Liverpool 3 – 0 Nottingham Forest – PL Player Ratings
Match day ten began for the Reds, with the visit of Nottingham Forest.
Back at Anfield on Sunday for the visit of Nottingham Forest. 🏠#LIVNFO pic.twitter.com/7sJGBzFfku
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 27, 2023
Alisson Becker – 6.0
A rest in midweek before a return to the first-team elite. Had very little to do in a possession-dominant first half. The remainder of the contest was anything but that, as the giant Brazilian was able to spectate in the Anfield calm.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.0
Started the game after gaining more important minutes in midweek. Was looking to move the ball quickly and incisively against a stubborn backline, that stayed regimented until the opening goal. Another solid outing and each game sees him a little more accustomed to the hybrid role.
Subbed – 89 mins
Kostas Tsimikas – 6.0
The energetic Greek came back into the side, as the first-choice left back. His ability to add width allowed the Reds to spread the ball and stretch a team that was usually defensively solid. Showing good and consistent form in the period where Andy Robertson is out.
Ibrahima Konaté – 8.0
Now back as the first-choice partner for his captain, Virgil van Dijk. The monstrous France international was rarely tested and did everything he wanted, when he desired. With a run of games, he could establish himself as one of world football’s premier centre-backs.
Virgil van Dijk – 8.0
A midweek trip to Disneyland was the midweek prep for the giant Dutchman. Moments of pace and power were enough to snuff out all attacks, as he controlled a brilliantly itchy high line with authority.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 9.0
The Hungarian skipper was full of running and dangerous intent through the opening half of this game. His ability to give width and options through the middle made him impossible to contain. A tremendous assist created the second goal which gave Darwin next to nothing to do.
Man of the match
Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0
The Argentina World Cup winner started once more as the holding midfielder, with a controlling nature to his play as his Hungarian teammate tore into the opposition.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0
Earned another start for the first team proper, after a man of the match display in the week. A slightly quieter display as his midfielder teammates outshone the giant Dutchman.
Subbed – 59 mins
Diogo Jota – 7.0
The Portuguese striker came straight back in, as his teammate from Colombia was left to deal with personal issues. The predatory former Wolves man was on point to open the scoring. As his knack of being in the right place at the right moment continued.
Subbed – 58 mins
Darwin Núñez – 8.0
The Uruguayan hero is the darling of the Anfield crowd right now, with his tenacious and exciting style of play. His crashing drive created the opportunity for Diogo Jota to net the opening goal, before reacting quickly to slot home from close range to double his side’s lead. A constant menace and goal threat throughout.
Mohamed Salah – 8.0
The Egyptian King is perhaps the first name on the core team sheet right now, with another very good display that reaffirms his status in the modern game. His goal was almost inevitable as he seems unstoppable right now.
Subs:
Harvey Elliott – 6.0 (on 58)
An important player for the squad that added good intensity with his minutes.
Cody Gakpo – 5.0 (on 59)
A great sight to see him back, with his form sure to improve with time.
Wataru Endō – 5.0 (on 80)
Keen and committed.
Joe Gomez – N/A (on 89)
The Manager:
Jürgen Klopp – 8.0
The German manager had to rotate the team once more, with a hectic pre-Christmas schedule now underway. The starting lineup was as expected, albeit with Luis Díaz missing due to worrying personal issues.
The changes were coordinated in line with the state of the game, as certain players came in and left the field in a game that was over before half-time.
In this period where rotation is vital to excelling within a long and exhausting season, decisions are being made that were perhaps ignored last season. It is not just our team that is evolving, but also our illustrious German coach who once again had a very good outing on the Anfield sidelines.
Pre-match Prediction:
Liverpool 4 – 1 Nottingham Forest