Player Ratings: Liverpool 3-1 Napoli

Solid handling but nothing he could do as Lavezzi slid the ball under him. Rarely tested despite good Napoli chances.

A tough run out for the England right-back on his return from injury. Some bright forward surges early on and decent left-footed strike from 25 yards and excellent run to win the penalty for the winner. Suspect at times when defending - booked in 25th minute for rash challenge on Cavani.

Back in his preferred central defensive role, made some timely interceptions, particularly to take the ball off Hamsik as he was about to shoot.

The giant Greek defender has probably been Liverpool's best player this season but had an uncomfortable night getting to grips with the mercurial talent and trickery of Lavezzi.

Kept Hamsik quiet in the first half with some tenacious tackling but flaws were exposed with poor delivery from attacking positions. Cost little less than Gareth Bale but the difference between the pair could not be much greater.

The sort of player who, you assume, would not be signed by the new Liverpool owners. Struggled to impose himself on the game in any way and gifted the Italians their opener with a poor defensive header. Replaced by Eccleston in the 65th minute to ironic cheers.

A nervy start as his passing went astray and he struggled to deal with Napoli players drifting into space but grew in stature. A valuable experience for the 21-year-old and he looked far more comfortable once Gerrard entered the fray.

On this display he may lack the physical and technical skills to make it at the highest level. The 18-year-old's bald head makes him look about twice his age but he never seemed to be in complete control of the ball when in possession.

A funny night for the Portuguese international, who showed glimpses of his passing quality and had one shot that went just wide, but stupidly followed through on the goalkeeper and made two ridiculous dives.

Fed mainly off scraps until Gerrard's introduction but came close to scoring with alert run to latch onto Poulsen's pass but shot just wide. Replaced by Lucas in the 82nd minute after being injured by horror tackle.

Watched his team control most of the first-half but made superb reaction save after the re-start to deny Ngog with his legs. Slow off his line for Liverpool's first goal but could not do anything about the next two.

Composed defending for three-quarters of the game but fell apart along with his team-mates as Gerrard wreaked havoc in the closing stages.

Assured performance from the Napoli captain as he blocked off the service to lone frontman Ngog and marshalled the visitors' well organised defence until it all fell apart.

Calm presence at the back in the first-half but dreadful two-footed lunge on Ngog deserved a red card and then gave away the penalty with another clumsy challenge.

An energetic performance from the right wing-back but rarely ventured forward to support the Italian side's strikers.

Played an impressive supporting role next to Gargano until Gerrard's introduction, from which point he showed very little defensive awareness and afforded the Liverpool captain too much space.

The Uruguayan dominated the battle in central midfield in the first hour with effective defensive interventions and pinpoint passes to wide areas as he switched the play.

Billed as the man to watched but if Manchester United scouts were here they will be more likely to go after Lavezzi. Blasted his only real chance over the bar and too often went for the simple pass rather than attempting to unlock the Liverpool defence.

Blasted good chance on the volley into the stands but responded with clever header to set up Lavazzi's opener. Faded after the break as he pulled out to the left but didn't have the pace or trickery to pose serious problems. Replaced by Yebda six minutes from time.

A wonderful performance from the Argentine forward, whose jinking runs and clever passes had Liverpool in a tangle from the first minute. Great shot just wide from 25 yards before a lovely finish to break the deadlock.