Liverpool player ratings as Joel Matip and Thiago…

Liverpool player ratings as Joel Matip and Thiago excellent against Ajax

Alisson Becker 7

Long distribution helped Liverpool quickly on to the attack, notably with the opener. No chance with equaliser and not much to do otherwise.

Trent Alexander-Arnold 7

Fired one shot over and twice denied by Ajax keeper Pasveer in quick succession, but guilty of ball-watching for leveller. Much, much better in the second half.

Joel Matip 8

Composed on his return to the defence and brought the ball out well during the early stages. Increasingly involved in the attack after the interval and leapt highest to nod in the late winner.

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Virgil van Dijk 7

Kudus bounced off him in one early exchange and a regular threat at the other end from set-pieces. Better from the Dutchman.

Kostas Tsimikas 8

Caused occasional problems with his whipped deliveries from the left and defensively solid up against Tadic. Improved as game progressed and swept in corner for winner.

Fabinho 7

Occasionally outnumbered in midfield and put under pressure as a consequence, but largely dealt with it. Helped when Thiago dropped back to make a defensive midfield duo.

Thiago Alcantara 8

Excellent return to action for the Spaniard, whose footwork, passing and drive underpinned the Reds’ showing and maintained good level regardless of position.

Harvey Elliott 6

Plenty of endeavour from the youngster but unable to truly influence the game in the final third first half. Change of boots at half-time saw mild improvement. Subbed.

Mohamed Salah 7

Slow start but kickstarted by well-taken goal and began to cause problems whenever running at the Ajax backline. Nearly nipped in for a second after break. Always a danger.

Diogo Jota 7

Provided much-needed energy to the attack, wide with one piledriver and laid on the opener. Welcome back, Diogo. Subbed.

Luis Diaz 6

Won header to help create the first, pressed well and wide with one effort, but quality inconsistent. Subbed.

Darwin Nunez (for Jota 66) 6

Looked to get stuck in immediately and while touch deserted him at times, close with one effort and occasional threat.

Roberto Firmino (for Elliott 66) 5

Not much impact in the attacking midfield role.

James Milner (for Diaz 90+2)

Hello, sir.

Stefan Bajcetic (for Thiago 90+4)

Brief Champions League debut for the teenager.