Liverpool player ratings: Virgil van Dijk makes Wolves stars look foolish on rare off-night for Mohamed Salah

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David Lynch23 January 2020

Liverpool moved 16 points clear at the Premier League summit and kept their long unbeaten run intact with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Wolves on Thursday night.

Captain Jordan Henderson headed the Reds in front at Molineux, but Raul Jimenez equalised early in the second half after emphatically guiding home a cross from Adama Traore.

Roberto Firmino then struck six minutes from time to make it yet another victory for Liverpool, who have still only dropped two points in the league all season.

Jurgen Klopp was forced to hand a top-flight debut to Takumi Minamino at Molineux after Sadio Mane was withdrawn in the first half with a suspected hamstring injury.

David Lynch runs the rule over the Liverpool squad after they continued their seemingly unstoppable title march...

Commanding: Alisson Becker
AP

Could do nothing about Raul Jimenez’s well-taken goal. Handled well under aerial pressure on a number of occasions and made two big saves in the second half.

Now has 22 assists in the Premier League since the start of last season - more than any other player. Didn’t have things all his own way defensively but stuck to his task.

His recovery pace is simply vital to the high line Liverpool hold. Managed one of the best strikers in the league brilliantly throughout.

Imperious: Virgil van Dijk
Getty Images

Utterly imperious across the 90 minutes. Made the Wolves players look foolish every time they attempted to beat him for pace or strength.

Deceived by Jimenez for the goal and got a booking after being deceived by Adama Traore shortly after. In his defence, Traore gives every full-back sleepless nights.

Not a man Liverpool usually target from corners, but did well to divert that early set-piece home. Followed his goal up with a typically industrious performance.

Work ethic: Georginio Wijnaldum
AP

Worked and worked and worked. Filled every gap that popped up and rarely lost possession either. Has been incredible of late.

Felt the wrath of Henderson on a couple of occasions after picking the wrong man out in possession. Did his defensive work all night, though.

Off night: Mohamed Salah
AFP via Getty Images

Took on the shot on a number of occasions when the pass looked the better option. To be fair, he usually converts, but tonight wasn’t his night.

Looked as dangerous as ever before tweaking his hamstring in the first half. A prolonged absence would be a major blow.

Always willing to show for the ball and did his bit in giving Liverpool an extra man on the other side of it when needed. Produced a brilliant finish to win it late on.

Subs

Takumi Minamino (for Mane, 33'): 6

Top-flight debut: Takumi Minamino
AP

Given the impossible task of replacing Mane after his first-half injury. Didn’t get near matching the Senegalese’s output but didn’t disgrace himself, either. A tidy showing.

Fabinho (for Oxlade-Chamberlain, 70'): 7

Showed his class in calming Liverpool down following his second-half introduction.

Divock Origi (for Salah, 85'): 6

Asked to chase lost causes after coming on and did his job.

Not used

Adrian, Matip, Jones, Williams.

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