Anfield was the place to be on Saturday afternoon as Liverpool continued their winning run with a stunning 5-1 victory over Hull City. Here are my player ratings from the game…
Starters
Loris Karius – 6/10
Got the nod ahead of Simon Mignolet in a decision which surprised some. If every game was like this, he’d be a very happy man as he was rarely troubled. Decent distribution. Nothing he could do about Meyler’s rifled strike. Will definitely have busier afternoons as he looks to establish himself as Liverpool’s undisputed number one.
Nathaniel Clyne – 8/10
As always, a very good performance from Clyne. Won the ball back in good areas on a number of occasions, and has added an attacking impetus to his game. Put a few good balls into the box, and showed excellent link up with Mane and Lallana.
Joel Matip – 8/10
Yet another rock-like defensive display from the Cameroon centre half. Won several aerial battles and made some good strides forward. So comfortable on the ball as he proved today when in tight spaces. Superb signing.
Ragnar Klavan – 8/10
In the absence of the ill Dejan Lovren, Klavan started and did very well. So comfortable in possession and apart from one stray ball to Karius, was excellent whenever under pressure from Hull’s attackers.
James Milner – 10/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Yes, you read that right, a resounding TEN out of ten. The makeshift left back was exemplary in every aspect of his game today. Defended resolutely, worked his absolute backside off, attacked brilliantly, put some stunning balls into the box, made two or three genuinely exceptional tackles, linked up with his team mates brilliantly and scored two fine penalties. What. A. Performance.
Jordan Henderson – 8/10
The doubters have been well and truly silenced. Excellent on the ball, was involved in everything we did through the centre, made good runs to find space for the attacking players, and won the ball back consistently. Great display from the captain.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 9/10
Easily the Dutchman’s best outing in a red shirt so far. Could have got a goal of his own but still was at the heart of many promising attacks. Some great passing and impressive to see him operating as a box-to-box player, coming deep and winning the ball back on several occasions.
Adam Lallana – 9/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Opened the scoring with a deft finish into the corner to get his third Liverpool goal in the opening six games. Not bad for someone who doesn’t score enough. Was absolutely everywhere today, making intelligent runs and working hard to help the team press forward, and got a fully deserved standing ovation.
Sadio Mane – 8/10
What more can we say about this man? His pace was at times breathtaking, absolutely terrorised Andy Robertson all day long. Fully deserved his goal, a nice calm finish into the corner. Hit the bar with another effort from long range. Absolutely loving the ‘Oh Mane, Mane’ chant, by the way.
Philippe Coutinho – 9/10
It’s looking like this could be the season when Coutinho makes the step up and becomes a world class player. Sensational performance today, dominating the attacking areas, playing some delightful passes and scoring one of the goals of the season. What a strike that was. Somehow doesn’t score early on but that was a minor blemish. Superb from the Brazilian today, who received a deserved standing ovation.
Roberto Firmino – 8/10
As ever with Firmino, not grabbing the attention and headlines himself but instead creating space for other players and being a real team player. One of the first names on the teamsheet at the minute, consistently putting in top class performances.
Substitutes
Daniel Sturridge – 7/10
Looked very bright when he came on, dropped deep and wide like Sturridge always does. Showed great feet married with touch and control to win the second penalty.
Emre Can – N/A
Good to see him on the pitch once again, though he made two or three needless tackles.
Marko Grujic – N/A
Didn’t have time to get into the game, but nice to see him make his Anfield debut.
Daniel Daykin
Latest posts by Daniel Daykin (see all)
- Liverpool Loan Watch: March 2021 - April 6, 2021
- Liverpool Loan Watch: February 2021 - March 8, 2021
- Liverpool Loan Watch: January 2021 - February 6, 2021
10/10 for Milner … A well deserved rating.
Great review – thanks for posting.