Liverpool player ratings vs Villarreal: Thiago one step ahead, Henderson lifts side, quiet night for Diaz

AP

Liverpool have one foot in the Champions League final after beating Villarreal 2-0 in the first leg of their semi-final meeting.

Here’s how Jurgen Klopp’s side rated at Anfield...

Alisson 6

Made his first save in the 87th-minute and saw the flag go up for offside anyway. As quiet a night as he could have asked for.

Trent Alexander-Arnold 7

Picked Salah out with brilliant first-time cross on volley and early deliveries looked best chance of unlocking backline during cagey first-half.

Ibrahima Konate 6

The visitors tried to isolate Danjuma against him but never had much joy. Solid when called upon, which wasn’t often.

Virgil van Dijk 7

Set-piece threat and untroubled in defence. Booked.

Andrew Robertson 6

Alert covering swiftly halted a couple of potentially dangerous breaks, though didn’t get as much offensive joy as usual.

Fabinho 7

His usual reliable self at the base of midfield. Smart finish ruled out for offside against Van Dijk.

Thiago Alcantara 8

Almost scored another Champions League wonder goal when rattling the woodwork from range and was one step ahead in possession again.

AP

Jordan Henderson 7

Visibly frustrated by some soft free-kicks against him but cajoled his side into lifting the tempo and cross led to opener.

Luis Diaz 6

Twice worked ‘keeper with awkward low strikes but had one of his more difficult evenings against the tenacious Foyth.

Sadio Mane 7

Squandered best chance of first-half when heading wide, then saw strike deflected past post. Got his goal and looked furious to be withdrawn.

Mo Salah 7

Lively in first-half in trying to find a way through a barricade of yellow shirts and did just that when setting up Mane soon after the break.

Substitutes

Naby Keita (Henderson 72’)

Freshened up midfield in what isbecoming familiar rotation with Henderson.

Diogo Jota (Mane 73’)

Brought on with Klopp sensing a third goal might kill the tie but unable to make real impact.

Divock Origi (Diaz 80’)

Joe Gomez (Alexander-Arnold 80’)

Unused: Adrian, Kelleher, Matip, Williams, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Elliott, Minamino

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