Player ratings: Watford v Liverpool – Aug 12 2017

Liverpool opened their Premier League campaign with a disappointing 3-3 draw against Watford on at Vicarage Road. We have our player ratings here:

The Premier League is back and so are Liverpool. Back to what we know. Back to what we love. And don’t love. Stop me if you’ve heard this one: Liverpool score three goals with a fluid, pacy attack but can’t win due to shambolic defending and set-piece ineptitude.

The shadow of Philippe Coutinho’s transfer request was cast large on the squad. We desperately missed his drive and intent. The hope positivity of a new season was punctured but the Brazilian’s behavior. It doesn’t excuse the players performances by any means but we our temperament is so fragile the smallest set back feels like a mountain to climb.

Our greatest achievement today was to make Watford’s players look better than Bayern Munich. This only 10 days after we made Bayern Munich look like Watford. It’s a talent we have.

There are some positives but nothing that will come as a huge surprise. Our forwards are good. Our defenders are not. And our midfield isn’t up for a fight.

Here are our player rankings for Watford v Liverpool:

Simon Mignolet – 5

The Hornets 3 goals with 4 shots on goal. In the 41st minute Mignolet took a right cross perfectly; confident and assured. Then he proceeded to roll it out, with a gift wrap, to the nearest Watford player. In stoppage time he made a great save which resulted in the corner. He then gets beaten at his near post. Mignolet gonna Mig.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7

It is a credit to him that after the first 15 minutes Watford chose to attack primarily down the left. Our best defender on the day which is a shocking indictment on the rest. He is an 18-year-old converted midfielder but looks hungry, willing and composed. Nathaniel Clyne has a job on to get his first team spot back. He was unlucky to be substituted late on for Joe Gomez.

Joel Matip – 5

If Liverpool have any hope this season of being succesful then we need Joel Matip to be a leader and a calming presence in our back four. Today that was missing. He get caught with some sloppy passing and poor defensive positioning. Though not normally a dominate aerial center back this game highlighted that weakness. An unusually poor display from the Cameroonian.

Dejan Lovren – 5

The Croatian knows his manager wants to replace him in the first team with Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk. Does that cause him to up his game to prove his manager wrong? Nope. This was classic Lovren; long periods of unfussy, solid defending then a brainfart. Liverpool are somehow in the position where simultaneously we shudder seeing Lovren in the line-up but absolutely cannot afford for him to be injured. Perhaps the biggest indictment on out squad.

Alberto Moreno – 6

He is like a new signing. A very bad new signing new signing that you immediately regret. Hassled and bothered by Watford all day. Has no discernible connection with Lovren. The gap between the two is a Christmas present to every team we play who has the sense to attack it. He would be graded lower if not for some good forward play. That we have two other left backs who aren’t playing is shocking. Moreno is an okay winger and that is how we should use him until he is sold.

Jordan Henderson – 6

If you follow Twitter during games (God help you) you will be aware of how Liverpool fans respond to Jordan Henderson. Many people think he is useless. This is wrong. He was fine. Fine at passing, fine at tackling, fine at crossing. Of course fine isn’t good enough to win the league. His skill set is complements Coutinho’s perfectly. Without the Brazilian he looks average. But he is not terrible.

Gini Wijnaldum – 5

Largely anonymous. Contributed nothing of great significance at either end. When we are playing well he is crucial. Makes things tick; joining defense and attack. Hence why his record at home is so much better than away. When teams come at us he lacks the physical attributes to impose himself on a game.

Emre Can – 7

Was the furthest forward of the Liverpool midfielders and was the driving heart of the midfield. When he received the ball deep he was looking to pass or dribble into the gap between Watford’s defense and midfield. When he didn’t have the ball he moved into that same gap to create room for others and opportunity for an easy pass. His involvement in the Mane goal was beautiful. Had a sumptuous touch (actually two sumptuous touches) to take the ball out of the sky on a clearance before powering into the Watford half and winning a free kick. It is criminal that we have not signed him to a new deal. With a Coutinho exit looming it is positively insane.

Mohamed Salah – 8

Tried too hard to make an impact in the first half. Should have crossed a couple of times instead of shooting. Eased into second half and made a great impact. He won a clear penalty by racing past Gomes. Then showed his determination and pace by reaching Firmino’s chipped effort for a simple finish. Overall a very positive debut for the Egyptian.

Roberto Firmino – 6

All his trademark hard work and effort was present though offered little going forward in the first half. The whole front line looked better in the second half and Firmino took his penalty well. Was fortunate that his chipped shot was tuned into an assist by Salah’s pace and anticipation. He was at fault for the first Watford goal by showing no effort to challenge Okaka. Another player who looks great when the team plays well but doesn’t provide a ‘something out of nothing’ moment you need in games where we struggle.

Sadio Mane – 7

Took a knock early on and seemed to niggle at him and slow him down. Has had less preseason than most of the squad and looks a week or two away from full capacity. Even so he was our most talented player on the pitch. His goal was a gorgeous piece of football. Clever interchanges and a perfect finish.

Subs

Divock Origi – 5

Surprising to see him come on before Solanke. Perhaps Klopp trusts him to carry out orders more than the Englishman. Had little time to make an impact.

James Milner – 5

Brought on for Salah to solidify the side. Was barely involved in the final exchanges.

Joe Gomez – 5

Came on in stoppage time to help combat an aerial bombardment. Didn’t matter as all play came down our left.

Next: Danny Ings continues recovery with a goal for U23s