Half-term report

Good afternoon. Undoubtedly, you have all noticed that it is the half-way stage of the season in terms of months, but you may not have realised that we have now played 19 Premier League games, exactly half of the 38 we will play over the course of the season.

So, I am going to give our main players a half-term grade. Feel free to disagree, or to do your own.

Goalkeepers:

Reina - B+ - Still one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Premier League. He may make the odd slip (Fulham ), but is still one of the top three keepers in the league.

Defenders:

Johnson - B - Surprisingly excellent and consistent, with a super winner against Chelsea to boot.

Enrique - A - What signing. It's a credit to the man that I've barely heard his name, because it means that he's never made a mistake. And when I have heard his name, it's because he's whipping crosses into the box at the other end.

Agger - B+ - Despite Skrtel and Carragher having waves of form, Agger has always been consistent. The partnership he's formed with Skrtel is one of the best in the league.

Coates - B- - Hard to rank because he's hardly played, but when he has, he's looked alright. A mistake against Stoke could have unseated him, but he came back to star in the CC against Chelsea.

Carragher - C - Hmmm. A legend for years, but he's no longer playing, and there's a reason for that. His errors against Bolton and Brighton made us doubt his ability to go on, and with Agger and Skrtel playing as they are, I can't see him getting back any time soon.

Kelly - B - The potential here is limitless. He's had limited chances but some stout defensive performances plus his first club goal have further convinced me he's ready.

Skrtel - B+ - Yesterday's clearance summed up his commitment. A powerhouse in defense, a bullet of header in attack, he has come of age this season. Impressive.

Midfielders:

Gerrard - B - What a miserable half-season he's had. But when he plays, he still looks like his old, inspirational self.

Henderson - C+ - Not always brilliant, but he's a future prospect, and bright performances here and there leave me confident that he will lead the Reds in years to come.

Downing - C- - Oh dear. His crosses leave something to be desired, and to not have scored a goal in 19 games - oh dear. Mind, I blame the woodwork for that second one.

Spearing - C- - Hasn't been able to cut it with the first team. He's Scouse, he tries, but I doubt it'll ever really work out for him.

Lucas - A* - Almost flawless, and our player of last season and this, so far. Controls the best midfields with ease, passes effortlessly, and tackles with surgical precision. Superb.

Adam - B- - I'm still unconvinced. He was excellent against Chelsea in the league, but then he goes and misses a penalty and scores an own goal in the same week. Unfathomable.

Shelvey - B- - I like the guy. He seems assured on the ball and confident to attack. Plus, he resembles Lex Luthor.

Strikers:

Bellamy - B+ - What a shrewd bit of business this was. It was a no lose deal and we're certainly winning, if that makes sense. He's also matured off the pitch as well since his last spell here, and is a valuable influence in the dressing room, I'm sure.

Kuyt - B- - When everyone else has stopped playing, Dirk carries on. He may not be up there ability-wise, but when it comes to effort, he's unbeatable.

Suarez - A- - Wonderfully skilled half of the time, frustratingly selfish the next. He is a better finish away from being one of the best players in the league.

Carroll - D+ - Let me say that his failings are not for lack of effort. But he was a panic buy, meaning that he was signed without any thought as to how he would fit in. And that's why he doesn't.

Maxi - B+ - I've been so impressed by him. When he plays, he scores, and his commitment to the cause is undoubted.