Player ratings: Liverpool v Crystal Palace – Aug 19 2017

Jordan Henderson – 5

The Liverpool captain was facing pressure to improve his performance after mediocre displays against Watford and Hoffenheim. Unfortunately the balance of this midfield hurts all of these midfielders. With the Palace midfield positionally disciplined and harrying, Henderson could not get a hold of the game. Hurried too many long passes that didn’t find their targets. The effort is there but the quality isn’t right now.

Gini Wijnaldum – 5

Another game of ‘Where’s Gini?’.  There is little to say about his display. Did not influence the game – positively or negatively – at either end of the field. Has typically had his best games for Liverpool against the better sides. Sits a little too deep to make an impact against teams like Palace. Would like to see him get forward more. Replaced by Solanke in 70th minute.

James Milner – 5

Starting in midfield for the first time in over a year and gave us nothing that was not already there with Henderson and Wijnaldum. A terrible free kick into the Kop early in the second half brought a chorus of groans from the Anfield crowd. Too similar to both Henderson and Wijnaldum to be noticed or appreciated. A great professional presence to have around and available but Robertson’s performance should begin to limit his opportunities when Lallana and Coutinho return.