Liverpool player ratings vs Leeds: Arrogant Virgil van Dijk had a stinker

Liverpool player ratings – defence

Trent has no preseason and used the England games against Iceland and Denmark as preparation for the start of the Premier League campaign. It’s perhaps no surprise that he looked off the pace as he was beaten by Harrison for the first goal and failed to threatened much going forward.

Alexander-Arnold also bundled the ball into his own net but his blushes were spared by VAR, was beaten by the speed of Helder Costa going forward and he was eventually subbed off.

Gomez was another one who looked like he was suffering from the shortened break and lack of summer holiday. He could have done better for the first goal, but held his own against Bamford.

His good moments were overshadowed by some poor positioning and concentration, will Joel Matip be watching this and feeling confident about starting alongside van Dijk in the game against Chelsea?

With no fourth choice central defender in the squad, these two are going to need to be on form for the whole campaign and can’t afford many more games where they’re sub-par.

Another Premier League game, another mistake by van Dijk. Jamie Carragher called him ‘arrogant’ for the second goal as is awful attempt at a clearance gifted Leeds their second equaliser.

The Dutchman needs to get his unflappable, winning, highly switched on mentality back or this season is going to be a slog.

Graeme Souness said Virg had a ‘stinker’, and while you can’t generally take what pundits say at face value, they do have a point here. His header for the second goal was outstanding and it was probably his best moment of the game.

Robertson got his first assist on the board and was one of the only defenders who was blameless for any of the three conceded goals. This was a prime Robbo performance as he tracked his man well, put in good crosses and was always available on the left.