Liverpool player ratings vs Villa: Salah below-par, Fabinho calm

Liverpool player ratings – defenders

Right-back: Neco Williams – 7/10

A healthy night for the Welshman in his first 90 minutes in quite a while. Neco deputised well and especially excelled when Thiago came on in the second half.

He put in some excellent crosses and genuinely looked composed – not something we’ve been too used to in his last few performances.

Centre-back: Rhys Williams – 6/10

Despite being outmuscled by Louie Barry for the goal, Neco’s namesake performed progressively in the second half on the ball.

Whether that performance will earn him a start against Manchester United in eight days’ time it remains to be seen – but these matches will continue to aid his development.

Centre-back: Fabinho – 7/10

Another night, another calm and collected Fabinho performance.

He even came close to scoring, twice, from two corners, but his starring moment actually came after the match in a happy moment for the aforementioned Barry – who he first swapped shirts with, then gifted the youngster his own shirt back.

He shouldn’t have been risked and the fact he got through injury-free is a bonus.

Left-back: James Milner – 6.5/10

Considering the fact he played his first Premier League game before most of the opposition were born, Milner put in his usual charismatic and determined performance. His attitude never changes, whatever the opposition.

He took the armband in the second half and led by example with his dictation of tempo on the left hand side.