This is precisely the point – Rodgers is the kind of manager who improves players little by little and takes time to find the best place for them in the team mechanism. Look how long it took Allen to establish himself in the team or how many positions Henderson and Gerrard played in before settling in what surely looks like their most effective roles now. (And Rodgers is still far from finished in experimenting with the positions of Sterling and Coutinho and even Suarez) All of this takes time and that's the biggest reason for the difference – the TEAM has evolved. Tactically and mentally this is a completely different team compared to past seasons.
I am absolutely certain you will see much more of THIS season's signings NEXT season. The likes of Sakho and Alberto will feature much more frequently than they do now, maybe even Aspas too. The only real flops have been the loans, but even they have added depth were we needed it.