Jurgen Klopp was keen to point out how his side should be commended for finishing in the top four after halting their alarming side from the summit of the Premier League.
The Reds were top of the pile and eight points clear of Manchester City after 14 points clear as they looked to defend their title.
But a crippling injury crisis in defence, combined with an unusual profligacy in front of goal, saw the Merseyside outfit lose six straight games at Anfield for the first time in their 129-year history.
Klopp’s men embarked on a run of 10 games unbeaten towards of the end of the season, however, qualifying for the Champions League by securing third place on the final day.
Considering they have had to cope with several key members of their squad at pivotal moments in the season, the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace will be celebrated as much as any trophy they have won recently.
Now that the season is over, Liverpool can look forward to a summer’s rest before preparing to launch another title challenge in 2021/22.
As ever, there were players who saw their stock rise this season and others who experienced a difficult campaign.
Mirror Sport takes a look at which players make the winners' circle - and which of their team-mates are left on the outside…
Winners
Diogo Jota
Liverpool caught many people by surprise when they shelled out £41 million to sign Jota from Wolves, considering the success of their deadly triumvirate of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
But the move looks more of a success with every occasion the Portugal international steps out onto the pitch.
Signed as a long-term successor to Roberto Firmino after a glowing report from head of recruitment Michael Edwards, Jota has made an immediate impact with 13 goals in 28 appearances.
At just 24 years of age, the former Atletico Madrid forward has won over the majority of Liverpool fans and can look at building on his initial progress if he stays fully fit in 2021/22.
Nathaniel Phillips
One person’s loss is another’s gain and that is certainly the case with Phillips, the 24-year-old defender who had not made a senior appearance for the club before this season.
Aside from a season on loan at Stuttgart, Phillips was largely untested at the top level. But with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all sidelined, Klopp had no choice but to draft in the centre-back.
After a rocky start, Phillips settled into the backline alongside Ozan Kabak and Fabinho at different points.
In recent matches, the towering defender has stood out with some solid displays and put in a fine performance against Burnley, heading home his first goal for the club.
Even if he is sent back to the bench when his defensive colleagues return from injury, Philiips can look back on his season with pride.
Curtis Jones
Liverpool knew they had a homegrown talent to look out for when Jones struck a beautiful curling effort against Everton in the FA Cup last season.
But the 20-year-old has moved to another level after being asked to fill in for the injured Jordan Henderson in midfield.
A graceful presence on the ball, Jones has largely gone under the radar as he is not a regular getter for goals or assists.
But his 24 appearances in the Premier League, up from six last season, reflecting his status as a valued member of the squad and what he lacks in goals, he makes up for with an excellent range of passing.
It would be no surprise if Klopp decided against signing a replacement for the outbound Georginio Wijnaldum — because he already has one in Jones.
Losers
Virgil van Dijk
No player in the Premier League has endured a more miserable 2020/21 than Virgil van Dijk, who was unfortunate to see his season ended far too prematurely by a shocking challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Who has been Liverpool's best performer of the 2020/21 season? Have your say in the comments below.
The Dutchman is in the final phase of his rehabilitation from the ACL injury he sustained in October but at 29, there is a strong feeling the centre-back has been robbed of one of his peak years.
Liverpool struggled for some time without Van Dijk’s commanding presence at the back and they will be delighted if he can produce anything near to the form he had displayed on a regular basis.
Divock Origi
Not too long ago, the Belgian was scoring important goals against Barcelona and Everton which proved pivotal in their respective Champions League and Premier League triumphs.
Now, the 26-year-old is barely given a second glance by Klopp after falling down the pecking order at Anfield.
Just two starts in the Champions League have followed and a total of 181 minutes on the pitch. That’s simply not enough for a player of his ability and he will surely be knocking on the exit door this summer.
Naby Keita
There’s no dodging the fact it’s been a hugely disappointing campaign for the Guinean midfielder and there are questions to be answered over his long-term future with Liverpool.
Injuries have contributed to his development being hindered but Keita cannot claim to have had the same effect as Thiago Alcanatara or Curtis Jones in the three-man midfield this season.
The ex-RB Leipzig man cost £65m three seasons ago but after enduring a frustrating season from the sidelines, with only seven Premier League starts, the 26-year-old may be considering his options.
Kostas Tsimikas
The Greek full-back would have been told Andy Robertson is Klopp’s preferred choice at left-back but he could have been forgiven for wanting more opportunities than he has been given.
The 25-year-old has made two brief appearances in the Premier League, totalling six minutes in the 4-1 defeat against Manchester City and 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Tsimikas cost somewhere in the region of £11m to sign from Olympiacos only last summer but has struggled to make an impression, at least in Klopp’s eyes, and a summer exit looks likely if a potential suitor becomes available.
