Liverpool Player Ratings: Mane & Milner best on brilliant Opening Day

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Alisson Becker

7/10

Looked confident and assured in goal. Showed glimpses of good distribution but was otherwise not really tested by West Ham today.

Trent Alexander Arnold

7.5/10

Continued his solid form from last season when he effectively replaced an injured Nathaniel Clyne. Constantly broke forward and found space down West Ham’s side. Was a good support for his side’s attack, providing an extra man on the side. Only blemish on his performance was the yellow card received early in the first half for an arguable foul on Felipe Anderson.

Joe Gomez

8/10

Solid outing for the promising English defender who has been troubled by injury in the past years of his Liverpool career. Kept West Ham’s attack, which had seemed dangerous on paper, largely at bay for 90 mins. Has been touted as the ideal defensive partner for Van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s defence. His confident performance today alongside the Dutchman is a promising sign that Liverpool may have finally found the solution for their defensive troubles at the back.

Virgil Van Dijk

8/10

Another commanding performance from the towering Dutchman resulting in a clean sheet to kick off Liverpool’s season in the perfect way. Displayed his apparent strength in the air as well as his ability to play the ball out from the back. Formed a stable defensive partnership with Gomez today, snuffing out West Ham’s attack and their enigmatic forward Marko Arnautovic. Did not put a wrong foot in today for all 90 mins and ensured teammate Alisson had a very quiet debut.

Andy Robertson

8/10

Surging runs down Liverpool’s left side that troubled the Hammers throughout the game and like Alexander-Arnold, was an excellent support for his side’s attack. Provided the perfect ball across the box for Salah to grab the opener. Definitely Liverpool’s first choice left-back.

James Milner

8.5/10

A tireless performance from the Liverpool vice-captain. Was handed the armband at the start today in the absence of Jordan Henderson and duly turned in a performance that bore all the hallmarks of an experienced and committed leader in midfield. The Englishman applied a relentless pressure his opponents and was right at the heart of the action in midfield. Never shirked away from a tackle and won the ball back for his side on numerous occasions. It’s on days like this that you forget that Milner came on a free transfer and is already in his thirties.

Naby Keita

8.5/10

Perfect debut for the new Liverpool no.8 as he showed why the Reds were willing to shell out  £50m and wait a year for him. Showed touches of real class and controlled play in midfield today. Largely responsible for starting the move that led to Liverpool’s second goal. A mazing run past West Ham defenders into the box that almost yielded a goal no doubt left Liverpool fans purring in delight. Could just be the midfield master to fill the void left by his predecessor.

Gini Wijnaldum

8/10

Talk of him being forced out the starting line-up and heading for the Liverpool exit seem totally unfounded as the former Newcastle man slotted in comfortably alongside Milner and debutant Keita as they outclassed their opposing midfield counterparts. Kept possession well and was a constant threat throughout. Had a chance or two to add to the scoreline and will be disappointed not to.

Sadio Mane

9/10

Gave his opponents a torrid time today, and was arguably the sharpest point of Liverpool’s three-pronged attack. Constantly threatened with his searing pace, direct runs and technique on the ball. Found himself in the right place at the right time for his two goals, despite one of it being arguably offside it was an absolutely lethal finish for the Senegalese forward.

Mo Salah

8/10

Carried on from where he left off last season with a poacher’s effort to open the scoring for his side. A lively and assuring performance from the Reds’ famed Egyptian talisman after a disappointing World Cup troubled by injury.

Roberto Firmino

7.5/10

Liverpool’s most hardworking forward continued his role as the central linchpin in their three-pronged attack and was once again a tireless performer for the Reds. Did not get on the scoresheet and was the first to be substituted but his importance to this Liverpool team cannot be understated.

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Jordan Henderson

6.5/10

Came on for Firmino in the second half and slotted snugly into the Liverpool midfield but the game was arguably already won by then. A calming presence in midfield but nothing really outstanding from the Liverpool captain today. Goes to show how strong Liverpool’s midfield is this season.

Xherdan Shaqiri

6.5/10

Was the player Reds fans were wanting to see in action after his spectacular start to life at Liverpool in the club’s pre-season friendlies. Was not given much time on his official Anfield debut but a few good touches and moves showed that he could be a real asset for the Reds this season.

Daniel Sturridge

7/10

Scored a mere 20 seconds after coming on with his first touch, Reds fans will be overjoyed to see that iconic Sturridge goal celebration that has been missing for so long. Injuries have greatly hampered his career thus far, but it is clear that the English forward has not lost his lethal touch.

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