The Reds earned a valuable 5-3 win in an enthralling clash at the Brittania Stadium, but how did each individual fare on the day? Henry Jackson (@OnFootballTweet) give his ratings. Do you agree?
SIMON MIGNOLET- 5 (out of 10)
The Liverpool ‘keeper has not been at his best in recent weeks, with his error against Manchester City seemingly affecting his confidence. He made two iffy punches early on and should’ve done better with Jon Walters’ late effort.
Did make two good saves, however, from Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard‘s misdirected header.
GLEN JOHNSON- 4
Johnson is completely out of sorts at the moment, and although he has played worse this season, he still offered very little against Mark Hughes’ side.
He looked slow, both going forward and getting back, his distribution was poor and he looks generally disinterested. He needs to improve hugely or he will be sold in the summer.
MARTIN SKRTEL- 6
Skrtel is not everybody’s favourite, but he was solid against a very physical Stoke side. The Slovakian was dominant in the air and strong in the tackle throughout.
His constant shirt pulling at corners is an issue, however, and it’s only a matter of time until he gives a penalty away.
KOLO TOURE- 5
Since his excellent start to his Reds career, in which he was pivotal in them keeping three consecutive clean sheets to begin the season, Toure has dipped.
He never looked totally assured against Crouch, and lost him far too easily for Stoke’s opening goal. Very much a squad player rather than a first team regular when Daniel Agger and Mamadou Sakho return.
ALY CISSOKHO- 6
Cissokho has not been an impressive acquisition by Brendan Rodgers, but he had a pretty decent game in my opinion.
He looks gangly and awkward in possession, and will never be the answer to Liverpool’s left-back problems, but he provided power and athleticism down the left flank.
The 26-year-old defended diligently, and his defected effort gave the Reds an early lead.
STEVEN GERRARD- 7
The skipper’s return to the side is vital to Liverpool’s top four hopes, and he played well in his deep lying midfield role.
His work-rate was outstanding, invariably breaking up Stoke’s attacks, and he looked assured throughout. His passing was a little rusty at times, however.
LUCAS- 6
The 27-year-old Brazilian was used in a much more attacking role than usual, and at times he appeared lost that high up the pitch.
Lucas doesn’t possess the creativity and quick mind to be fully effective in an attacking midfield role, and he looked much happier, and was more effective, when he dropped deeper late in the game.
JORDAN HENDERSON- 6
This was far from Henderson’s best performance of the season, but he has become a player who will guarantee you a decent performance in virtually every game now.
He was quietly effective, passing neatly and getting from box to box with his dynamic style. His sloppy pass did lead to Charlie Adam’s terrific equaliser, though.
PHILIPPE COUTINHO- 5
The Brazilian has not been himself of late, and this was another frustrating performance from the supremely gifted 21-year-old.
He struggled to stamp his authority on the game at any point, despite having plenty of the ball in the first half, and twice had golden opportunities to score. His finishing is very poor at the moment.
Coutinho must improve or risk finding himself on the bench, with Daniel Sturrige back from injury.
RAHEEM STERLING- 8
The 19-year-old is in a superb run of form at the moment, and he was a constant menace to the Stoke defence all afternoon.
His pace, trickery and constant endeavour is something Liverpool have lacked out wide for so many years, and if he continues to improve Rodgers has a real star on his hands.
Won the crucial penalty early in the second half, and played a key role in Cissokho’ deflected opener.
LUIS SUAREZ- 8
You just run out of superlatives for Suarez, who produced yet another match-winning display, at one of the toughest away grounds to visit in the Premier League.
After a quiet start, his persistence saw him clinically score Liverpool’s second, before a superb curled effort made it 4-2 in the second half. He also created Sturridge’s late effort and produced several other moments of creative brilliance.
On current form, there is no better player on the planet than the 26-year-old Uruguayan.
Subs used
DANIEL STURRIDGE- 7
It’s great to see Sturridge back from injury, and his second half cameo reminded all Liverpool fans what an important player he has become at the club.
He added pace and threat to the side, and his assist for Suarez’s second was absolutely delightful. Scored late on, at the second attempt, sealing a vital three points for the Reds in the process.
Where do you agree and disagree with Henry’s ratings? Let us know in the comments below.
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