MADE 4 LIVERPOOL PLAYER OF THE MONTH – AUGUST

With the first month of the season already done and dusted, we take a look back at the highest average ratings of the Liverpool players and rank them from first to fifth. We will use our player ratings from every game to crunch the figures and see who’s been the most consistent.

August took in a 3-0 opening day win at Norwich, a hard fought 2-0 win over Burnley at Anfield, before that frustrating 1-1 draw against Chelsea, where the Reds struggled to break down the defensive organisation of the ten men of Chelsea. Two wins and a draw is a very good start to the season but which players have hit top marks in every game they’ve played?

5. Mohamed Salah – avg. rating (7.8)

The Egyptian king was electric on opening day, assisting twice and then scoring a goal that saw him set the record for netting in more successive opening days than anyone in PL history. He played well against Burnley the following week even if he failed to score or assist, before scoring the penalty that eventually gave us a point against Chelsea. He leads the team for goals (as usual), as well as assists.

3. Alisson Becker – avg. rating (8.5)

The Brazilian made some good saves last month on the way to keeping two clean sheets. Against Norwich, he made that miraculous triple save late on to keep his sheet clean. He followed that up with another match saving performance against Burnley, making another crucial save late on from Barnes after a string of solid saves throughout the game. Havertz’s looping header is the only goal he’s conceded, having already made 1.80 xG worth of saves.

3= Trent Alexander-Arnold – avg. rating (8.5)

The Scouser missed the Euros over the summer with an unfortunate injury but has used that time to recover, rest and find his best form. Some of his passing, delivery and even defending has been at the very top level. He leads the way in the Premier League for chances created, with 15. He’s only got the one assist to show for it though, he’ll be demanding better finishing from his teammates.

1= Virgil Van Dijk – avg. rating (8.7)

It is quite extraordinary just how good the Dutchman has looked considering he missed nine long months of action. He’s just eased back into his groove with minimum fuss. After a comfortable opening day, he kept Chris Wood quiet at Anfield (to the point Dyche had to sub him), before dominating Romelu Lukaku in what was billed pre-game as a huge test for the Dutch captain. He reminded everyone of his quality and shrugged off any suggestion he’ll take time to get back to the levels he set.

1= Joel Matip – avg. rating (8.7)

It’s almost as if Liverpool fans across the globe are all coming to the realisation of just how good a centre back Joel Matip is, at the same time. Most already know his quality but there were factions that never trusted him (probably because of the number of injuries he’s sustained over the years). This season though, it seems there’s a realisation by all of how ridiculously solid and consistent he is.

It is forgotten he himself missed six months of action with injury. He never seems to need a run of games to reach his best and his partnership with Virgil is one of the best around. Zero goals conceded from open play this season. He will be looking to stay fit as the competition is strong, with Joe Gomez and new signing Ibrahima Konate waiting in the wings.