Shropshire Star

Liverpool 1 Wolves 0 - Player Ratings

Rosie Swarbrick assesses the performances of the Wolves players from the 1-0 defeat at Liverpool.

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Ruben Vinagre of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Rui Patricio 8

The Wolves shot-stopper put in another strong performance fresh from his VAR heartbreak against City. Handled everything Liverpool threw at him and credit must go to him for the way he organised another new-look defence.

Ryan Bennett 8

A solid and impressive defensive showing, more impressive given this was his first Premier League start since Southampton in October. He looked like he had never been away from the starting line-up and handled Mane well. Deserves to keep the shirt.

Conor Coady 9

A talismanic performance from Wolves’ skipper at the back. He stepped up a gear in his home city and did not deserve to be on the losing side. He organised his men and ensured his side did not lose their heads when VAR crushed their dreams.

Max Kilman 8

Given his age and lack of first-team minutes, this was a baptism of fire for Kilman. He grew into the game and improved to put in an impressive performance. He was not scared to get on the ball and helped Wolves put in a performance that deserved a clean sheet.

Jonny Castro-Otto 8

Switched positions to right wing-back, but looked like he had been playing there all season. It allowed Vinagre to come into the side and both impressed. So unlucky with the offside decision, but he should not be disheartened. A sublime performance.

Leander Dendoncker 8

Added a bit of physicality and height to the middle of the park. By pushing forward, he allowed Neves to impress in that defensive role. He deserves credit for his versatility in this shift in position from centre-half to the right of the midfield three.

Ruben Neves 8

A real gritty, solid and powerhouse performance to sit in front of the back three and help protect Coady & Co. Not afraid to tackle or play the ugly side of the game, he was the key cog in the first half, but tired in the second 45 minutes.

Joao Moutinho 8

Pressed, harassed and showed incredible energy levels for a 33-year-old that had only played 44 hours earlier. A vintage Moutinho performance as Wolves battled in that engine room. But he could have done more on his set-pieces.

Ruben Vinagre 8

A performance that left the travelling Wolves fans hungry for more. He held his own against Trent Alexander-Arnold in a defensive wing-back role in the first half and then sparked a number of attacks in an electric second half. Deserves to keep his shirt.

Diogo Jota 8

A thorn in Liverpool’s side and always ready to lead Wolves’ counter-attacks in the first half. Impressed in the central striker role when Wolves shifted formation. Created a number of chances and was a bright spark, but he tired in the second half and made way for Raul.

Pedro Neto 8

Bounced back from the disappointment of having a sublime goal chalked off. He, like Vinagre, was a bright spark and left the travelling Wolves fans wanting to see more. Hopefully he will be given the opportunity to keep the shirt, as he deserves it.

SUBS: Romain Saiss (for Dendoncker 58) 7, Adama Traore (for Neves 58) 7, Raul Jimenez (for Jota 72) 7. Not used: Ruddy, Doherty, Buur, Otasowie.