Liverpool 2 – 1 Ajax – Player Ratings
Alisson Becker – 7.0
Great ball for the first goal, and looked assured from the outset. Great distribution and couldn’t do nothing for the opening goal. Had a good steady game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.0
Looked bright & determined from the start. Lost his man for their opening goal, and should have been more alert to stop the through ball. Was good going forward, but still had issues in his defensive duties.
Kostas Tsimikas – 8.0
In for the injured Robbo, he was given a chance to stake a first team claim. A shaky start, and had some good deliveries that could have been capitalised upon. Worked hard and tracked back well.
Virgil Van Dijk – 7.0
Steady as a rock in the opening stages, and would have been annoyed at the goal. Had chances to score from set plays, and marshalled well. A lovely sight to see him and Joel back together.
Joel Matip – 9.0
A return to the starting line up, and a most welcome one. Strode forward a couple of times early on, and looked calm on the ball. Probably couldn’t have done more to stop the cross that led to the Ajax opening goal, as he edged his away into his defensive performance. Grew in confidence and carried the ball out superbly through the second period. His header on 88 minutes was sublime, and he was excellent in the second half.
Man of the match.
Fabinho – 7.0
He would have been overjoyed to see his world class partner return. Snapped and harried and rode about with the knowledge that brilliant back up was once again in attendance. A few missteps aside, it was a solid outing and he was able to impact as usual with great support.
Harvey Elliott – 6.0
Kept Arthur at bay with another start. Looked bright, in the knowledge that the midfield was under expert control. Drifted in and out, and struggled to impact as much as what was needed.
Subbed – 66mins
Thiago Alcantara – 9.0
Liverpool’s most influential player was once again starting. From the first touch he looked to dictate play and showed a beautiful range of passing. Diligent in his off ball work and allowed the control for the most part that had been lacking. If not for Joel, he was man of the match.
Subbed – 93mins
Mohamed Salah – 7.0
Kept his spot, despite some tricky recent performances. A great opening goal, and he looked sharp from the off. Worked tirelessly and proved he was up for the fight.
Diogo Jota – 7.0
Perhaps Liverpools most potent centre forward, the Portuguese poacher returned to the startigg by eleven. A nice pass for the opening goal, and looked both direct and workmanlike. Had some good half chances and was very direct in his play.
Subbed – 66mins
Luis Diaz – 7.0
Deserves to start again, as his performances have maintained good levels. A good header won created the chance for Jota to assist, and the opening goal ensued. Nearly added a second, shooting just wide after the first goal. Was a little more quiet in the second half.
Subbed – 90mins
Subs;
Roberto Firmino – 6.0 (on 66)
Worked hard
Darwin Nunez – 6.0 (on 66)
Came in to add more threat, and showed good work. Probably should have scored, probably should have had an assist.
James Milner – N/A (on 90)
Stefan Bajcetic – N/A (on 93)
The Manager;
Jurgen Klopp – 7.0
Went with the lineup that probably gave the best chance of a reaction.
Seemed to have got his team selection right, and would have been dissatisfied to see his team not pull ahead. Was positive and progressive in his changes as he sought the win.
The win was what mattered!
