Jurgen Klopp made wholesale changes as always to his Liverpool lineup for tonight’s EFL Cup contest against Norwich City. The Reds have already won at Carrow Road in the opening gameweek of the ongoing Premier League season and they recreated a similar outcome with an identical 3-0 victory ahead of their weekend trip to Brentford.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their commanding win against Norwich City.
Caoimhin Kelleher: 8.5
The highly-rated youngster was excellent as a sweeper-keeper, also stopped Christos Tzolis’ spot-kick late in the first half. A cleansheet he thoroughly earned against the Canaries.
Conor Bradley: 7
The 18-year-old debutant was promising as a right fullback. A bit reckless as he conceded the penalty, however, the timely overlapping runs, pressing and defensive contribution ensured dominance down the flank.
Ibrahima Konate: 8
The Frenchman showed his calmness and composure once again in the heart of the defensive line. His recovery runs and ball-playing ability out from the back made it look easy for the Merseysiders.
Joe Gomez: 8.5
Did extremely well to deny the hosts from the rebound following Kelleher’s save. Was in the right place at the right time and his timely blocks, interceptions and tackles secured a clean sheet in an otherwise inexperienced backline.
Kostas Tsimikas: 8
Outstanding once again as he contributed with his crosses and set-pieces from the left. His corner led to Minamino’s early opener, also set it up for Origi to double the lead minutes into the second half. Was replaced by Andrew Robertson minutes over the hour mark.
Curtis Jones: 8
The young midfield prodigy delivered one the most composed performances on his 50th Liverpool appearance. Dominated the game centrally, did not allow Billy Gilmour to take control or make distribution across the pitch and his with-the-ball runs kept on breaking Norwich’s shape time and again. Was taken off in the closing minutes to make way for skipper Jordan Henderson.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 6
A below-par display from the Englishman as he was mostly out of position while featuring as a part of the ‘midfield three’. Struggled to retain possession as he kept on ruining moves with unnecessary runs. Improved a bit after the break following the introduction of Tyler Morton and laid on for Minamino to make it 3-0 with 10 minutes remaining.
Naby Keita: 5.5
Was deployed from a slightly deeper midfield role and the Guinean failed to produce anything spectacular, particularly after his long-range stunner on Saturday afternoon. Was subbed off at half-time for 18-year-old Morton.
Kaide Gordon: 7
The 16-year-old former Derby County starlet was the centre of the attraction. Missed a scoring opportunity in the second half but he exhibited enough promises from the right-hand flank. Not afraid to take on the defenders, make cutbacks and take attempts from distance.
Takumi Minamino: 9
Marked his first appearance of the campaign with a brace. Showcased his control and finishing traits on both occasions, covered a lot of ground and kept on switching positions to keep himself engaged.
Divock Origi: 8.5
A resurgence of the Belgian as he not only assisted the Japanese for the early opener but also headed home to make it 2-0 after picking up Tsimikas’ cross. Another player who is now back from nowhere.
Liverpool Substitutes Vs Norwich City
Tyler Morton: 7.5
Showed a lot of maturity as the deep-lying playmaker. Not the fastest of players on the pitch, but his game reading attribute as well as swift passing technique allowed Jones and Oxlade-Chamberlain to dominate space in the middle of the park.
Andrew Robertson: 7
Misplaced a few passes soon after coming on but he attuned to the tempo immediately with his experience and expertise.
Jordan Henderson: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
