Bajcetic 9, Trent 8: Liverpool player ratings vs Everton in Merseyside derby triumph

Bajcetic 9, Trent 8: Liverpool player ratings vs Everton in Merseyside derby triumph

Two incredible counter-attacks saw Liverpool score through Salah and Gakpo and earn the Merseyside Derby bragging rights.

Bajcetic: 9/10. I don’t think anyone doubted Bajcetic after his first few games but this phenomenal performance sees him move from promising youngsters to one of the key players in this team.

Liverpool FC(Getty images)

The Spaniard made several important interceptions and tackles; his block on Simms’ dangerous effort early on after Matip’s mistake particularly stands out.

Confident with the ball at his feed, forward-oriented in passing, doesn’t panic under pressure. Was used in a Thiago role (left-central midfelder) and did extremely well, basically running the midfield for the Reds today.

Trent: 8. Excellent overlapping run and inch-perfect ball for Cody Gakpo to open his Liverpool scoring account. Made a few other GPS-tracked deliveries into the box as he was the main source of creativity for Liverpool. Did a good job at the back, too.

Darwin: 8. Deserved a goal today with his performance but was unlucky not to score. Created Salah’s goal with a fantastic run. Immense work rate throughout all 69 minutes he spent on the pitch today.

Gakpo: 7.5. Could not pick a better opposition to score his first Liverpool goal against. It was a simple tap-in but he showed good awareness and positioning to end up on the edge of the six-yard box. Could have had an assist as he brilliantly set up Nunez after the hour’s mark but Darwin fired wide.

Salah: 7.5. Scored the opening goal. Took initiative, driving into the Toffees’ box with the ball and wreaking havoc on their defence. We need to see this version of Mo more often!

Henderson: 7.5. Arguably the captain’s best performance this season. A life-saving tackle after a Fabinho mistake in the first half, was very lively throughout the game and even nearly scored with a lofted effort in the second half.

Robertson: 7.5. A definition of a player carrying the piano, a quietly outstanding performance from Robbo. Played a key role in Gakpo’s goal, surging forward with the ball and playing it to Salah, who in turn released Trent.

Gomez: 7. A very decent performance from the under-fire defender, no mistakes, calm on the ball, good in tackle. Many fans were infuriated after seeing him start but Joe proved them wrong today.

Matip: 6. Made a blunder early on, nearly gifting Everton an opener. Made several intelligent run forward but didn’t look assured enough under pressure.

Fabinho: 6. Quite shaky on the ball as his lapse in concentration nearly led to an Everton goal in the opening 20 minutes. Picked himself up after that but Everton players still passed him by way too easily

Others: Alisson, Jota, Milner, Firmino 6.5; Elliott, Keita N/A.

In other news, (Video) Watch: Cody Gakpo score first Liverpool goal following a world-class Trent delivery