Saints Marching
Fansided

Southampton 1-2 Liverpool: Premier League – Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: James Milner of Liverpool and Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton compete for the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: James Milner of Liverpool and Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton compete for the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton battles for the ball with Sadio Mane of Liverpool and James Milner of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary’s Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton battles for the ball with Sadio Mane of Liverpool and James Milner of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary’s Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Midfielders

Oriol Romeu, Defensive Centre-Mid – 9

Was unbelievable in the first half.  Never let Mane turn, broke up a Salah counter-attack, served a ball on a platter for Adams to convert, and got an undeserved yellow card on a great tackle.  Continued his strong play in the second half, but was sacrificed for Ings, likely because of the caution and work rate for 63 minutes.  Combined with the strong performance at Burnley, a great start to the season for the Spaniard.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Centre-Mid – 6

The return of the captain and leader of the team was expected after falling ill and appearing as a substitute in week 1.  Not much to show in the first half, but was late closing out Mane leading to the first goal.  Desperate to join the attack in the second half, but attempts failed to unsettle Adrian.  His presence is still critical to Southampton success.

James Ward-Prowse, Centre-Mid – 7

Battled in the midfield and most willing midfielder to go forward.  His work rate and fitness must be complemented and attribute to his rating.  Corner kicks were good today, but spent more time defending than attacking.  Hasenhuttl is going to keep finding space for him in the starting eleven.