Liverpool produced a scintillating display to beat Swansea City 4-1 on Monday evening, and end 2014 on a high. We assess each Reds player on a memorable night at Anfield.
SIMON MIGNOLET (out of 10)- 6
Mignolet was solid in most aspects of his game, albeit against a fairly toothless Swansea side, but his kicking was terrible throughout. Still looks well short of confidence, and isn’t good enough.
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EMRE CAN- 8
The 20-year-old excelled once again as a right-sided centre-back, and is turning into one of the biggest plus points of the season. He used the ball well, read the danger on numerous occasions and exuded authority from start to finish.
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MARTIN SKRTEL- 7
This was one of Skrtel’s more competent performances of the season, and his 97.8 per cent passing accuracy was commendable. He grew erratic in the short spell when Swansea scored and threatened to do so again, but that’s being harsh.
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MAMADOU SAKHO- 7.5
Barring one wayward pass that almost gifted Wilfried Bony a second-half equaliser, Sakho was impeccable once again at the back. He was dominant in all aspects of his game, and simply must be the first defender on Brendan Rodgers’ team-sheet now.
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JAVIER MANQUILLO- 6.5
The young Spaniard will never be the most exciting full-back/wing-back around, but he is always reliable. He defended resolutely and got forward well after the break.
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LUCAS LEIVA- 6
The 27-year-old once again offered Liverpool defensive quality in the middle of the park, but despite this, the Reds can do better in that area. He lost the ball too easily at times, and lacks urgency in possession.
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JORDAN HENDERSON- 7.5
Henderson reverted back to his preferred midfield role, and he looked like a different player. His pace and energy added so much there, with Steven Gerrard rested, and he also showed plenty of creativity. One cross to Raheem Sterling was sublime, and he set up Alberto Moreno‘s opener. He has to be Rodgers’ first-choice central midfielder.
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ALBERTO MORENO- 7
Moreno had a good evening, scoring his first Anfield goal and showing some excellent attacking bursts down the left flank. There are serious question marks about his defensive nous, however, and he has a tendency to be needlessly reckless.
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PHILIPPE COUTINHO- 8.5
The Brazilian was absolutely majestic all evening, producing one of the Reds’ best individual performances of the season so far. His touch and vision were a joy to watch, and he also worked his socks off. He played a big part in Adam Lallana‘s second goal with a wonderful back-heel, and is back to his brilliant best.
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ADAM LALLANA- 8
Lallana has been an undoubted success story at Liverpool so far, and this was his best display to date. His first goal may have been a fluke, despite pressing Lukasz Fabianski admirably, but he took his second brilliantly. His movement, quality and link-up play with Coutinho was superb throughout.
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RAHEEM STERLING- 6.5
The 20-year-old was far from his all-conquering best, but he still had a fairly decent evening. His pace was a constant threat to the Swansea defence, and he was unlucky to hit the post after a superb Liverpool move in the second-half.
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Really impressive display from #LFC tonight. Best home performance since Man City game back in April.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) December 30, 2014
Substitutes
LAZAR MARKOVIC (on for Coutinho 77)- 6
Markovic showed a few nice touches, but didn’t really affect the game too much when he came on.
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MARIO BALOTELLI (on for Sterling 83)- 6
The Italian looked rusty, but did test Fabianski late on.
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FABIO BORINI (on for Coutinho 90)- n/a
Only on the pitch for a matter of seconds.
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