December has been as intense as can be expected, with Liverpool contesting eight fixtures across three different competitions. There were a number of top performers for the Reds, it’s now time to crown a Player of the month for the final time in 2023.

The month began with a madcap seven goal thriller at Anfield which saw Trent net a late winner to down Fulham. Then came trips to Sheffield and Crystal Palace which yielded the six maximum points, the highlight of which was a Harvey Elliott stoppage time winner at Selhurst Park.

Then came the dead rubber final Europa League group game at Union Saint-Gilloise where a youthful Liverpool side went down 2-1 for the only defeat in December. A frustrating goalless draw against Manchester United followed.

West Ham were then brushed aside in the Carabao Cup quarter finals before another home league stalemate, this time against Arsenal. The month was finally wrapped up with the comfortable 2-0 victory at Burnley on Boxing Day.

Here are the three best players in December:

3. Virgil Van Dijk – avg. rating (7.2)

The big man has been in imperious form all season and was a driving force in the Reds picking up 14/18 points over the festive period. He was flawless at Sheffield United, keeping the Blades at bay before opening the scoring from a corner.


He was rock solid throughout December, aiding the side in picking up 3 clean sheets in half a dozen league games. He was unflappable against United, cruised through an hour against West Ham and was part of a quartet of impressive centre half displays vs Arsenal.

The skipper picked up his second Man of the Match award in December at Turf Moor as he once again marshalled his troops to a win and clean sheet. The 32 year old leads the way in the Premier League for most aeriel duels won (81). Best in the business.

2. Wataru Endo – avg. rating (7.3)

December has been the breakout month for 30 year old summer signing Wataru Endo. A combination of factors (mainly an injury to Mac Allister) saw the Japanese skipper get a run of games in the side and he hasn’t looked back.

It all begun at home to Fulham when an unbalanced Liverpool side conceded three times in 80 minutes. Endo was brought on for Gravenberch when the side was trailing in the final minutes and succeeded in stabilising the midfield.

His natural defensive instincts freed Trent to bomb forward without leaving the side open. It also helped that Endo curled home a picture perfect equaliser to set the stage for Trent’s late winner. This saw him handed a start at Sheffield and he took the opportunity with both hands.


He hasn’t looked back since, becoming the only player in the squad to start every single game since then. He put a below par display at Palace behind him quickly to exert his influence in intense midfield battles against Manchester United, West Ham and Arsenal.

The latter was particularly impressive as he helped match the trio of Rice, Odegaard and Havertz boot for boot. He rounded off the month with what is quickly becoming a trademark battling display at Burnley. He’s finally settled into the side so it’s a shame he has to depart for the Asian Cup next week.

1. Trent Alexander-Arnold – avg. rating (8.0)

Hands down the most impressive player in red over the course of December has been the vice captain. Having put in a Man of the Match display at Manchester City late in November, the 25 year old carried on that form throughout this month.

It started with that ridiculous free kick to open the scoring against Fulham. He then settled the contest after popping up with the winner in the 88th minute, picking the ball up on the edge of the box before smashing hard and low into the bottom corner on the half volley.

He dabbled in a natural midfield role at times during December, with the manager not shy to unleash his most creative spark further forward. He came off the bench against West Ham as the deep lying playmaker and duly laid on two assists.


Another assist would follow, this time against Arsenal after an outrageous ball over the top set Salah away. He was unlucky not to score the winner again after smashing the crossbar from a swift breakaway. At Burnley, his passing once again stood out. He’s in a rich vein of form at the minute.

Trent in December:

• 570 minutes played
• 121 passes into the final ⅓ (1st)
• 53 ball recoveries (1st)
• 32 chances created (1st)
• 27 duels won
• 20 accurate crosses (1st)
• 10 big chances created (1st)
• 8 successful dribbles
• 8 tackles won
• 7 appearances
• 5 goal contributions (=1st)
• 4 assists (1st)
• 1 goal