Liverpool 3 – 1 Sheffield United PL Player Ratings

The Thursday night game under the Anfield lights offered a brilliant pre weekend atmosphere, as the reds fought to regain their position at the pinnacle of the Premier League.

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 7.0

The 25-year-old Irishman started again in the week before the potential return of Alisson Becker. His first half efforts were to watch and receive the odd ball into feet or hands, as his teammates took the game to the bottom of the table team. It would not be until stoppage time beyond the opening 45-minutes that he would be called into action, as he first saved and then smothered a well struck shot. In the second half the stopper was unable to do much for the conceded goal, as it deflected under him. For the remainder of the game, the deputy keeper was efficient and commanding when called upon.

Joe Gomez – 6.0

The England international defender is the steady pick at left back right now and he started the game with energy and purpose to get forward. The 26-year-old was always willing to receive the ball and his pace and power helped pin back the Blades through a frenetic opening 45-minutes. After the interval, the former Charlton man started again at fullback before taking on the holding midfield role, where he continued to offer the energy that was needed.

Subbed – 73 mins

Conor Bradley – 6.0

The young Northern Irishman is the Premier League’s standout attacking fullback right now, which showed in a vibrant opening period. With a desire to offer width and support, his relentless energy allowed Mohamed Salah to continually drift inside. As the second period began, the 20-year-old lost the thrust and determination as the reds became unsure. An unlucky deflection saw him angle the ball beyond his own keeper as the home side stumbled.

Ibrahima Konaté – 7.0

The France international giant came back into the starting line up after a precautionary rest at the weekend. The strength and physicality of the former RB Leipzig man was evident every time the visitors dared venture forward in a dominant first half performance. After the break, the 6ft 4inch defender had the entire stadium panicked as he fell horribly under a challenge, before rising to continue his good efforts.

Virgil van Dijk – 7.0

The captain and leader of this team showed great alertness and speed from the outset, as his determination to cut the pitch in half meant his teammates could surge forward. With command of his team, the assurance spread throughout as the 32-year-old coasted through the first half. After the resumption of the contest, the former Celtic man was dependable in the few defensive efforts that came his way and could do little for the goal conceded.

Alexis Mac Allister – 9.0

The Argentina World Cup winner was tasked back into the the holding role ahead of his injured Japanese teammate. His role was to occupy space and control possession, which perhaps limited his ability to influence the attacking patterns of play. As the second half began, the former Brighton man was soon ushered forward and into a more prominent role, which allowed him to win the game with a terrific goal and brilliant end of game performance.

Man of the match

Ryan Gravenberch – 5.0

The Dutch under-21 star came back into the starting line up and his opening efforts were to be a fulcrum of the attack. In a sporadic opening period, the former Ajax prodigy threatened yet failed to deliver, as indecision was his common output. The second half did not last long for the man that is struggling to become part of v2.0.

Subbed – 60 mins

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0

The Hungarian skipper looked far sharper on the ball, as his match fitness and rythm ran riot in a busy first half. With one fine effort till over, it would be the second half where the former RB Leipzig man tried to shift up a gear, yet was unable to positively impact until he was withdrawn.

Subbed – 73 mins

https://twitter.com/benbocsak/status/1775991281514086694?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ

Luis Díaz – 8.0

The Colombian flyer started this game with a desire to cut inside, which sometimes muddled and congested the middle ground. Later on in this busy opening half, some dazzling footwork and incisive touches should have doubled his team’s lead, only for others to make poor decisions. As the teams reentered the stadium, the former Porto man was again solid in the attacking sense and provided the assist for the second Liverpool goal.

Darwin Núñez – 7.0

The Uruguayan Raging Bull was the man on the spot to grab the opening goal, as his determination and a well placed rear end sore his closing down break the early deadlock. A frustrating period ensued thereafter, as the deep block and poor final ball into the striker was too often forthcoming. As the second half began the former Benfica man tried and tried and led the line with real gusto, without finding that second goal.

Mohamed Salah – 7.0

The Egyptian King started this game as more of a facilitator of chances, with one good long range effort going just over the bar. A fairly quiet first half was undertaken, as Chris Wilder chose to surround the former Roma man at all times. As the second half kicked off, the 31-year-old forward was once again limited and eventually left the field early.

Subbed – 60 mins

Subs;

Andy Robertson – 7.0 (on 60)

Came on to add fierce competitiveness and supplied a wonderful assist for Cody..

Harvey Elliott – 7.0 (on 60)

Came on to add energy and more thrust.

Curtis Jones – 6.0 (on 73)

Came on to gain valuable minutes.

Cody Gakpo – 7.0 (on 73)

Came on to score a lovely header.

https://twitter.com/benpescodjourno/status/1775990912767685050?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ

The Manager;

Jürgen Klopp – 8.0

The German manager went very strong and very attacking for this home game, as goal difference and the opportunity to inflict damage on the Premier Leagues weakest team rose within the German thinking.

The congested game state and limited space was relieved by a fortunate first goal, which meant concentration became the most important component from then on. The second half was the opposite of that when the Blades scored an unlikely equaliser. The changes from the German coach were immediate and helped steer his team to victory.

Unlike in the season prior, positive changes are being made to alter what isn’t working and though one or two starting choices didn’t work, they were corrected and the game won.

Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 5 – 1 Sheffield United