Liverpool Player Ratings vs Burnley: Keita shines in comeback win for Reds at Turf Moor

Liverpool bounced back from being a goal down to defeat relegation battlers Burnley 3-1 at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.

Liverpool kept up the pace with Premier League leaders Manchester City, as they beat Sean Dyche’s Burnley 3-1 away from home on Matchday 15.

It wasn’t all easy going for the Reds as they failed to break open the hosts’ defence for the first 45 minutes. And when Jack Cork found the back of the net ten minutes into the second period, it seemed like Liverpool’s unbeaten record in the league was under threat.

However, James Milner brought the Merseysiders back into the game just a little after the hour mark, before substitute Roberto Firmino bundled home from point-blank range to put the visitors in front. Xherdan Shaqiri made it 3-1 in the stoppage time to add more gloss to the scoreline.

With the win, Jurgen Klopp’s men stretched their unbeaten run in the Premier League to fifteen games and moved within two points of leaders Manchester City. Here’s how the Liverpool stars fared on the night against the Clarets.

Alisson Becker: 7/10

The Brazilian shot-stopper should have held on to the ball firmly in the lead up to Burnley’s goal in the second period. Redeemed himself with a sensational stop late in the game with the scoreline at 2-1. Great distribution to kickstart the attack for the third goal.

Joe Gomez: 6/10

Preferred at right-back over Trent Alexander-Arnold, the England international made a solid enough start to the game, but had to be stretchered off just 23 minutes in, after he picked up a bad ankle injury. Klopp will be hoping it is nothing too serious.

Joel Matip: 6.5/10

Given a rare run out at the heart of the defence ahead of Dejan Lovren, the Cameroonian wasn’t tested a great deal by the Clarets, but never really looked totally comfortable either. His distribution from the back was shoddy on occasions and he seemed to be lacking confidence. Did improve after the break, though.

Virgil van Dijk: 7.5/10

Another majestic display from the towering Dutchman. Was unbeatable in the air, distribution was on point once again, although there were a few misplaced passes here and there early on. Should have done better with a headed effort, but made amends with the assist for Firmino’s goal.

Alberto Moreno: 6.5/10

Another player who was making a rare appearance for Liverpool, owing to the injury to Andrew Robertson, the Spaniard gave a fairly solid account of himself. Made a nervy start with a misplaced pass and there were a few shaky moments here and there. But, Moreno did not make any major errors and offered a decent outlet in attack, before being withdrawn in the 65th minute.

James Milner: 7/10

Back into the starting lineup having not featured in the Merseyside derby, the midfielder did not begin all too well, but was always on the lookout to make something happen. Brought Liverpool back into the game with a well-taken goal, before putting in a shift at left-back following Moreno’s substitution.

Jordan Henderson: 6.5/10

Back into the team after serving his one-match suspension, the club captain resumed duties as Liverpool’s No. 6. There were moments in the first half when he seemed to be overran, but Henderson stuck to his task and kept things ticking nicely with crisp passing and contributed with some important tackles.

Naby Keita: 8/10

Starting his first game since September, the Guinean midfield dynamo was easily the brightest Liverpool player on display at Turf Moor. Keita made purposeful runs forward from the middle of the park on a consistent basis, picked his passes brilliantly and forced a great save from Joe Hart in the Clarets’ goal. Needs to build on this display.

Xherdan Shaqiri: 6.5/10

Starting out on the right flank, the Switzerland international had a lot riding on him, with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah both not starting. Failed to influence the proceedings in the first period, but came to life after the break and killed the game with the late goal.

Daniel Sturridge: 6/10

Given the nod over Roberto Firmino to lead the line, the Englishman looked a threat as he got into dangerous positions, but the end product wasn’t always there. Forced a save from Hart in the second period and played a part in the third goal.

Divock Origi: 6/10

The Belgian’s match-winning cameo in the Merseyside derby earned him his first start since May 2017, but he failed to make the most of the chance that came his way. Lacked the quality to make the difference for most of his time on the field, but did get the assist for the opening goal.

Substitutes

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6.5/10

Replaced the injured Gomez halfway through the first period. Offered a good attacking outlet down the right hand side, more so after the break as Liverpool chased a win.

Roberto Firmino: 7/10

Coming on for Origi in the 65th minute, the Brazilian scored Liverpool’s second goal with his first touch, which proved to be the major turning point in the game.

Mohamed Salah: 7/10

Thrown on in place of Moreno in the 65th minute, the Egyptian forced a couple of stops from the Burnley goalkeeper and got the assist for Shaqiri’s goal.