Liverpool 6-0 Leeds: Liverpool FC Player Ratings as ‘unreal’ Liverpool side beats Leeds united

Liverpool 6-0 Leeds: Liverpool FC Player Ratings as ‘unreal’ Liverpool side beats Leeds united

The Reds were in powerful control in what was a league clash of significant importance, but the 6-0 win over Leeds is to be well remembered for Joel Matip’s brilliant finish.

Goals: Salah (pen) 15′, (pen) 35′, Matip 30′, Mane 80′, 90′, Van Dijk 90+3′

Alisson – 7 (out of 10)
Alison’s hands were clean and safe on the odd occasion he was required. His 17th clean sheet of the season in all competitions.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7

TAA was back in the XI after resting against Norwich city and it took some time to refind his touch, but with the Reds doing the business in the final third it was the ideal time to find his groove.

Joel Matip – 8

Matip had a one-two with Salah and a first-time finish that any striker would be proud of.

He was instantly untouchable, never mind his defensive showing on this one. What a player he’s become

Virgil van Dijk – 9

Virgil Van Dijk was exceptional in Chopping out Raphinha and holding that disciplined offside line, Van Dijk was again at his best and he loves a clean sheet, but he also loves a goal.

Andy Robertson – 7

Robertson’s connection with Luis Diaz continued to go from strength to strength as the pair readily played each other in and made space.

A solid and energetic 90 minutes that continually had Leeds on alert, and was unlucky not to see his curled delivery converted by the magnificent Mo Salah.

Fabinho – 7

Fabinho was not at his best having not been as clean in possession as we:ve come to expect, notably in the first half, as a late attempt on goal showed.

Thiago – 8

He’s magic, you know.

A lot has been said concerning the Spaniard over the last week and for good reason, with his work in-tight and to find space a real treat as he continued to act as the metronome of the side.

Curtis Jones – 7

He was a bit rusty and did keep hold of the ball for too long at times, but in equal measure readily triggered the press and got the Reds into good advanced positions as a result.

Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah applauds at the end of the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Leeds at the Anfield stadium, in Liverpool, north west England on February 23, 2022. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP)

Mohamed Salah – 9 (Man of the Match)

Two penalties, two confident conversions for Salah in the space of 20 minutes proved only part of a devastating first half for Salah.

A wonderful pass back to Matip set up a goal to remember and another set up his second penalty after Mane was impeded by Luke Ayling, felt as though everything he touched turned into gold.

Luis Diaz – 8
His early performance was quite frightening against the Leeds defense. Although he Was unlucky not to open the scoring as his curled shot looked destined for the net only for Mane to be stood in its path, and his ability to turn on the afterburners is a delight to watch.

Sadio Mane – 9

Sadio Mane was quite clinical and at his best against Leeds united. A few loose passes here and there and was often the one to draw in Leeds‘ markers and maneuvered himself into the perfect position twice late in the piece for two goals in the space of 10 minutes.

Both instinctive and composed finishes, indicative of the mood he has returned to Liverpool with following his AFCON success with Senegal.

Substitutes

Jordan Henderson (on for Thiago, 68”) – 7  an assist for Mane with a lovely pullback was the cherry on top.

James Milner (on for Jones, 77′) – 6 – Another appearance against his old club and received a welcome reception from home and away fans.

Divock Origi (on for Diaz, 84′) – 6
Origi was involved in setting up Mane’s second of the night.

Subs not used: Kelleher, Konate, Tsimikas, Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Minamino

Jurgen Klopp – 9

There was to be no taking Leeds lightly despite the lure of a cup final around the corner, but it was firmly put to the back of the mind, with a strong XI more than getting the job done.

Liverpool FC now trail Manchester city with just 3 points and now we also have an advantage with goal difference – the race is well and truly on!

Next for Liverpool is the final of the Carabao Cup against Chelsea on Sunday 28th, 2022 at Wembley Stadium.

In other news, Michael Dawson lauds Liverpool’s center back following his abilities