Liverpool Player Ratings vs Borussia Dortmund

Rodgers can be happy with the Reds final pre-season display

So with Liverpool having smashed Dortmund this afternoon at Anfield, with impressive performances all over the pitch, the lads looking raring to go against Southampton next Sunday. Here are Live4Liverpool’s player ratings from today’s game.

Simon Mignolet – A solid, if unremarkable game from Mignolet. He was certainly more vocal than usual and it clearly helped organize his defence. Little to do and will be tested more in the next few weeks. Rating: 6

Javier Manquillo – The youngster was a revelation at right-back, solid in defence and confident and technically able going forward. He may only be on loan but if we’re about to see a season of performances like today, then Brendan will be wanting to make it permanent very soon. Rating: 8

Martin Skrtel – Continued his dominant form from last season but seemed to take a back-seat in the presence of Lovren. Many appear to prefer the prospect of Sakho and Lovren but Skrtel’s form last season means his place should not be in question unless his form drops. Rating: 7

Dejan Lovren – A near perfect ‘debut’ for the new signing, making a series of great tackles and interceptions and chipping in with a great goal. Seems to have won many Reds over already with his desire to do well at Liverpool and his performance today will only see that continue. Rating: 8

Glen Johnson – Switched to left-back for his entire time on the field and impressed for the first time in over 18 months. Very solid at the back, kept his concentration and showed more intelligence in his passing. Will need to see more of this if he’s to retain his place at the club, nevermind in the first-team. Rating: 7

Steven Gerrard – A solid performance from the captain, and one of restraint. Much of the game for Gerrard was played in his own half, often dropping in to the defence and controlling the game from deep which, in turn, allowed Coutinho to have more control over proceedings. The captain looks revitalized after a long season last year and a long summer but it’s clear that his legs won’t allow him to last the course over a potential 60+ game season – will need regular rests for Liverpool to get the best out of him. Rating: 7

Emre Can – A rather quiet and subdued performance from the young German, in a match which saw him substituted at half time. He is a real physical presence though and his few touches showed that he will make a big impact this season. Rating: 6

Jordan Henderson – A typical all-action, energetic performance from Liverpool’s ‘new Dirk Kuyt’ but if he’s to live up to that moniker then he’s going to need to start chipping in more goals and assists and his run and finish for Liverpool’s fourth is as good a start as any. After a strong showing last season, Henderson is going to need to continue that form on into this, as a lot more responsibility will be placed on his shoulders. Once again though, when in a Red shirt, he showed that he is more than capable of living up to that responsibility. Rating: 8

Raheem Sterling – The little winger was full of running and tracking back but could barely get a touch of the ball in the first half. When he did however, the fear was palpable in the Dortmund players and he found himself clattered and knocked over several times. Sterling will receive this kind of treatment on a regular basis this season so it’s wise that he’s been building up his upper-body strength. Nonetheless, any rough treatment just seems to make him determined to make an impact. Rating: 7

Philippe Coutinho – A masterful performance from Coutinho and one which makes the loss of Suarez feel like less of a blow. For many, the very thought of Brazil opting to not take Coutinho to the World Cup was a travesty and on this showing you have to wonder whether Scolari would still have a job if he had taken him. Liverpool will need regular displays like this from the magician if they are to have another successful season in all competitions. Rating: 9

Daniel Sturridge – It says a lot about Daniel Sturridge’s rise in the last 2 years that a goal and an assist can still be the result of a relatively quiet display. Sturridge showed his ability in fits and starts but his injury was still clearly playing on his mind as he rarely seemed to allow himself to burst forward. Sturridge will find the weight of expectation increased hugely this season, unless Liverpool do actually break the bank for another top class forward, so hopefully the goals will continue to flow. Rating: 7

Subs:

Martin Kelly – 5 – Not much time to shine.

Jose Enrique – 7 – Solid on his return.

Lucas Leiva – 7 – Gave away a few free-kicks but ensured Dortmund rarely got near the Reds goal.

Joe Allen – 6 – Worked hard but with little time to make an impact.

Jordan Ibe – 6 – Hardly touched the ball and looked nervous when in possession but will grow into first-team role.

Rickie Lambert – 6 – Defended from the front in what will no doubt become one of his key roles this season.