Liverpool"s top 5 players vs Burnley
Liverpool consolidated their fantastic victory over Manchester City with a routine 2-0 win against Burnley at Anfield on Wednesday 4th March.
Much was made of Brendan Rodgers' side not slipping up against inferior opposition, having done all the hard work against the champions, and they came through with flying colours.
Every single Liverpool player enjoyed a good evening, although some impressed more than others. Joe Allen was once again solid in midfield, while Martin Skrtel continued his terrific form in defence, but neither make the cut.
Here are the Reds' five standout players on the night, as Rodgers' men stayed in the hunt for a top four finish:
Sterling's form has not been at its most devastating in 2015 so far, but the Englishman had one of his best games in several weeks against Sean Dyche's side.
The 20-year-old was deployed as a right wing-back by Rodgers, having been used more as a striker of late, and he thrived in the role. His blistering speed and quick feet were a constant thorn in Burnley's side, and he almost provided Daniel Sturridge with a goal just seconds into the game.
Sterling can, and will, improve further, but it was a positive step in the right direction for the hugely talented youngster.
It's fair to say that Lallana is yet to set the world alight since his big-money transfer from Southampton in the summer of 2014, but he produced one of his finest performances in a Reds shirt against the Clarets.
The 26-year-old was a lively presence in his 'inside forward' role, oozing class on the ball and linking up beautifully with the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Sterling on numerous occasions. He was unfortunate not to score in the second-half, but saw his effort well blocked by defender Jason Shackell.
The England international's work-rate was also admirable from start to finish, and he should feel pleased with his all-round contribution.
Coutinho has been in extraordinary form since the beginning of February, scoring three memorable goals against Bolton, Southampton and City, and winning numerous Man of the Match awards along the way.
Although the 22-year-old didn't quite hit his absolute top level against Burnley, he was still one of his side's standout players. He came within inches of scoring another stunning goal in the first-half, but curled his effort just wide.
The Brazilian looked the most talented player on the pitch all evening- probably because he was- and his combination of silky touches, wonderful creativity and terrific work-rate was wonderful to watch throughout.
Can's emergence at Anfield this season, having signed from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2014, has been quite remarkable, and he produced yet another brilliant performance against the Premier League strugglers.
The 21-year-old German star played most of the game in defence, reading the game to perfection, striding out with the ball at pace and generally proving to be a huge influence. During the latter stages he was shifted to wing-back, where he looked equally happy.
Rodgers was full of praise for Can after the game, claiming he had the ability to become "world-class" one day. It's hard to disagree with the Liverpool manager.
There was only really one contender to be Liverpool's Man of the Match. Henderson had one of his best ever games for the Reds, producing a captain's performance that shows there is life after Steven Gerrard.
The 24-year-old was fantastic all evening, and proved to be the match-winner for his side. His stunning half-volley put Liverpool 1-0 up, at a time when Anfield was getting a little bit nervy, and it was his fabulous cross that allowed Sturridge to make it 2-0 early in the second-half.
His relentless work ethic, quality on the ball and leadership were admirable, and although he will never reach the incredible heights Gerrard has, he is still a very fine footballer.
Henderson does not always receive the praise he deserves for his excellent technical ability, with many claiming he is an energetic, consistent midfielder getting the most out of his ability. That is doing the Englishman a huge disservice, and his influence is growing by the week.
Much was made of Brendan Rodgers' side not slipping up against inferior opposition, having done all the hard work against the champions, and they came through with flying colours.
Every single Liverpool player enjoyed a good evening, although some impressed more than others. Joe Allen was once again solid in midfield, while Martin Skrtel continued his terrific form in defence, but neither make the cut.
Here are the Reds' five standout players on the night, as Rodgers' men stayed in the hunt for a top four finish:
5. Raheem Sterling
Sterling's form has not been at its most devastating in 2015 so far, but the Englishman had one of his best games in several weeks against Sean Dyche's side.
The 20-year-old was deployed as a right wing-back by Rodgers, having been used more as a striker of late, and he thrived in the role. His blistering speed and quick feet were a constant thorn in Burnley's side, and he almost provided Daniel Sturridge with a goal just seconds into the game.
Sterling can, and will, improve further, but it was a positive step in the right direction for the hugely talented youngster.
4. Adam Lallana
It's fair to say that Lallana is yet to set the world alight since his big-money transfer from Southampton in the summer of 2014, but he produced one of his finest performances in a Reds shirt against the Clarets.
The 26-year-old was a lively presence in his 'inside forward' role, oozing class on the ball and linking up beautifully with the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Sterling on numerous occasions. He was unfortunate not to score in the second-half, but saw his effort well blocked by defender Jason Shackell.
The England international's work-rate was also admirable from start to finish, and he should feel pleased with his all-round contribution.
3. Philippe Coutinho
Coutinho has been in extraordinary form since the beginning of February, scoring three memorable goals against Bolton, Southampton and City, and winning numerous Man of the Match awards along the way.
Although the 22-year-old didn't quite hit his absolute top level against Burnley, he was still one of his side's standout players. He came within inches of scoring another stunning goal in the first-half, but curled his effort just wide.
The Brazilian looked the most talented player on the pitch all evening- probably because he was- and his combination of silky touches, wonderful creativity and terrific work-rate was wonderful to watch throughout.
2. Emre Can
Can's emergence at Anfield this season, having signed from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2014, has been quite remarkable, and he produced yet another brilliant performance against the Premier League strugglers.
The 21-year-old German star played most of the game in defence, reading the game to perfection, striding out with the ball at pace and generally proving to be a huge influence. During the latter stages he was shifted to wing-back, where he looked equally happy.
Rodgers was full of praise for Can after the game, claiming he had the ability to become "world-class" one day. It's hard to disagree with the Liverpool manager.
1. Jordan Henderson
There was only really one contender to be Liverpool's Man of the Match. Henderson had one of his best ever games for the Reds, producing a captain's performance that shows there is life after Steven Gerrard.
The 24-year-old was fantastic all evening, and proved to be the match-winner for his side. His stunning half-volley put Liverpool 1-0 up, at a time when Anfield was getting a little bit nervy, and it was his fabulous cross that allowed Sturridge to make it 2-0 early in the second-half.
His relentless work ethic, quality on the ball and leadership were admirable, and although he will never reach the incredible heights Gerrard has, he is still a very fine footballer.
Henderson does not always receive the praise he deserves for his excellent technical ability, with many claiming he is an energetic, consistent midfielder getting the most out of his ability. That is doing the Englishman a huge disservice, and his influence is growing by the week.
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