Player Ratings: Virgil Van Dijk and Cody Gakpo Shine in Liverpool’s Victory Over Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Crystal Palace 0 – 1 Liverpool – Premier League Player Ratings

The Premier League came roaring back with a 12.30 kick off, exclusively on the beloved TNT Sports. The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below…

Alisson Becker – 8.0

The Brazilian stopper enjoyed a very relaxed first half, as his team dominated the opening 45-minutes. The early scare and goal conceded was an offside, however, the final moments of that half saw the giant goalkeeper pull off a wonderful low save to ensure a half time lead for his team.

Photo: IMAGO

After the restart, the former he was superb with a number of strong saves and clearances, before leaving the pitch with a worrying injury.

Subbed – 79 mins

Trent Alexander Arnold – 7.0

The England superstar was very good and productive in the opening half, as he enjoyed the freedom to travel up and down the flank. His touch and vision was on point in that period, with his side deserving their lead.

Following the half time break, the vice-captain was alert and disciplined without being overly aggressive in the final third.

Kostas Tsimikas – 6.0

The Greek scouser was a solid outlet on the left, who was able to offer offensive options whilst covering his defensive duties whenever needed.

In the second half of this game, the popular squad member was more under pressure and did enough to maintain a good afternoon’s showing.

Subbed – 79 mins

Ibrahima Konaté – 9.0

The France international defender was ferocious and dominating in his work through a powerful first half. His ability to win headers and bully opposing attackers was evident from the off and his imposing defensive work allowed certain attacks to build from his interceptions.

After the half time team talk, the former RB Leipzig man mountain was pulled around and stood upto everything that came his way.

Virgil van Dijk – 8.0 (Man of the Match)

The captain and leader of this team was always starting this game, as the commander of those around him. His presence and vocal commitment orchestrated a successful half of play where the towering defender excelled.

Photo: IMAGO

After the break, the skipper was needed time and time again to ensure another clean sheet and three more points. The greatest defender on the planet.

Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0

The Duch midfielder has been an absolute revelation this season and started once more as the adaptive middle man. From the opening whistle, the former Ajax academy graduate was imposing and productive in his play, as the middle men controlled the opening 45-minutes.

As the encounter resumed, the 6ft 3inch midfielder was combative and smart on the ball to ensure no mistakes were made.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0

Mac Allister retained his place as the controlling entity in midfield. From minute one, the former Brighton man was relentlessly efficient and his ability to dictate tempo was vital.

Subbed – 45 mins

Curtis Jones – 7.0

The England under-21 European champion started this weekend, following a solid lead up to this opportunity. As the game started, the former academy graduate was vibrant and confident in his play, as he showed why he can be a regular starter.

In the second period, the versatile midfielder was tireless in his attempts to be the controlling midfielder.

Subbed – 89 mins

Cody Gakpo – 8.0

Luis Diaz was replaced with the Dutch wide man for this game, as rotation entered the reds group of assets. As soon as the game began, the former PSV forward was a danger and supplied to power running and assist for the opening goal. His strength and quickness was a common threat, as he enjoyed a very fine opening half of football.

After the break, the 6ft 4inch attacker was the outlet of choice and main danger man going forward.

Diogo Jota – 7.0

Arne Slot’s poacher was ushered back into the starting eleven, with a more clinical edge preferred over Uruguayan power. From the opening bell, the former Wolves attacker was alert and that trait saw him open the scoring with a brilliant dart and close range strike. He should have doubled the lead with a similar effort, however, his predatory nature was not quite on point for that occasion.

Photo: IMAGO

After the half time break, the 27-year-old was more quiet and used as a buffer for those around him.

Mohamed Salah – 6.0

Mo Salah was again in the first team elite, with his position in the team vital to success. From the outset, the former Roma man was quiet and controlled, as he looked to make things happen without exploding. After the break, the former Chelsea man was a little lacklustre before leaving the field.

Subbed – 73 mins

Photo: IMAGO

Substitutions;

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.0 (on 45) – Came on to add more power.

Luis Díaz – 5.0 (on 71) – Came on to add something different.

Andy Robertson –  6.0 (on 79) – Came on to add experience.

Vítězslav Jaroš – 8.0 (on 85) – Came on and did everything right in tense situations.

Wataru Endō –  7.0 (on 85) – Came on to add bite and a beautiful late tackle.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 9.0

The Dutch manager was correct in his pre match rotation and if not for some poor finishing, the game would have been dead by half time. All the substitutions made an impact and the latter alterations enabled a superb away victory.

Pre-match Prediction: Crystal Palace 0 – 2 Liverpool