2016-17 pundits' picks: Player of the Season

David Fairclough: Sadio Mane. He made a big difference to the team when initially we were playing some explosive stuff at the beginning of the season. His goal against Arsenal basically set the tone for the things we were set to enjoy with him.

Jan Molby: Adam Lallana. I think there are a number of players who have done well and in some cases better than what we expected, but I think right from the word go you sensed there was a difference in the way that Lallana played. We were aware of Philippe Coutinho’s ability but you just wanted him to be that more effective consistently, Roberto Firmino had a really good start to the season, while you look at James Milner playing at left-back and how well he performed. Over the season, for me, Lallana has taken his game to a different level and hopefully after a rest he can come back and hit the ground running again with the same levels next season.

Chris Bascombe: I’d have to give it to Sadio Mane. There was a lot of pressure on him when he was first signed for a lot of money. At first a few people said ‘here we go, another signing from Southampton!’ but after a few games they were then saying he’s our best signing since Philippe Coutinho. These judgments are made retrospectively really but people should remember it wasn’t as universally approved of when Liverpool first signed him, so fair play to him, Jürgen Klopp and also the recruitment team. This signing was spot on and before Mane went away for the African Nations Cup everyone was saying Liverpool could still win the league. That shows you how important he was and then when he got injured against Everton, Klopp had to completely change the way the team played. I also think Adam Lallana was very good last season and before he got injured Jordan Henderson was also very good.

Matt Smith: Sadio Mane. I think there are some other contenders and Adam Lallana has been terrific when available. Philippe Coutinho has been marvellous, in fact that area is Liverpool’s greatest strength at the moment. Simon Mignolet has also been fantastic since he came back into the team, Joel Matip has had a great first season, James Milner has been terrific considering he’s out of position, but it has to be Mane.

Steve Hunter: I’m going to sit on the fence and go for three players here. James Milner has been a revelation at left-back and one of our most consistent performers. Sadio Mane has given us a new dimension and it has been an absolute joy to watch him in a red shirt. Adam Lallana also is up there because of his outstanding high-energy performances and the sheer effort this guy puts in. When Lallana hasn’t been available, we haven’t been the same team.

Melissa Reddy: A testament to Liverpool’s collective strength in 2016-17 is how many individuals get an honourable mention under this label. Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson were so influential to the club’s dazzling start, Gini Wijnaldum has delivered big moments in big games, James Milner adapted well to an alien position for the benefit of the team, Simon Mignolet has been stellar over the past few months and Roberto Firmino is continuously effective. Ultimately, though, it is a battle between Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho as Liverpool’s top performer, with the former edging it. The Brazilian began the campaign as one of the league’s elite performers and ended it as such, while the Senegalese speedster was so decisive during his debut season. Mane’s attributes enhanced Jürgen Klopp’s full-throttle blueprint and most telling about his importance was Liverpool’s struggles through his unavailability.

Gareth Roberts: It’s between our three top scorers for the season – Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. Coutinho’s improved goal return means he runs him close, but I think Mane is just out in front for the exciting edge he has brought to Liverpool’s play. It’s worth remembering that not everyone was sold on him as a signing last summer but he set about proving the doubters wrong on the first day. It’s a long time ago now, so it’s easy to forget it, but the goal he scored away at Arsenal was an absolute belter and a summing up of what he brings to the side in a nutshell – pace, power, skill, good movement, and a goal threat. No-one now thinks it wasn’t money well spent to bring Mane to Anfield and it’s just a shame the African Cup of Nations and injury meant we didn’t get to see more of him in a red shirt this season.

Roy Evans: People who know me well will know I don’t like to pick a Player of the Season because I have said many times it’s a team game and one can’t play without the other, but if I have to select one I’ll go for Sadio Mane. I think he is the one that has made a difference.