Liverpool Player Ratings vs Leicester: Henderson Orchestrated The Midfield Battle

Liverpool Player Ratings  vs Leicester

Christian Benteke got the all-important goal for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who sit five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham after the win. The Foxes’ talismanic duo of Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy failed to break the Reds’ defence, with Jordan Henderson impressing in the middle of the park for Liverpool. Riyad Mahrez looked a threat on the counter throughout for Leicester but Ranieri’s men found it difficult to sustain an attacking threat against Liverpool’s intense pressing. N’Golo Kante came close to an equaliser but Liverpool held out for the three points, in the process becoming the first side in the top flight this season to keep a clean sheet against Leicester. The visitors continued to apply late pressure but Liverpool’s rearguard remained resolute before Benteke missed a golden chance to make it 2-0 in injury time, as Anfield celebrated a first home win since November 29 against Swansea City.

Below are the player ratings of the Liverpool players-

Simon Mignolet (8/10)

Made a good stop from Riyad Mahrez towards the end of the first half having had little to do before then. Was also alert to stop Nathan Dyer in the second half, and was on hand to collect a dangerous long throw which caused confusion in the penalty area.

Nathaniel Clyne (7/10)

After an off week at Watford, Clyne was back to his solid best. He dispossessed danger man Mahrez well first half showing his stride and speed and he was able to get in some decent positions on the right.

Dejan Lovren (8/10)

Hardly put a foot wrong in defence, showing no signs of rust in his return from injury. Has definitely cemented his place for the next match after a strong showing against the Foxes.

Mamadou Sakho (6/10)

A poor pass early on gave Leicester ball in the dangerous area, and he had a few uncomfortable moments on the ball at the start of each half. Despite this, he played several good long range passes forward, and performed his defensive duties well throughout, winning numerous headers. Coped well with the differing threats of first Vardy, and then Ulloa in the second half.

Alberto Moreno (7/10)

Covered plenty of ground on the flanks and was always eager to put himself into the attack. Defended valiantly against Mahrez.

Jordan Henderson (9/10)

Back to his best as he orchestrated the team with some excellent play from midfield. Made several key passes throughout the game, setting up chances for Origi, Lallana, and Benteke. An all-action midfield display from the captain, but he should have done better when clean on goal towards the end of the game.

Emre Can (8/10)

Prominent in transition, picking out some real enticing passes. Always sure to provide support and cover for the back four. The German and Henderson look capable of forming a good partnership as a midfield two for the reds in the near future.

Adam Lallana (7/10)

Ran very well off the ball. A tireless showing in attack made him a very difficult man to mark and he was often noticeable in the build-up play.

Philippe Coutinho (7/10)

An early shot drifted just wide of the post and a couple of other efforts in the first half failed to trouble Kasper Schmeichel. Was efficient with his build up play, and skimmed the top of the net with another long-range effort in the second half.

Roberto Firmino (6/10)

Was Lost for the most part again. Yet still dashed up with the crucial pass to Benteke for the goal and went close himself later on.

Divock Origi (7/10)

Troubled the Leicester defence with his direct, pacy running, and had a couple of decent attempts on goal. Was also involved in an ongoing battle with Wes Morgan which, unfortunately, was interrupted just before half time when the Belgian went off injured.

Substitutes-

Christian Benteke (8/10)

Came off the bench to score the winning goal for the Reds with a brilliantly taken first-time finish. Held the ball up well and was always prominent in attack. Missed a sitter in stoppage time.

Lucas Leiva

On for Coutinho in the 91^st minute to help protect the back four from giving away a goal.

Joe Allen

Came on the 92^nd minute just to waste time and hold off the ball in the dying minutes of the match.