Liverpool Player Ratings vs Villarreal: 9/10 Thiago shines; Salah among five to get 8

Thiago Alcantara ran the show, while Mohamed Salah showed some form as Liverpool claimed a hard fought 2-0 win over Villarreal on Wednesday.

Liverpool dominated the proceedings from start to finish but took some time to break the deadlock. Mohamed Salah created a superb chance for Sadio Mane early on, only for the Senegalese forward to get caught off-guard and direct his shot wide. Luis Diaz then came close to scoring, but Geronimo Rulli stood in his way.

Thiago Alcantara came the closest to scoring in the first half, but his thunderous strike smashed the woodwork. Liverpool started the second half strongly, with Fabinho scoring from close range before being pulled back as Virgil van Dijk was offside in the build-up to his strike.

The Reds finally got the goal their endeavour deserved, as Jordan Henderson’s attempted cross from the right flank deflected off Pervis Estupinan into the Villarreal goal, with neither the defender nor Rulli knowing anything about it. One became two moments later as Mane toe-poked a pass by Salah beyond the on-rushing Rulli.

There were a few more half-chances, while Andrew Robertson scored a goal from an offside position. But Liverpool clinched a 2-0 win to go into the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Villarreal with a healthy advantage. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Alisson Becker: 6/10

Alisson Becker enjoyed the quietest match of his career, as Villarreal did not threaten his goal one-bit all night long. The Brazilian goalkeeper had more work to do with his feet than his hands, and he completed all his 23 attempted passes.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7/10

Even though Villarreal valiantly attempted to keep him quiet, Alexander-Arnold was Liverpool’s most creative player. The English international’s first-time cross towards Mohamed Salah in the first half was among his best passes. He also showcased his improving defensive ability, winning all five of his ground duels while completing four tackles.

Ibrahima Konate: 7/10

Konate barely broke a sweat against Villarreal, as Arnaut Danjuma and Samu Chukwueze struggled to get into the game. The youngster was superior in the air, winning all his aerial duels while completing a few clearances and tackles. His passing from the back could have been better, but it was an overall solid outing.

Virgil van Dijk: 6/10

Virgil van Dijk was booked in the first half after Chukwueze ran into him. Otherwise, the Dutchman did not have much to do in the defensive phases and looked more threatening in the final third than the Villarreal attackers. He was also precise with the ball at his feet, misplacing just seven of his 109 attempted passes.

Andrew Robertson: 7/10

The nature of the game meant Robertson was a constant outlet during his forays down the left flank. The Scot showed good chemistry with Luis Diaz, particularly when the Colombian cut into his right foot. He also thought he had scored late in the second half, but he had strayed offside.

Jordan Henderson: 8/10

Henderson was a grafter in the middle of the park, showing bundles of energy without ever getting leggy. The Liverpool captain also looked to foray into the Villarreal box more often than he usually does, and his attempted cross deflected off Pervis Estupinan and beyond Geronimo Rulli for the opening goal.

Fabinho: 8/10

Fabinho was the reason why Liverpool thoroughly dominated the proceedings from start to finish. The Brazilian international barely put a foot wrong apart from a few misplaced passes and even created a couple of chances. He was delightful in the defensive phases, winning four duels while completing several crucial interceptions (four) and tackles (three).

Thiago Alcantara: 9/10

Thiago’s brilliant run of form continued on Wednesday as he ran the show for Liverpool. The Spanish international incredibly completed 96 per cent of his 103 attempted passes while opening up play with accurate long balls (9/9).

At the same time, he did not shy away from his defensive responsibilities, completing five interceptions. Thiago also came close to scoring with a rumbling long-range effort but smashed the woodwork. He is easily Liverpool’s most important player at the moment.

Mohamed Salah: 8/10

Salah has slowly been clawing his way back to top form, and Wednesday’s outing was another step in the right direction. The Egyptian wing-wizard should have grabbed an assist when he found Sadio Mane, only for the Senegalese header to direct his shot off target.

But Mane made no errors when Salah surprisingly found too much space around the Villarreal box before setting up the second goal. The Liverpool talisman is gradually getting back to his best at the perfect time of the season.

Sadio Mane: 8/10

Mane was not necessarily enjoying himself on Wednesday, as he failed to direct a shot on target until he found the back of the net. The Senegalese forward should have converted Salah’s superb cross but was at hand to score from a brilliant through ball by his strike partner.

Luis Diaz: 8/10

Diaz was easily the most dangerous Liverpool attacker against Villarreal. The Colombian forward ran rings around Juan Foyth, turning the Argentine inside out on a few occasions. He could have scored a goal and grabbed an assist but went home empty-handed. However, that will not do much to dampen his spirits as he continues to go from strength to strength at Liverpool.

SUBSTITUTES

Naby Keita: 6/10

Keita replaced Jordan Henderson and circulated the possession smartly, completing all his attempted passes.

Diogo Jota: N/A

Jota replaced Mane with around 15 minutes left and saw plenty of the ball. But the Portuguese international did not get into scoring areas as Liverpool looked to preserve the two-goal cushion.

Joe Gomez: N/A

A late introduction, Gomez helped see the game out.

Divock Origi: N/A

A late introduction, Origi barely saw the ball in the final few minutes.