Liverpool player ratings in 1-0 victory over Brentford!

Liverpool FC have rallied together in perhaps the most crucial and unlikeliest of junctures. Standing fifth just one points adrift of Manchester United, Liverpool now has an outside chance of making it to the Champions League. The contrast between our current form and the struggles of United couldn’t be much wider. While Eric Ten Hag is managing a squad with numerous injury woes and struggling to find form, Jurgen Klopp’s men have  a clean bill of health and are stringing together a few good results for the run in.

The icing on the cake would be Merseyside’s household hero, Mohamed Salah equaling the Red icon Stevie G’s tally of 186 goals in Liverpool’s all-time scorer’s list. With a convincing victory against Brentford at Anfield. Salah’s tap in mid way through the first half was also his 100th goal at the Anfield.

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Here are the ratings of our Men in Red:

Alisson – 7.5

The Ol’ Reliable Brazilian is looking more and more comfortable with the defense recently. Much might have to do with the infamous backline re-establishing their dominant selves. Didn’t have much to do in the first half, except for a disallowed goal from Mbeumo. The second half was a busier one. Made a couple of strong saves.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8.5

Easily Liverpool’s best player on the pitch. What a fine vein of form he is in! Given the license to roam the midfield, TAA is single-handedly carrying Liverpool’s creative department with panache unlike any other. Could have a got an assist, if not for Nunez’s misfired attempt. Could herald a genesis for a new era under Klopp.

Ibrahima Konate – 7

Rapidly growing to his new role of CB/RB hybrid. Providing the defensive cover to the creative Arnold. Strong aerially. Was given the task to keep Mbeumo and Toney in check, and he did. Agile and quick on feet. Didn’t stand out but did his work efficiently.

Virgil van Dijk – 7.5

Good news Kops! The Dutchman is slowly growing back to his previous powers. He was the barrier between Toney and Liverpool’s net. Snuffed out the danger out of his territory, making 10 clearances. An encouraging sign for the foreseeable future. Also, who can unsee that unselfish and timely assist for Mo Salah!

Andrew Robertson – 6.5

Looked anxious when asked not to bomb the flanks as he is used to. Struggling a bit with a more defensive role. Left Aaron Hickey unmarked a few times. Looked more assured in the second half, before being forced off due to a hamstring issue.

Fabinho – 6.5

The best he played in a while. Was instrumental in setting up Mo Salah’s goal. Other than that, performed average defensively. Still worlds apart from his previous season self.

Curtis Jones – 7

Had the longest starting streak in his career and rightly so. Has taken over pressing duties from Henderson and is performing them in his full capacities. Lead the press triggers and was confident on the ball.

Cody Gakpo – 6

Struggled in this new midfield role. Was able to link-up and create connection throughout the attack. Couldn’t time his runs as well as normal and was having issues with his positioning throughout the game, and almost collided with Arnold on an occasion.

Mohamed Salah – 8.5

Make way for the Egyptian King! The fan favorite has levelled with the greatest Red there is, Steven Gerrard. Almost fumbled the chance, yet managed to put the ball through David Raya. After that, looked more electric whenever he got the ball. Dribbled along well and had a chance to bag an assist as well.

Diogo Jota – 6.5

Industrious as usual. Couldn’t contribute enough in attack, but balanced it out by performing his pressing duties to perfection. Rarely got the ball in a good spot. Performed well as an outlet to recycle possession when needed. Kept Aaron Hickey in check most of the time.

Darwin Nunez – 5.5

Had a forgettable night. Missed a few good chances. Lost his head a couple of times and forgot his pressing duties. Was rightly subbed off.

Subs:

Luis Diaz – 6

Came in for a off-color Nunez. Took the impetus to change the things, but was ultimately consumed by the flow.

Jordan Henderson – 6.5

Came on with less than 20 minutes left, but did his job without an error. Provided the experience and composure, Liverpool were lacking. His arrival cancelled out Brentford’s attacks and sealed the Liverpool win. They were right, “You need experience to cut-off these 1-0 matches.”

Konstantinos Tsimikas – 6

Came on for a limping Robertson. Held his ground and managed to get by for the final few minutes of the game.

James Milner – 6

Didn’t have a lot of time to provide any impact. Looked tidy on the ball and worked hard off it.

JURGEN KLOPP – 7.5

Used his resources well and timed his substitutions to near perfection. Came up with a good tactical outline, and motivated his side to carry it out well. It is relaxing to watch Kloppo smile as well, long may it continue.