August 14th marked the return to premier league action for Liverpool FC as they faced Norwich City at Carrow Road, a fixture that has seen thrills in the past, namely the 4-5 extravaganza of the 2015/16 season. This fixture also saw the welcomed return of fans to the stadium in what was a routine and efficient performance from Jurgen Klopp’s men as they convincingly won their opening day fixture. So here is the Norwich City 0-3 Liverpool FC: Player Ratings.
Otherwise, you can check out the extended highlights of the game by clicking here.
Image Source: The Pink Un
Alisson Becker – 8.5/10
The big Brazilian returned to his rightful place between the sticks in what was a solid and untroubled performance for the Red’s stopper.
Alisson provided a clinical stop of Teemu Pukki’s low-down effort midway through the first half to reassure the fans and players around him that he would not be easily beaten. The Brazilian’s superb vision was ever-present as his ability to start quick counterattacks from goal kicks against the run of play.
His highlight, however, came just minutes before the second-half ended as he denied Gibson and Hanley in a multi-save sequence. It was an assuring opening game for the Brazilian stopper.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8/10
It was a disappointing summer for Trent as he was forced to watch his compatriots in the Euro 2020 competition from the sidelines due to injury problems.
Thankfully, these concerns appear to be a thing of the past as Trent performed with maturity and read the game expertly. He was responsible for creating the chance that led to the opening goal. It is great to see the Liverpool native performing with such conviction after a difficult summer.
Joel Matip – 7/10
Stepping into the fore in the place of either Joe Gomez or Ibrahima Konate’, both of whom will likely have needed a little longer on the training pitch before entering the team.
A few sketchy and rusty moments called for his teammates to bail him out but he repaid those favours by blocking several potentially dangerous through-balls on Norwich City’s behalf that had initially caught his teammates out.
Image source: This is Anfield
Virgil van Dijk – 8/10
The moment we had all been waiting for, the long-awaited return of the Flying Dutchman. It felt like an age since we last saw one of his defensive masterclasses, all eyes would be on him. He certainly did not disappoint.
He was not called into action defensively very often but fulfilled all of his duties efficiently and almost set Mohammed Salah up towards the end of the game. His presence alone can be felt throughout the squad when he is present and it is a welcome sight to see him back in the squad.
Kostas Tsimikas – 8/10
Coming into the team as a stand-in for the injured Andy Robertson, there was no question that the Greek left-back had some particularly large boots to fill, of which he did a great job.
He was expected to be targeted by the Norwich attackers, however, the opposite was the reality. Tsimikas looked good going forward with the ball at his feet, taking on players and always looking to get an early cross in. It is good to know that Andy Robertson’s number two is potentially capable of rotation for the Scotsman when he needs a rest.
Image Source: LFC Globe
James Milner – 7.5/10
Mr Reliable, Mr Robust, Call him whatever you want. It cannot be denied that James Milner is ageing like a fine wine and is showing no signs of slowing down.
Captained the game in the absence of Jordan Henderson, he was vocally present throughout the game as he rallied the players around him and was a physical presence in the middle of the park throughout the game. He fulfils every job he is given with efficiency and professionalism. Milner epitomises Klopp’s philosophy.
Naby Keita – 7/10
This season is surely the make-or-break for Keita, with Wijnaldum departing for Paris Saint-Germain F.C., Milner’s ageing and question marks over the future of Jordan Henderson. Now is the time for Naby to make a case for himself.
While his work rate and defensive play was a decent showing in this fixture but his creative and attacking output was suspect for large parts of the game. He has the potential to be that midfielder for Klopp, he just needs to take his chances. This season may be his last opportunity to do so.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain – 6/10
Similarly to Keita, the Ox needs to seize the opportunity given to him to prove he can be a solution to Liverpool FC’s midfield woes. Sadly, today was not a wholly convincing display from the Englishmen.
He showed a great work rate in his time in the game, putting himself across the pitch and was willing to make attempts on goal, which was positive to see if nothing else. He was withdrawn after sixty minutes. A reasonable but unspectacular showing.
Image Source: The Telegraph
Mohammed Salah – 9/10 (MOTM)
What a player Mohammed Salah is. Death, taxes and Salah scoring in the opening fixture of the season are the certainties in life.It was a dominant attacking and creative performance from Liverpool FC’s talisman.
Two assists and a sublime goal later and Salah makes the claim for another dominant Premier League season. Salah is instrumental to Liverpool FC’s success and starting the season string is Salah’s speciality. Liverpool FC is truly lucky to have Salah in their ranks. Hearing ‘the Egyptian King’ ring from the stands will be a welcome sound this season.
Diogo Jota – 8/10
After an impressive debut season, Jota has an opportunity to cement his place as a potential first-choice attacking option for Jurgen Klopp. Especially with Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri edging closer to the exit door.
The Portuguese Played in a fairly new role down the middle between Mane’ and Salah, he played with tenacity and looked to get on the end of any chance he could. He broke the deadlock in the first half and will look to continue his positive form into the next fixtures.
This could be an incredible season for Diogo Jota, watch this space!
Sadio Mane’ – 8/10
The 2020/21 season will be one that Sadio Mane’ will want to put behind him and kick on with his Liverpool FC career. His role in this game was an encouraging display as Mane’ will be trying to prove his doubters wrong this season.
The Senegalese forward looked sharp and quick, particularly as he linked up with Roberto Firmino and was a constant nuisance to the Norwich City players around him. Sadio Mane’ and his coaching staff will be pleased with how he performed today, interchanging well.
Hopefully, this is the start of a very fruitful season for him as he puts the demons of last year to bed.
Image source: Sky Sports
Substitutes
Roberto Firmino (on for Jota 60’) 7 – Looked fresh and moved around the pitch with finesse and was awarded a goal for his efforts. Hopefully, he can keep it up.
Fabinho (on for Oxlade Chamberlain 60’) 8 – Came on and demonstrated his importance to the team. Defensively solid and physically robust in the middle of the park.
Harvey Elliot (on for 82’) 7 – Did not have enough time to make a significant impact but looked confident on the ball when he had a chance. It will be great to see more of the youngster this season.
Final Words
There you have the Norwich City 0-3 Liverpool FC: Player Ratings.An overall dominant attacking performance from Liverpool FC and a clean sheet in the bag. Do you agree or disagree with our rankings? Let us know in the comments below.
Do you want to keep up with the latest Liverpool FC transfer news? Check out our latest update here.
