Liverpool 2-1 Ajax: Player Ratings And Performance
Player Ratings And Performance
The reds lost their first UCL match this season after Napoli humiliated them in a 4-1 victory. Liverpool’s next group stage match was Ajax which was going to be a tough fight. The Liverpool squad showed a confident display to win the game 2-1 against Ajax. Joel Matip scored the winner for Liverpool in the 89th minute.
Liverpool
⚽ Alisson Becker – 7
The Brazilian keeper always provides that calm when Liverpool is in chaos. That is exactly what he did against ajax, and he stood up strong and tall when his team needed him the most. Nothing much he could do about the goal, but he came and had some great saves to keep Ajax at bay after they scored the equalizer and were looking to find something more.
⚽ Trent Alexander Arnold – 4
Trent hasn’t improved his defensive abilities and remains a liability for Liverpool while defending. His exceptional attacking abilities are extremely helpful, but he can’t perform the main defensive duties of a fullback properly
⚽ Thiago Alcantara – 8
No matter what the critics talk about him, he is essential for this Liverpool side. He commands the entire game with such ease and class that without him, the reds are more than often left confused. The Spanish magician caused Ajax all sorts of trouble.
⚽ Kostas Tsimikas – 8.5
The Greek national has pounced on the opportunity given to him and has shown his exceptional qualities to the world. Although he got a few times, he was the most dominant player on the pitch for almost the entirety of the match and finished his masterful performance with a beautiful cross for Matip’s winner.
⚽ Joel Matip – 8.5
Another solid performance from one of the most underrated center-backs in the world. He was everywhere and winning everything, from one-on-one to air duels. His surprisingly good dribbling abilities opened a lot of gaps, and his winner was the cherry on top, a very deserving performance.
⚽ Virgil Van Dijk – 7
The Dutchman has been the target of a lot of deserving criticism. After having many poor performances in a row, his game against Ajax was much improved. He was solid in the box, dealing with almost everything Ajax’s front three threw at him. The improvements in his game were helped due to Matip’s return to the Liverpool defense.
⚽ Fabinho – 7
The defensive midfielder delivered a performance filled with class. His linkup play with the defense and the attack helped Liverpool a lot on the break, and the introduction of Thiago made things a lot easier for the Brazilian.
⚽ Harvey Elliot – 5.5
The young Englishman had a difficult outing and wasn’t up to his very best. His trackback abilities are not good and helped Ajax to score the equalizer. However, he is just 19 and will only improve from hereon.
⚽ Luis Diaz – 7
His flair and desire are always difficult to deal with for the opposition. Gave an energy-packed performance. The only criticism is that he takes too much time on the ball when in a shooting position.
⚽ Diogo Jota – 5.5
He had a disappointing game, to say the least. He was lacking threat when on the ball and was rightfully subbed off.
⚽ Mohammed Salah – 7.5
The Egyptian had a great game and was a constant threat on the wing. He is essential for Liverpool if they want to win big this season, and they need him to get his red-hot form back.
Substitutes –
⚽ Firminho (6)
The center forward changed the game for the red, leading to a victory. his constant movement made gaps, and Liverpool took the advantage.
⚽ Darwin Nunez (7)
Although he could’ve won the match himself, he caused mayhem in the box, giving the defender much more to deal with.
Ajax
⚽ Remko Pasveer (5)
The defensive composure was lacking, and couldn’t progress well.
⚽ Jurrien Timber (5)
He was poor in playing out from the back and struggled to defend.
⚽ Devyne Rensch (5.5)
He won most of his battles with Diaz but was taken off.
⚽ Calvin Bassey (6)
His dominance on the ground was obvious, but he lost many air duels, including the one against Matip for the winner.
⚽ Daley Blind (4.5)
He had a hard time against Salah’s pace and was unstable for the 75 minutes he played. I should’ve done better with the opportunity.
⚽ Edson Alvarez (5)
His only highlights were a couple of well-timed tackles; other than that, he had a difficult game against Jota.
⚽ Steven Berguis (5.5)
His constant runs were difficult to deal with.
⚽ Kenneth Taylor (6)
He shut down Elliot properly, and the passing was on point.
⚽ Dusan Tadic (6)
Another promising performance from him, but his brilliant passes were wasted by the likes of Blind.
⚽ Steven Bergwjin (5.5)
Overall lackluster performance and was pretty non-existence.
⚽ Mohammed Kudus (6.5)
His composure and decision-making ability left everyone in awe. He scored the equalizer so absolutely brilliant showing his high potential.
