Hands up if you saw this season coming? While Liverpool would have been going some to replicate their outstanding efforts of the previous campaign, the indifferent start this time around has given real cause for concern.
With a squad often decimated by injuries and a number of key players massively out of form, the Reds are already a worrying distance off the top of the Premier League table and the race for the top four.
Throw in a heaviest European defeat in 56 years in their Champions League opener at Napoli, and it's fair to say matters can only improve for Jurgen Klopp's side.
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The ECHO has been rating Liverpool's players throughout their nine games this season, marking them out of 10 for every appearance in which they played for at least 15 minutes.
Here, then, we assess the campaign of each player, using their average ratings as a guide. Hold on to your hats, folks.
The men who impressed
Whereas last season eight players scored seven or higher in their average rating, no Liverpool player comes close after the opening seven weeks of the season, underlining the alarming drop in standards by many.
Luis Diaz (6.78) has been the standout so far, although fellow forward Mohamed Salah (6.67) isn't too far behind, impressive figures given both have featured in every game so far this season.
Alisson Becker (6.63) missed only the Community Shield win over Manchester City and has been largely absolved of any blame for the general malaise. Meanwhile, Thiago Alcantara (6.75) has shown that, when fit, he is an important player in his four outings, while the five scoring appearances of Kostas Tsimikas (6.60) have seen the Greece international largely impress.
Holding their own
Harvey Elliott (6.56) began the season impressively but in recent weeks has shown why at 19 he has plenty of room for improvement, particularly regards his defensive positioning on the right of the midfield three.
Fellow youngster Fabio Carvalho (6.50) has been encouraging when given the opportunity while Joel Matip (6.50) is proving solid at centre-back when available. Neither Andy Robertson (6.25) nor Fabinho (6.22) would claim to be at their best but are still largely producing to the norm, while Joe Gomez (6.17) was reasonable until his meltdown in Naples and fellow defender Virgil van Dijk (6.11) has been steady if nothing like spectacular.
Must do better
Not one Liverpool player averaged lower than six in the last three seasons, so to have five players below the watershed mark is telling.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (5.89) was impressive against Manchester City and Bournemouth but has had too many below-par outings, while the perfect 10 for Roberto Firmino (5.88) in the latter match couldn't disguise three displays worth only of a poor rating of four.
The overall mark for Darwin Nunez (5.83) has been influenced by his needless red card against Crystal Palace, while James Milner (5.75) has undoubtedly suffered from being overused while Jordan Henderson (5.60) didn't look fully fit before his latest injury setback.
That Ibrahima Konate, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Calvin Ramsay, Naby Keita and Curtis Jones have yet to receive a single mark highlights Liverpool's injury woes, although Diogo Jota is now back and loan signing Arthur Melo has become an option. All will be needed if Liverpool are to turn around their campaign.
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