Liverpool Player Ratings vs Huddersfield Town: Can sublime; Salah, Firmino much improved in comfortable win

Liverpool bounced back to winning ways on Tuesday as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium

The hosts started the game on the front foot, but it was Liverpool who went on to grab the lead midway through the first half. Emre Can struck a fine, albeit deflected long-range volley after Christopher Schindler’s clearance came his way.

The Reds had doubled their advantage by the half-time break as Roberto Firmino found the back of the net from the most acute of angles, beating Jonas Lossl in the process. The win was then rounded off with a little over ten minutes to go when Mohamed Salah scored from the spot after Can was fouled by Philip Billing.

The win helped Liverpool consolidate their place inside the top four, drawing themselves level on 50 points with third-placed Chelsea. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Loris Karius: 7/10

The two Liverpool goalkeepers have been chastised heavily over the last few weeks, but on Tuesday, Karius was not going to let it be more of the same. The German didn’t have much to do on the night, but he did make one smart save when he was called upon. He was also quick off his lines, and looked sharp all through the game.

Joe Gomez: 7/10

Another player who’s had a hard time over the last one month or so. On Tuesday though, Gomez was extremely comfortable, having been rarely called into action defensively, enjoying perhaps his easiest game in red. He could have contributed more on the other end of the pitch, but thought against it for the most part.

Joel Matip: 7/10

Barely tested on the night by a Huddersfield attack that looked out of its depth, Matip had more work to do with the ball than off it, and the Cameroonian did that diligently.

Dejan Lovren: 7/10

Back in the side after Virgil van Dijk was rested, Lovren filled the void remarkably and was, in fact, the best defender on the night. The Croat took more initiative at the back than Matip, frequently stopping Laurent Depoitre in his tracks. He was also aware on the one occasion when Matip was beaten, making a last-ditch clearance to help keep the clean sheet intact.

Andrew Robertson: 7/10

Another fine outing for Robertson, who continues to grow into the left-back role. The rest afforded to him last weekend seems to have revitalised the Scot, who bombarded forward with purpose when he had no defending to do, although his crossing could do with some work for him to become even more dangerous.

Emre Can: 8.5/10

After an abject performance against West Bromwich Albion last weekend, Can produced a stunning turnaround on Tuesday, in what was one of his best ever performances for the Reds. Playing a box-to-box role instead of his usual holding midfield position, the German looked to drive forward with purpose.

His intent helped him grab the opening goal of the match – a sublime effort despite the deflection. He also earned his side the penalty for the third goal, and performances like this make one think just why Liverpool are so eager to retain his services.

Jordan Henderson: 7/10

Back in the starting lineup for the first time in five weeks, Henderson looked to have a spring in his steps as he led his side superbly. Holding fort in front of the back-line, the Englishman was disciplined and alert, while also circulating the ball quickly to initiate attacking moves. A welcome return.

James Milner: 7/10

Milner played how Milner usually does. In what was a performances full of grit, the veteran midfielder showcased typical work-rate, covering a lot of ground for Robertson on the left side while also helping Henderson in the defensive work. A superb deputy to his captain.

Mohamed Salah: 7/10

Salah continued to look far from his best version from 2017, but was much improved on the night. The Egyptian linked up well with Can and Roberto Firmino, although he did not get many chances apart from the one from which he side netted. He also somehow managed to take the penalty ahead of Milner, before scoring from the spot.

Roberto Firmino: 8/10

The best of the lot in attack, Firmino put in a big shift once again on Tuesday, as he usually does in just about every game. He also got a fantastic goal to cap off a superb performance, squeezing the ball from the tightest of gaps and angle into the net. Such an asset for Liverpool.

Sadio Mane: 6/10

Mane’s struggles continued once again on Tuesday as he looked nothing like the player who Liverpool had depended heavily on last season. Did virtually nothing of note, spurning a couple of glorious chances while also being sloppy in possession. In major need of some inspiration.

SUBSTITUTES

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: N/A

Georginio Wijnaldum: N/A

Dominic Solanke: N/A