Liverpool began their new season on a bitter note, failing to grab all three points against newcomers Fulham. Let’s have a look at the player ratings for the Reds.
Liverpool vs Fulham: Player Ratings
Goal Keepers and Defenders
Alisson Becker (GK) – 6.5/10
There was little evidence that the Brazilian lacked focus. And Aleksandar Mitrovic’s header in the first half was not his fault.
Dived in the proper direction to set up Mitrovic’s penalty, but it was well taken.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) – 5.5/10
Alexander-Arnold was an easy mark for Fulham’s quick start.
It was expected that he would lose out to Mitrovic for the opening kick because he was sloppy with the ball early on. And also, his positioning allowed the home team to focus attacks down their left.
Alexander-Arnold, to his credit, really improved throughout the course of the second half. And it was his delivery that allowed Mohamed Salah to make it 2-2.
Joel Matip (CB) – 6/10
Matip was strong in his defensive play and showed some early innovation with his typical dribbles through the middle of the field. Although, neither of Liverpool’s center-backs were to fault for poor performance.
Virgil van Dijk (CB) – 5.5/10
Van Dijk was the least of Liverpool’s issues in the first half and delivered some modest moments of power and fine positional play that kept Fulham out. He is typically cool and quietly influential at the back.
The bold Mitrovic then left the Dutchman speechless, and he gave up a penalty to make it 2-1—a serious blemish on his record.
Andrew Robertson (LB) – 6/10
Robertson was bright and persistent down the left. But occasionally didn’t have the finish as Fulham clogged the flanks and neutralized any threat.
was more organized than anything else as the game’s environment changed. Just an average afternoon.
Midfielders
Jordan Henderson (CM)- 5/10
Henderson’s performance during the first half embodied every criticism of his contribution. It was unnecessarily hectic, frequently out of position, and frequently just in the way.
looks a lot more qualified for the No. 6 position at this point in his career after switching there at the hour mark and advancing.
Thiago Alacantara (CM) – 5.5/10
Thiago was taken out of the first half and forced off with a hamstring injury six minutes later, despite his willingness and brief displays of the qualities we value.
Fabinho (CM) – 4/10
Fabinho kept complete anonymity the entire time. Moreover, he was outworked by Joao Palhinha of Fulham and exposed by fellow countryman Andreas Pereira.
He’s really off it when he’s off it.
Forwards
Mohamed Salah (RW) – 8/10
When Henderson went to the No. 6 position and Harvey Elliott joined him in the right-hand triangle, Salah came to life.
Suddenly, he found himself with many yards of space behind Antonee Robinson and could begin to attack. Moreover, it was just 13 minutes after the substitution, that he set up Darwin Nunez’s equalizer with a right-footed cross.
Nunez then unintentionally set up Salah for his regular first-day goal. It was the Egyptian doing everything in his power to help Liverpool secure a victory.
Luis Diaz (LW) – 5/10
The lone source of energy in the first half, Diaz fought to lower himself to the level of his teammates. And he also had the ball in the net once but was adjudged to be offside before thumping the post with his left foot.
Ironically, he became more reserved as Salah on the right, and Nunez upfront came into focus, but the No. 23 still put on a strong performance.
Roberto Firmino (CF) – 4/10
After a meandering performance undone by a constantly bad first touch, that assessment may have been questioned if there were not seven seasons’ worth of data to back it up.
51 minutes later, which speaks for itself.
Substitutes
Darwin Nunez (CF) – 8.5/10 (Man of the Match)
How shall we put it? two goals, two cameos, and two “assists.” A really positive beginning.
Harvey Elliott (CM) – 7.5/10
He was a game-changer off the bench, giving Liverpool the vitality they sorely needed. Moreover, he must get the start versus Crystal Palace.
James Milner (CM) – 7/10
As Liverpool battled to make an impact, he was desperately required. Moreover, Milner did made his mark on the game with both bite and finesse.
Fabio Carvalho (CM) – 6.5/10
Although, Carvalho may have found it intimidating to play against his old team. And the kid didn’t provide much.
This was all for the player ratings but the Reds must come back stronger against Crystal Palace next week.
