Player ratings: Liverpool 2-0 Burnley
Our perfect start to the season continued then and wasn’t it wonderful to see a full house at Anfield once more. The fans won’t have been disappointed either, as we put in a truly dominant display. Let’s see how the lads got on.
Alisson (8) – Ali’s fine form from last week continued, as he made a couple of close range saves first half and one spectacular save from a Rodriguez effort second half, which would have been offside but Ali wasn’t to know that. Kept his clean sheet in tact with a brilliant late one v one save from a Barnes chance as well. One dodgy moment when the ball was headed out of his hands aside, another top display from our keeper.
TAA (8.5) – A superb display from Trent, some of his passing first half was simply out of this world and he was awarded for his fine play with a brilliant assist for Mane, having drifted into a midfield role. Struggled to contain the lively Dwight McNeil at times but such is the life of a fullback. Trent has started the season in fine form.
Matip (9) – What a performance, as close to faultless as you’ll see from a CB. Calm as you like throughout, passing excellent, brought the ball out well and rock solid defensively. The way he deals with one v ones, he genuinely makes it look easy. Forms a wonderful partnership with Virgil, I just pray he’s available more often this season. I didn’t think there was one outstanding performer in the team and while I usually favour game changing moments when picking McMOTM, I didn’t think either of our scorers were our best player today, while Matip was outstanding from start to finish so to that end, McMatip is this week’s McMOTM.
Van Dijk (8) – After a slightly pensive return last week, this was Virgil back to his glorious best. Won everything in the air, as well as the physical battle with Burnley’s forwards. His long diagonal passing though, it’s Alonso-esque at times, none more so than his effortless ball out to Elliot in the build up to Mane’s goal. I think people forgot last season, how much of an attacking weapon Virgil’s long passing is for us. Great to see the big man back doing his thing.
Tsimikas (8) – Excellent display from Tsimikas. Went forward with intent at every opportunity and put in a fine cross for Jota’s opener. No sign of the defensive lapses in concentration we saw last week and his tenacious tussling with two Burnley players before escaping with the ball had the crowd on their feet. Standing ovation after being subbed late on fully deserved. Well played lad.
Henderson (8) – Brilliant from Hendo, especially first half when Burnley were having a go. Passing and decision making spot on throughout and didn’t give any of his teammates a minute to rest on their laurels, barking orders throughout. Great to have the skipper back.
Elliot (8) – What a player we have on our hands here. Making his PL debut for the club but you’d have thought he’d been in the team for years. I said in an article I did recently about Harvey that I believed he’d move to a more central role and it looks like Klopp agrees. Starting on the right of a midfield three, he linked the defence to attack brilliantly, none more evidently than the role he played in Mane’s goal, effortlessly bringing the ball down on his chest before slipping it to Trent. Knowing how physical Burnley are, I was surprised at his inclusion but he dealt with it brilliantly. Full of technique and vision and just 18!! This kid has the potential to be anything he wants but is very much ready for the first team now. Would’ve had a lovely assist for his efforts had Salah not been marginally offside.
Keita (7) – Better from Naby, showed some incisive passing, especially first half. Couple of good interceptions and pressed well. Faded second half before being subbed. It generally takes Naby three games to get up to speed, it’s just unfortunate he tends to be out for about three months after three games. Hopefully he’s turned a corner with his fitness and can start consistently delivering the performances we know he’s capable of.
Salah (7.5) –Made a nuisance of himself throughout and desperately unlucky with the offside goal after a beautiful finish. As GingerLahm mentioned on the thread however, there gets to a certain point in games where if Salah hasn’t scored, he just starts shooting on sight when there are better options available. Good display from him though, unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
Jota (8) – Diogo may not be as involved in the build up as Bobby, although he was a lot more involved second half but you can’t argue with his goal output. Averaging around one in two since he’s been with the club, that’s two in two so far this season and it was a brilliant bit of movement from him to get in front of the defender. His aerial prowess is well documented and on display here with another well taken header. Also showed he’s not afraid of the physical battle, particularly second half. I believe there’s still another level Jota can get to and it will be fun watching that journey over the next couple of seasons.
Mane (8) – What a difference a goal makes. We’ve long known that Mane is a confidence player and first half, his touch had let him down on a number of occasions and despite his best efforts was struggling to impact the game. Squandered a good chance with a free header but then a few moments later, Trent plays him through and the finish was emphatic. Suddenly he looked a different player, looked a yard quicker, sharper and the Mane we all know and love. Hopefully that goal is a springboard for him to push on and have a good season.
Subs:
Thiago (6) – One gorgeous turn, followed by a reverse pass reminded us of the class this lad carries. Couple of sloppy passes though, which led to Burnley attacks. First ten minutes of his season though, so we’ll forgive him a bit of rust.
Firmino (6) – Not much time to have an impact but more minutes under the belt.
Gomez (N/A) – Good to see Joe back.
Kloppwatch (9) – Two games, two dominant wins, two clean sheets. Can’t ask for more than that as a manager. Didn’t use his subs until late, which I’m often critical of but I agreed with it today as we were so dominant from the 60th to 80th minute, I can understand why he didn’t want to disrupt the rhythm of the team. The gaffer must have been delighted today, as the team performed excellently to a man.
Summary
I think it’s safe to say we’re back!! Granted we’ve only played Burnley and Norwich so far but the manner of our performances truly whet the appetite for the season ahead.
For a long time we struggled with the low block teams and how to break them down. The answer, is more technical players in midfield. Klopp tried to address that last season with the signing of Thiago and now Elliot looks to be another. While the functional midfield of Fabinho, Hendo and Gini served us very well, they don’t have the passing ability of Thiago, Elliot and Keita. Hendo’s long passing has become a thing to behold but when it comes to threading the ball through a narrow gap in a packed defence, Keita, Elliot and particularly Thiago come into their own.
Elliot announced himself properly today I thought and any lingering doubts he might no be ready to make an impact this season, have been put to bed. With everyone fit, we have some wonderful options in midfield now, players to play any style the manager wishes and an on form defence and attack make us a daunting prospect for anyone.
Chelsea up next then, in what will be our first true test of the season. We’ve got a good record against Chelsea under Klopp which will hopefully continue, however in Tuchel I do believe they have a top manager now and will be full of confidence themselves as European champions.
Thats it for this week then troops. Until next time, walk on!
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