Liverpool player ratings vs Ajax: Elite Fabinho, the end of Milner?

Liverpool player ratings: Defenders

Trent Alexander-Arnold wasn’t allowed the space to get forward and that nullified one of his finer qualities, however the right-back was excellent in defence and was able to win his individual battles.

Could we see this version of Alexander-Arnold in the future? The loss of van Dijk may require a change in game plan and that could mean Klopp would like the full-backs to be a little more conservative.

However, his range of passing should still mean that TAA is involved in a lot of attacks – even if he couldn’t get going tonight.

This was a lot better from Gomez! We’ve been waiting nearly 10 games to see this side of the defender, and on one of the bigger nights of the year he decided to stand up and be counted.

I wrote an article earlier in the week that said Gomez must decide whether he’s going to use this season to become an elite player, and it seems like the England international is primed to break out of van Dijk’s shadow.

Gomez showed excellent concentration, made some good clearances and generally nullified the Ajax attack well.

Fabinho slotted into centre-back like he’s played there his whole life.

The Brazilian has experienced in defence, although that was at right-back for Monaco and Brazil, but against Ajax he proved that he can do it all.

Jokes were going around Twitter that said Fabinho was already the best central defender in the world and he looked every inch the experienced competitor.

There was one goal-saving clearance as well as several tackles, interceptions and blocks that proved to Klopp that his hunch about Fabinho was correct. If van Dijk wasn’t injured, this man could have put serious pressure on Gomez as the starting partner for VVD.

This was an excellent return to form from Andy Robertson, who was full of energy and always provided an outlet on the left.

He provided crosses and cutbacks for the forward line and would have grabbed another assist if the Liverpool forward line had brought their finishing boots with them.

Robbo created one good chance for Salah, who couldn’t convert, but will have been pleased with his output nevertheless.