Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool – LFC Player Ratings From Premier League Opener

This opening game of the reds Premier League season saw the team start which was widely expected. Despite an inability to source that much coveted defensive midfielder, the starting eleven was strong and the occasion set for a superb game at Portman Road.

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Alisson Becker – 7.0

The giant Brazilian was the guaranteed starter with a status as the world’s best stopper. His first real test came on twenty minutes as the former Roma was able to smother a close ranger header. With some moments that needed good concentration, this was a solid first game back for the giant keeper who was reliable when called upon.

⭐ Trent Alexander Arnold – 8.0 (Man of the match)

The England superstar was the starting right back tasked with progressing play from the right hand side. His diligence in defense was on point and his explosion on the ball often mesmerizing. With an impressive second half period that saw him team gallop into a two goal lead, his brilliant penetration and ability to cross with brilliance was key in creating a lead. The shortened stint was due to a limited pre season, however, the performance was sublime.

Subbed – 76 mins

Andy Robertson – 6.0

The Scotland international was nearly caught out in the opening minutes, as a loose defensive interception nearly created a clear opportunity for the home side. His outsourcing of the ball was at times limited and he struggled to get to grips with a more measured approach.

Subbed – 79 mins

Jarell Quansah – 6.0

The England under-21 international defender was composed and assured from the outset, as his team battled to gain territorial advantage of the game. With a few moments where the ball drifted beyond at pace, this is perhaps why he was withdrawn at half time. Ibou came into the second half to add more intensity and burst.

Subbed – 45 mins

Virgil van Dijk – 8.0

The captain and leader of this team was loud and dominating from the opening bell, as he and his teammates looked to overpower an ambitious adversary. A strong pressure at times was repelled and the entirety of the game showed his power and class when needed.

Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0

The Dutch midfielder was tasked into the holding midfield position in a central double pivot. Despite some moments of being unsure positionally, his on ball game and ability to carry the ball was clear, especially in the second half as the reds took control of the game.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0

The Argentina World Cup winner started the game next to Gravenberch as the controlling midfielder. His tenacity to break up play and remain intelligent on the ball was clear through a solid first half. In the second period, the former Brighton man was again steady and allowed the occasion to build around his middle ground control.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.0

The Hungarian captain was placed into the attacking midfield position, with a remit to join the attack. An inconsistent first half was blighted by indecision around him, as the opening 45 minutes failed to spark anything from the explosive player. The second half finally brought some ingenuity, as a clever flicked pass released Trent into a superb counter attack, one which failed to bring the opening goal. As the game progressed beyond the hour mark, the former RB Leipzig man was able to grow into the game and influence higher pace of the occasion.

Luis Díaz – 7.0

The Colombian flyer was fairly quiet through the opening stages, as Ipswich looked to overwhelm the opposition with numbers. One instinctive through all nearly made for a brilliant assist and a sprint to connect with a close range chance summed up a limited first half. As the game resumed, the former Porto man was the almost scorer, as at 0-2 he was unable to score after another penetrating move by his teammates.

Diogo Jota – 8.0

The Portuguese poacher was the starting centre forward and looked to penetrate through a bustling first half. After being man handled and pulled about, he was still able to drive through and create chances in a frustrating first half.

After the restart, the former Wolves player was unlucky not to score from a well connected header that went inches wide. Moments later, the opening goal finally came, as another brilliantly executed counter ended with an emphatic close range effort into the roof of the net.

Subbed – 79 mins

Mohamed Salah – 8.0

The Egyptian King was limited in his output through the opening exchanges, as he struggled to create space to inflict damage. The roughhousing tactics employed on the record breaking goalscorer meant his first real opportunity did not come until early in the second half, as a scramble led to a well guided shot that was cleared as it headed towards the net. As the second period progressed, the former Roma man was the man able to assist the opening goal, as he provided the perfect square ball to his Portuguese partner. Soon thereafter, the irresistible man confirmed his place as the most deadly opening day player by prodding home to make it 0-2. 

Substitues:

Ibrahima Konaté – 7.0 (on 45)

Came on to add power and pace.

Conor Bradley – 6.0 (on 76)

Came on to add energy.

Cody Gakpo – 6.0 (on 79)

Came on to add more invention.

Kostas Tsimikas – 6.0 (on 79)

Came on the add energy.

The Manager:

Arne Slot – 8.0

The Dutch manager went with the team expected, with the most surprising omission being Joe Gomez from the match day squad.

The first half was almost about the team finding its new feet, whereas the second was about adding explosion and seeing his elite players rise to the occasion.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

Ipswich 1 – 3 Liverpool