reds spent more than £450m, an initial £69m of which was put towards the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: How Hugo Ekitike is making Liverpool fans fall in love with him off the pitch as well as on itScoring just minutes into his official debut in the Community Shield, Ekitike followed that up with a goal in each of his first three Premier League matches, as well as a lovely strike in the Merseyside Derby.He may have only been at Liverpool for four months, and the clamour around Alexander Isak has led to calls that he’s underrated, but Ekitike has won the hearts of the fanbase through his excellent performances, clinical finishes and quirky off-field personality.Moment of 2025: Curling a brilliant effort past Dean Henderson in the opening minutes of the Community Shield in August.4.
Ryan GravenberchHad RTK been compiling this list at the end of the 2024/25 season, Ryan Gravenberch would likely have been in the top three.The 23-year-old deservedly won the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year award, marking a sensational turnaround in his importance to Liverpool.Gravenberch started all but one Premier League match for the Reds in 24/25, and continued his importance into the current campaign.Although the Dutchman has struggled at times – like the rest of his teammates – he has still been a vital cog for Liverpool, even adding goals to his game with crucial strikes against Newcastle, Aston Villa and, most delightfully, Everton.Moment of 2025: Firing home a gravity-defying volley to give Liverpool the lead in the Merseyside Derby at Anfield in September.3. Dominik SzoboszlaiIf Liverpool’s midfield belonged to Gravenberch and, to a lesser extent, Alexis Mac Allister in 24/25, then 2025/26 is Dominik Szoboszlai‘s.In fairness to the Hungarian, he was also vital as Liverpool won the Premier League, and his contribution of 12 goal contributions was somewhat underrated.
Consistently Liverpool’s best player, the No. Virgil van DijkRecency bias may lead a few people to disagree with RTK here, but we are in no doubt that Virgil van Dijk has been Liverpool’s second best player of 2025.The captain was imperious as the Reds won the Premier League, becoming the first Dutchman to lift the trophy for his team.Despite Liverpool’s form dropping off a cliff in 25/26, Van Dijk has largely retained his level – one or two moments of disaster aside – and has at times had to hold together an ailing back line all by himself.He has had better all-round years with the club, but there is still nobody else you would rather see turning out at centre-back for Liverpool.Photo by Carl Recine/Getty ImagesMoment of 2025: Lifting the Premier League trophy alongside Alan Hansen in front of the Kop.1.