On Boxing Day, Liverpool defeated Aston Villa 3-1 in the Premier League tie, displaying an excellent show, here are the player ratings.
Aston Villa 1-3 Liverpool: Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Alisson (8.5/10)
When Alisson was reinstated to the starting lineup, his brilliant all-conquering abilities were once more brought to mind. Even though Liverpool controlled the game, the Brazilian was there to make a number of crucial stops. Moreover, provided Andy Robertson with a fantastic long pass for Mohamed Salah’s first goal. By a wide margin, the Reds’ Player of the Year thus far.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (8/10)
Alexander-Arnold was back to his usual performance after feeling unappreciated for a month while representing England. Salah’s opening goal was made possible by the 24-year-amazing old’s outside-of-the-foot pass, and he was excellent all game long. He still made a few small mistakes defensively, but he was improving.
Joel Matip (7/10)
Joe Gomez was passed over in favor of Matip, and his selection was supported by a performance that was largely certain. He was as fluid as usual when he had the ball, and he did a good job defending. However, Ollie Watkins’ goal cost him the game, also, the pros outweighed the cons cause he made some crucial interceptions.
Virgil Van Dijk (8.5/10)
Van Dijk hasn’t been at his best this season, without a question, but this was far more in line with who he is. The Dutchman was a powerful figure who frequently engaged in afterburner maneuvers while maintaining composure and winning aerial duels. With a confident finish, Liverpool went ahead 2-0 for good measure.
Andy Robertson (8.5/10)
Robertson appeared rejuvenated at Villa Park after taking a well-deserved break after not participating in the World Cup. Darwin Nunez should have opened the scoring early on thanks to an inch-perfect cross, but he didn’t have to wait long after setting up Salah for an assist. He was perfect in his defensive effort and his energy up. He marshaled the left wing and troubled the aging Ashley Young all evening.
Midfielders
Fabinho (7.5/10)
Fabinho has been running through treacle for the majority of this season, but today, like so many other Reds players, he looked and played more like himself. As a member of a dominant Liverpool midfield, he looked to cover ground more effectively. Furthermore, he was slipping into one especially powerful challenge. After the interval, curled wide from a distance, albeit his effect did diminish.
Thiago (7.5/10)
Thiago has been the Reds’ most excellent midfielder all year, but against Villa, he may have been the least obvious. However, the 31-year-old still played well, putting things together and biting into tackles in his own terrier-like style. Midway through the second half, he was replaced because he had lost combat control and appeared frail.
Henderson (7/10)
At the World Cup, Henderson had a comeback for England, and he appears to have brought that form back to Liverpool. On Monday night, the captain was excellent, showing a lot of hustle and running. However, one exquisitely timed pass to Salah revealed his underappreciated talent. Needs to maintain this level over the remainder of the season.
Forwards
Mo Salah (8.5/10)
Salah has often smashed records for Liverpool, and this incident demonstrated again another reason why he has earned the title of greatest Anfield hero. With his goal, the Egyptian equaled Sir Kenny Dalglish’s record of 172 goals, and maybe there will be many more in the future. He was a threat to Lucas Digne, using his power and speed effectively, and came dangerously close to scoring after a lung-busting run that covered the length of the field. His 50th for the team, a goal, and an assist, was a typical Salah effort.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (7/10)
Fabio Carvalho was passed over in favor of Oxlade-Chamberlain, who had a solid performance in the League Cup loss to Man City. Even though he became quieter as the minutes went on, the Englishman performed admirably overall, offering good running from the left and displaying an exceptional work rate. He will likely leave in the summer, but if he stays healthy, he will be an important team member for the rest of the year.
Darwin Nunez (7.5/10)
Nunez, who had recently been compared to a wild horse wreaking havoc in a town square, personified that comparison against Villa. The Uruguayan put in an unending amount of enthusiastic running and deft movement, but his final product, particularly his finishing, fell short. However, excellent for Stefan Bajcetic’s goal, of breaking free and launching a perilous cross.
Substitutes
Harvey Elliott (6.5/10)
Used on the front three’s left. Quite but managed to keep the ball when new legs were needed.
Stefan Bajcetic (8/10)
Scored a goal that was well taken in a spectacular cameo for the youngster.
Naby Keita (6/10)
With the exception of one Paris-style shot into the throng, mostly unnoticed.
Being back in Premier League action will have made Klopp very happy, and he received a performance that had far more positive than negative aspects.
Although Liverpool still appears to be much too easy to score against, their pressure and overall togetherness were much improved compared to before the break. Although there is certainly room for development, this is potentially the start of a strong run of form.