Liverpool player ratings v Napoli

OPINION

Liverpool hosted Napoli at Anfield on Tuesday night and were looking to progress to the next stage of the Champions League with the right result.

The Reds needed a 1-0 victory or to win by two goals to progress against Napoli, though any victory would do if Paris St-Germain failed to beat Red Star Belgrade.

Jurgen Klopp’s side got off to a fantastic start on their way to securing the win they needed to as Mohamed Salah put them 1-0 up before the half-time break.

The Reds then held onto their narrow lead, which was necessary due to PSG winning, and successfully move onto to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Live 4 Liverpool have rated every single Liverpool player for their performances against Napoli, with one player taking the MOTM award despite his teammate likely grabbing the headlines.

Goalkeeper and defence

Alisson Becker – 8 – Didn’t really have much to do in the first half. Dealt with what he had to in the second half which included an amazing save at the death.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 7.5 – Put in an exquisite low cross which Sadio Mane did convert but the offside flag went up. Alexander-Arnold was generally a handful down the flank as usual.

Joel Matip – 7 – Didn’t do much wrong in the first half but had less and less to deal as the half went on. Was solid.

Virgil van Dijk – 10 – Booked early on for what looked like a brilliant tackle. Made several vital challenges in the first half and was generally impressive. Van Dijk was a reliable presence and his confidence at the back seemed to be what the Reds built their result off as they knew they could push forward more when they need to as the centre-back was in top-form. The 27-year-old deserves to be MOTM.

Andy Robertson – 8 – Made a good cross that Salah perhaps should have done better with in first half. Looked lively down the left-flank, easily deserves praise for his display.

Midfield

Georginio Wijnaldum – 8 – Beautiful pass to Robertson on the wing in early stages who expertly whipped it into Mohamed Salah. Looked in his element on Tuesday as he definitely raise his game.

James Milner – 7 – Had a good effort to score but headed the ball wide. Seem to be comfortably dictating the tempo in midfield and was holding his own.

Jordan Henderson – 7 – Poor first touch of the game that nearly put his side under pressure. Stole the ball off Marek Hamsik in second half which nearly led to Mane being able to create a chance for Salah. Got better as the game went on.

Attack

Sadio Mane – 5 – Thought he scored but flagged offside. Made important challenge at edge of his box at start of second half. Missed several golden chances, particularly one at the death that would have made his side look comfortable. Could have had a hat-trick.

Mohamed Salah – 9 – Made the wrong decision when Robertson gifted him a clear chance in the early stages. Scored from a ridiculously tight angle to make it 1-0. The Egyptian winger looked dangerous all night and after getting on the scoresheet, he will be the one making the headlines.

Roberto Firmino – 5 – Was quiet for the first portion of the first half but then up his energy levels and seemed to cover a lot of ground. Had decent effort just inside box midway through the second half.