Liverpool player ratings as the Reds ran out 2-0 winners over Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Friday night
Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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Alexander Isak's early brace earned Liverpool a first victory under Andoni Iraola as the Reds ran out 2-0 winners over Ipswich Town on Friday.
The Swede was twice picked out superbly by Cody Gakpo inside the opening 10 minutes as he showed his quality to put the Tractor Boys to the sword.
Ronald Araujo was handed a first start for Liverpool at right-back, while Bradley Barcola came off the bench in the second half to make his Reds debut.
And with the ECHO's Theo Squires in attendance at Portman Road, here's how he rated the Liverpool players...
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Alisson Becker 7
Completely missed one corner to earn jeers from the home supporters early on, but a commanding display from the Brazilian otherwise. Twice denied the hosts with simple saves and got down low to save well from Enciso after the break. Can be happy with a first clean sheet of the season.
Ronald Araujo 8
A full debut for the Uruguayan, but stationed at right-back. Liverpool looked more solid defensively for having him there as he won a number of aerial duals. Denied Ipswich a tap-in with one vital clearance. Decisive in the Reds keeping a clean sheet with a number of big blocks and interceptions late on..
Jeremy Jacquet 7
Put his body on the line for the cause as he continued his impressive start to the season. One big block denied Emersonn from close-range. Passing as impressive as ever and put in one eye-catching tackle on Enciso.
Virgil van Dijk 7
Earned boos from the home fans after not taking too kindly to one challenge from Emersonn but a solid performance from the Reds captain as helped keep the Brazilian and later Zian Flemming quiet. Will be pleased with the shut-out as his partnership with Jacquet continues to blossom.
Milos Kerkez 6
Struggled to cope with the lively Fatawu as Ipswich created a number of chances down the Liverpool right-hand side. Booked for a late lunge on the winger after the break.
Dominik Szoboszlai 7
Thrice stung Scherpen’s gloves from distance in the first half. Linked up well with Wirtz and got forward when he could. Switched to the right-wing after Munoz’s withdrawal and was denied a penalty after being adjudged offside.
Alexis Mac Allister 7
Booked for an early foul but offers a more balanced midfield alongside Szoboszlai, with the Argentine holding back a little more and never afraid to get stuck in. Won the ball back repeatedly during a mature performance in the engine-room after the early caution. Subbed late on.
Victor Munoz 6
He is just so fast! Started brightly as he looked to get in behind the Ipswich defence, and caught the eye with one solo-run on the counter. But not as involved as the game wore on. Grew frustrated and was subbed shortly after the hour-mark.
Florian Wirtz 8
Denied a goal by a low save from Scherpen. Good low cross for Isak’s disallowed goal after getting in behind. Very involved in the final third, you can see the partnerships with his team-mates slowly blossoming.
Cody Gakpo 9
That’s why Liverpool decided to keep him! Back on his favoured left flank, his two through-balls for Isak’s brace were pure quality. Went upfront following Isak’s withdrawal. Showed smart feet to create one opening but could not keep his shot down.
Alexander Isak 9
That’s more like it from the Swede! A brilliant brace inside the opening 10 minutes and then denied a hat-trick for a marginal offside. Hold-up play was impressive throughout. Subbed shortly after the hour-mark.
SUBS
Bradley Barcola (on for Munoz, 64) 6
A quiet debut. Looked lively with one early run but did not see enough of the ball.
Ryan Gravenberch (on for Isak, 64) 6
Pressed and passed well after being sent on to help frustrate Ipswich.
Trey Nyoni (on for Mac Allister, 84) N/A
Brought on to help see the game out.
Lewis Koumas (on for Wirtz, 90) N/A
More minutes for the Wales international.
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