Player ratings: Liverpool v Crystal Palace – Aug 19 2017
By David Gate
Joe Gomez – 7
He has not played right back much for Liverpool. In fact he has not played much at all, but his solid contributions in all aspects show us what we have been missing. With Trent Alexander-Arnold as a marauding full back and Gomez as a consistent defensive performer it will be hard for Nathaniel Clyne to fight back into first team contention.
Joel Matip – 7
That’s more like it. Looked far more like the majestic defender we are used to. Everything felt calm at the back and it was led by this man. Flawless positioning and decision making. Never hurried in possession. Great performance by the Cameroonian. Did however missed a sitter early in the game.
Ragnar Klavan – 7
Klavan may not have the physical or technical attributes we need in a dominate center half but he does have the composure. And composure has been a rare quality in the Liverpool back line. Was not fazed by the physical presence of Christian Benteke as was alert to the threat of Andros Townsend cutting inside to shoot.
89: Chance! Andy Robertson fires one just over the bar!
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 19, 2017
[1-0] #LFC pic.twitter.com/CQKfGkLQTA
Andrew Robertson – 8
A very strong start for the Scotsman on his debut. He whipped in a fantastic early cross that Matip put wide. Two more crosses in quick succession showing us better technique and decision making than we’ve seen in 4 years of Moreno. Good defending and clever overlapping. A late shot forced a fantastic save from Hennessey. Man-of-the-match.