Liverpool player ratings: Southampton v Liverpool – Feb 11 2018
By David Gate
![SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool is challenged by Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on February 11, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool is challenged by Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on February 11, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d7a662ff9db9116eeb304d822695c03e6fa02c343d1e932db2bf055dd6ec826e.jpg)
Liverpool Player Ratings: Defenders
Right Back. Liverpool. TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD. 7. Started the move for the opening goal with a quick pass up to Mohamed Salah. There has been some criticism of his defending over the last few weeks but he did a good job of neutralizing the Saints’ threat on their left. Showed off his passing range with incisive balls forward. Klopp will be hoping the more defensively minded Gomez will be fit for the Porto game.
7. Apparently there is a rule that says Liverpool can only have one good center back at a time. Joel Matip is the man struggling to find any form to help out van Dijk. Better in the second half after the game became quiet. Does much better when the match hits a slower tempo. Unfortunately the Reds play at 90-miles-an-hour most of the time.. Center Back. Liverpool. JOEL MATIP
Center Back. Liverpool. VIRGIL VAN DIJK. 9. Booed at every touch but it made no difference to the big man who was calm and assured in everything he did. Magnificent on his return to St. Mary’s. Totally dominate in the air and full of composure on the ball. There is still a lot of work to do to create a successful center back partnership but the record signing is doing his bit.
Keep it up, lads! 👊https://t.co/80Yt0k5Nio pic.twitter.com/7QZCaznVtl
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 11, 2018
7. A rocky first half for the full back. He gave away possession early on before misjudging a cross to give Hojbjerg a great chance to equalize. Back to his normal self in the second half getting forward when needed without negating his defensive duties.. Left Back. Liverpool. ANDREW ROBERTSON