BEEN given a late call-up to replace Andy for my match ratings debut – go easy on me, Reds. If you are a big Heaton fan then worry not, he’ll be back soon.
A relatively routine 5-0 win for Liverpool against Championship Burton Albion. An ideal result after the disappointment of the weekend. Some positive signs on show for Jürgen Klopp’s men.
Simon Mignolet: 6
Didn’t have too much to do. Looks like he’s trying to show confidence using his feet more, and coming to punch the ball, but still makes me shit it when he does.
Nathaniel Clyne: 8
Had the beating of his man all night and his crossing caused real problems. Was so lively on that right hand side. Him and Sadio Mane on that wing is looking more and more of a mouth-watering prospect.
Joel Matip: 7
Imposing figure at the back. Looks like he likes to pick a pass and isn’t afraid to carry the ball forward, which I like to see. Made a goal line clearance, too.
Dejan Lovren: 6
Made some decent blocks and tackles. Responded well to a more physical strike force, and took a punch to the head from Mignolet well – though Matip probably spared his blushes with a goal line clearance.
James Milner: 6
Still looks a bit uncomfortable at left back and Burton were keen to try and exploit that. His lack of pace, and being naturally right footed, hinders him there. Ironically his moment of the match came as he had drifted to the right, and set up Daniel Sturridge with a nice ball.
Jordan Henderson: 6
Saw a lot of the ball and was generally tidy in possession. Would’ve been relieved to be under much less pressure than at Turf Moor.
Emre Can: 6
Seems the Reds’ best option to play that defensive midfield role that Jordan Henderson struggled with at Burnley. Worryingly taken off after going down injured. Hope it was just a precaution.
Adam Lallana: 6
Carried the ball well to switch from defence to attack, and provided a creative presence before he was subbed. Can still be guilty of taking one too many touches but it’s not an issue in these kind of games.
Sadio Mane: 9
Showed every bit of what Liverpool were missing on Saturday. His movement causes so many problems for defenders and he seemed to be involved in everything. Ran the Burton defence ragged in the first half.
Roberto Firmino: 7
His clever movement made him a menace to the Burton defence, popping up all over the place. Got a goal to show for it.
Divock Origi: 7
Gives us a presence up top when playing with his back to goal, and his movement is good when he faces up. Clever finish for the goal. Worrying that he had to go off late in the game.
Subs
Georginio Wijnaldum: 6
Don’t remember him touching the ball loads. He’s got a great smile, though.
Daniel Sturridge: 8
I’m potentially the only man in the world who doesn’t hate the idea of Sturridge on the right, but it’s easy to see how lethal he can be when he is central, and can get in and around the box. His second was a great finish, and he’s finally got a song. What a night!
Kevin Stewart: 6
England’s Kev Stewart. What a bloke.
All fair marks there Josh. The ones where we get beat are, I suspect, a bit harder to do …
Divock Origi has the baggiest kecks in the premier league
Call those ratings? Rage, rage, splutter, splutter , gnaaaar !
Ok, fair enough I suppose.
Henderson was superb in13/14 but sometimes looks like he’s not up to the slick passing Klopp wants. Probably still looking for his form. Possibly upgradeable in the long term
Wijnaldum has been pretty anonymous so far, plenty of room for improvement there too.
Excellent summary of the Hendo situation
Completely agree about our right wing now….it’s looking really good.
Just wish we could now sort out left wing out.
Fair dues Josh. Would give Can a 7 to 8 though as he gave us a confident foundation to anchor between the 2 CBs so our wingers could go Wing Back so much. This allowed Clyne to interplay with Mane’s wizardry and form an irresible Right Wing force that’ll cause nightmares for Danny Rose (hopefully).
Can’s assuredness allowed that confidence to evolve throughout the team. Becoming really impressed by him more and more.
Nice Job Josh. Glad someone else has noticed Wijnaldum’s lovely smile.
Agree on Mane and Clyne’s partnership. They are striking up an electric understanding and Clyne’s attacking game has gone to another level.
Fantastic to see the Premier League has its first £100m player.
He only cost a third of that though.
He plays for The Reds as you know.
His name…
Sadio Mane of course :-D
Good work Josh….much better than the other bloke!
Clyne adding to his defensive reliability of last season with assist this season – 2 now.
Thought Can was better than a 6 – has a very calming influence on this team that shouldn’t be underestimated.
Not only is Mane individually great, but the pace and speed of thought, plus decision making will allow others to benefit. Just need to see if he has the consistency which is the only negative feedback from Saints fans.
Sort out the LB position plz Jurgen.