SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 10, 2015: Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho Correia in action against Sunderland during the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool player ratings in Sunderland win

Liverpool won 1-0 at Sunderland on Saturday thanks to Lazar Markovic‘s first-half goal. We assess each Reds player on the day.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 10, 2015: Liverpool's Lazar Markovic in action against Sunderland during the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

SIMON MIGNOLET (out of 10)- 7

The Belgian enjoyed a good afternoon, and looked more solid than of late. He made one confident punch from a corner that was refreshing to see, and his general handling was impressive. No nonsense in possession, clearing his lines.

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EMRE CAN- 7.5

The 20-year-old looked assured in defence in the first-half, both on the ball and off it, and he thrived in midfield and right wing-back after the break. He looks a hugely promising player.

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MARTIN SKRTEL- 7

Skrtel has shown an improvement in form in recent weeks, and he was reliable again against the Black Cats, seemingly more assured in a back three. He kept the potentially dangerous Connor Wickham very quiet.

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MAMADOU SAKHO- 7.5

Another classy showing from the Frenchman, who continues to flourish since his return to the side. The 24-year-old used the ball excellently throughout, and barely put a foot wrong defensively. Made a couple of important tackles.

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SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 10, 2015: Liverpool's Lazar Markovic [hidden] scores the first goal against Sunderland during the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

LAZAR MARKOVIC- 9

The young Serb was magnificent, particularly in the first half, showing searing pace and terrific dribbling from the right. He scored the Reds’ opening goal, should have won a penalty and hit the crossbar with an unbelievable strike. Brilliant performance. Half-time change of role saw him less effective in the second half.

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LUCAS LEIVA- 8

The Brazilian was very impressive in defensive midfield all afternoon, constantly snuffing out danger and using the ball intelligently. He brought an air of calm to proceedings; something Liverpool don’t always have.

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JORDAN HENDERSON- 7

The 24-year-old drove forward time and time again from midfield, and although his decision-making wasn’t always the greatest, he was very effective. Needs to start adding goals to his game.

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ALBERTO MORENO- 6

Moreno had a quiet game, failing to offer the same attacking thrust on the left as Markovic did on the right. Despite this, he did little wrong and was solid.

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STEVEN GERRARD- 6.5

Not one of the skipper’s finer games. He was involved in his side’s opener, and had a few decent efforts on goal, but he was also a little wasteful in possession. Subbed at half-time through injury.

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SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 10, 2015: Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho Correia in action against Sunderland during the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

PHILIPPE COUTINHO- 7.5

The 22-year-old was the classiest player on the pitch from start to finish. His passing was superb, and he always looked a threat with the ball at his feet. His shooting was as erratic as ever though which continues to frustrate.

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FABIO BORINI- 6

What you see is what you get with Borini; he’s never going to set the world alight up front. He grew into the game after a rusty start – which can only be expected after not starting for two months. He held the ball up well and brought others into play effectively before being subbed for Balotelli.

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Substitutes

DEJAN LOVREN (on for Steven Gerrard 46)- 5.5

The former Southampton man looked nervy, and he showed exactly why should be nowhere near the starting eleven currently.

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MARIO BALOTELLI (on for Borini 67)- n/a

Did some good things and some bad, but didn’t justify a rating.

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Player ratings definitions: 10 = Faultless | 9 = Excellent | 8 = Very Good | 7 = Good | 6 = Average | 5 = Below Par | 4 = Bad | 3 = Very Bad | 2 Awful | 1 = Surely Not

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