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Liverpool 5-2 Norwich – FA Cup 4th Round LFC Player Ratings

The second cup game of this week came before a crucial period of Premier League football, where the reds will entertain Chelsea on Wednesday, before a visit to Arsenal next Sunday. This Norwich City team was full of players looking for a giant killing, in a very entertaining Sunday encounter, yet nothing was going to stop this Liverpool side advancing to the FA Cup 5th road, where either Watford or Southampton will be headed to Anfield.

Photo: IMAGO

Alisson Becker – 7.0

The bearded Brazilian will be competing for the player of the year awards, given his superhuman displays this season. Would have been annoyed with the first goal conceded, as his near post protection achieved anything but that. Was untroubled before and after that, as the first half was a controlled environment. The second goal was unfortunate and his overall display was not its usual level, however, it did not matter in an emphatic home win.

Joe Gomez – 7.0

With both senior left backs still working their way back, one of the standout players of the season continues to deserve a starting place. His want to drift inside is offering a nice option at the moment, as a hybrid of sorts, whilst Bradley holds the width brilliantly from the right. Was steady and deliberate on the ball and keen into the challenge throughout.

Subbed – 55 mins

Conor Bradley – 9.0

The young fullback is enjoying an extended and deserved spell in the first team mix, which should solidify his part of v2.0. The tenacity and confidence in this young player are infectious and you sense he is here to stay. A solid first half and controlled mindset was his first half in a nutshell. The two assists were testament to what he could become. As Trent attempts to merge into the midfield, a readymade replacement in the right back fold is already in place. Tremendous performance.

Man of the match

Ibrahima Konaté – 8.0

The giant Frenchman is enjoying a brilliant season, as his stature grows with every passing week. The senior defender was instructive and effective in the first half, with little open play issues to concern him. A real colossus until he left the field.

Subbed – 55 mins

Jarell Quansah – 8.0

The future England international is now a fully established member of the rotation, after a spectacular first season in the first team. The 6ft 3inch defender was playing below the level of the Canaries last year, however, he looked calm and composed in a polished first half performance. The second half was much of the same, as the reliability of this breakout star is now set in stone.

Curtis Jones – 9.0

The industrious midfielder started as the holding midfielder, with a senior mindset about his game. The opening goal came off a decent delivery from McConnell, before Jones headed across the keeper. Was instrumental in the Diogo Jota goal and generally superb throughout. A star emerges.

Subbed – 55 mins

James McConnell – 8.0

The young academy graduate made a deserved start, in recognition of his sporadic yet impressive displays so far this season. His energy levels and desire were clear from the outset, which was added to by a lovely assist for the first goal. In the second half, he continued to work and immerse himself into the system, as he too has the desire to become part of what follows.

Subbed – 79 mins

Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0

The Dutch under-21 star deserved to start and after a good display against Fulham in the week, yet was at fault for the opening goal. Despite his imposing 6ft 3inch frame, he was unable to protect the near post off the corner, which enabled Ben Gibson to equalise. The on-ball efforts were good but there needs to be more power about the talented player’s game. He improved as the game went on and scored a very good goal at the death.

Cody Gakpo – 6.0

The Dutchman is looking like the common cup game player, on the fringes of the first team elite. Was lively in the first half and should really have scored to take the scores to 3-1. Seems unsure from the right, with more chances coming when he drifts inside. Drifted in and out of the game and the fact that he stayed on the pitch is telling.

Diogo Jota – 9.0

The Portuguese forward started this game after a rest in the week. His energy and want to win is great to see and he dove tailed beautifully with Darwin at times. The live wire and unpredictable nature caused havoc at times, which should see him start on Wednesday. Scored a lovely goal to end the tie as a contest.

Darwin Núñez – 9.0

The Uruguayan raging bull has been in great form of late, as the all-round game of the former Benfica man continues to elevate. He took the second Liverpool goal of the game with great composure and looked primed to inflict damage on the Norfolk visitors. He led the line with power and venom, with others feeding off his relentless work rate. A great centre forward performance.

Subbed – 66 mins

Subs:

Andy Robertson – 7.0 (on 55)

Came on to add fire to the new year charge for glory.

Virgil van Dijk – 8.0 (on 55)

Came on to dominate and score. Pretty standard from the captain.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0 (on 55)

Came on to a huge applause and increase the depth in brilliance.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 6.0 (on 66)

Came on to add control and nearly scored a beautiful goal from distance.

Luis Díaz – 7.0 (on 79)

Came on to add drive and a wonderful touch before the Gravenberch goal

Photo: IMAGO


The Manager:

Jürgen Klopp – 9.0

The outgoing German manager was brilliant today and it truly dawned on me just before kick-off what we will be losing.

Superb selection, superb integration of the youngest players and terrific use of the substitutes.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

Liverpool 4 – 2 Norwich

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