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Liverpool picked up their second Premier League win of the season in as many games against Burnley in their first home game of the season last Saturday.
Goals from Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane were enough as the Reds overcame some late pressure by Burnley at Anfield to win 2-0. The victory puts them 3rd on the Premier League table at the moment.
It was far from Liverpool’s best lineup, as Jürgen Klopp handed Harvey Elliot his full Premier League debut. Despite a new look to their midfield, Liverpool looked confident at home and didn’t face too many threats from Burnley.
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So without further ado, here are the
5 best performers for Liverpool from game week 2 of the Premier League
#5 Harvey Elliot
Harvey Elliot started in a three-man midfield for Liverpool and didn’t do too much wrong on his full Premier League debut for the Reds.
The teenager was assured with his passing and put in a disciplined performance in the Liverpool midfield, which isn’t easy.
Jürgen Klopp demands perfection from his midfielders, and Elliot’s ability to close down his opposition and quick release of the ball were impressive.
The 18-year old was sadly denied a sublime assist for Mohamed Salah as the Egyptian was offside. But the perfectly weighted pass to split the Burnley defense is just a hint of what he is capable of.
The likes of Thiago and Fabinho are expected to feature heavily in the coming weeks, but Elliot has laid down a marker with his impressive display.
#4 Kostas Tsimikas
Tsimikas started back-to-back Premier League games for the first time in his Liverpool career, and the Greek international put in another solid display at left-back.
Knowing well that he had to leave a mark on the game in Andy Robertson’s absence, Tsimikas drove forward with purpose and played a hand in the opening goal of the game.
His cross to find Diogo Jota in the box was hard to defend and the rest of his deliveries in the game were equally impressive.
Tsimikas was solid at the back too, as he was dribbled past just once. The 25-year old mustered three tackles in the game and was rarely found out of position.
Jürgen Klopp will have a major selection headache ahead of the Chelsea clash as Robertson is now back from his ankle injury. It would be a surprise if Tsimikas is dropped after impressing in the opening two games of the season.
#3 Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota put in a complete display in attack for Liverpool in the Premier League last weekend after being deployed in a false nine role. Roberto Firmino is Liverpool’s preferred choice in that role, but Jota’s pressing and goal-scoring means he is a good alternative.
The Portuguese international led Liverpool’s pressing from the front, and made four tackles – the highest among the Liverpool players.
His well-placed header didn’t give Nick Pope a chance for the opening Liverpool goal, and his ability to combine with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane was impressive as usual.
Jota has started the season well and will hope to impress when Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield this Saturday.
#2 Joel Matip
All the attention has been on Virgil van Dijk in recent weeks following his much-anticipated return from a ligament injury. Van Dijk’s partner in defense, Joel Matip, however, has perhaps been the better of the two players.
While van Dijk’s return has sped up Liverpool’s transitions owing to his passing range, Matip has offered a calming presence at the back.
The lanky centre-back won an incredible eight aerial duels against Burnley, who are known for their direct approach in the attacking third.
Matip was equally adept with his tackling, and managed a tackling success rate of 100% against the Clarets.
If he keeps up his impressive start to the season, the likes of Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate will struggle for playing time in the coming weeks. While this could give Jurgen Klopp a selection headache, he sure won't complain about it.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold had more touches (101) than any other player on the pitch against Burnley, and his creativity was once again crucial for the Reds.
Like Tsimikas, Alexander-Arnold’s crossing tested the Burnley defense. The England international drifted centrally to find Sadio Mane with an exquisite pass for the Senegalese to make it 2-0 against Burnley.
The full-back had a decent game at the back as well, and mustered two tackles and one interception. Alexander-Arnold has had a full pre-season and manager Jurgen Klopp will be happy with the full-back’s start to the season. His form will certainly be crucial to Liverpool's campaign this season.
