Liverpool and AC Milan in the Champions League always produce a memorable game no matter whether it’s in Istanbul or at Anfield this fixture never disappoints.
Liverpool kicks off their campaign in style as European nights were back at Anfield. The Reds open their account with a victory in the Champions League group stage defeating Milan by 3-2.
Let’s have a look at the individual performance of the players:
Liverpool vs AC Milan – Player Ratings:
Alisson Becker (GK) – 7/10
The Brazilian was not as busy as the scoreline suggest as it was a phase of 5 minutes where he got beaten twice. Apart, from that, Alisson was quick to clear his lines as and when needed. Didn’t really had to do much in the second half of the game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) – 7.5/10
Speaking about the attacking department, Trent is brilliant and can be termed as one of the best Right-Backs in the footballing world currently. He did exceptionally well to give the Reds a 1-0 lead early in the game from a deflected goal.
However, He really needs to work a lot on the defensive aspects of the game. Being a defender, the England international failed to intercept the passes. And thus eventually ended up giving an opportunity to Milan to come back in the game.
Joel Matip (CB) – 8/10
Showing signs of Virgil van Dijk, Matip did quite well to won a 1v1 tackle early in the game. But was found guilty for conceding twice later in the initial half. Overall a good game for him but he might be missing his centre-back partner Van Dijk, who use to keep the line of defence intact.
Joe Gomez (CB) – 7/10
Being back from an injury, Gomez looked in good shape. Starting for the first time season, the English centre-back finds himself in good positions within the starting minutes of the game. However, he was also part of the sleepwalk later in the first half.
Apart from that, some decent interceptions after a break might have boosted his confidence. Good to see him back.
Andy Robertson (LB) – 8.5/10
Full of energy, full of passion, full of desire. The Scotland captain was having a rapid-fire game. Every time he had the ball in his feet it looked like something is about to happen.
From one end f the pitch to the other half, Robertson was travelling like he was riding a bike. Tried to stop a gaol on the line but eventually, Milan players outnumbered him. Running down the left wing, Robo always provided a sense of threat to the Milan defenders.
Overall, an electrifying performance from Left-back.
Fabinho (CDM) – 9/10
The Brazilian can be termed as the heart of midfield for Liverpool. The interception king is habitual of breaking the flow of opposition in the midfield. Certainly yet another match-winning performance from the centre-defensive midfielder.
Jordan Henderson (CM) – 8.5/10
Back in the starting Line-Up, the captain looked full of energy, However, he did leave a man unmarked in the mid leaving a vacant space for Milan which eventually led to conceding a goal. Thus, he was also part of that 5 minutes sleepwalk.
Apart from that, Henderson does show some signs of the legendary figure Steven Gerrard. Scoring a wonderful goal from a volley rolling it into the left corner of Milan’s net.
Naby Keita (CM) – 7.5/10
The Guinean footballer was quick to close down and won the ball back. However, he did disappear in the second half lacking the forward runs which he use to make earlier.
Mohamed Salah (RW) – 8/10
Running down the right-wing, Salah was making some really good runs in the game. However, he failed to convert from the spot.
A surprising miss for the Egyptian after converting 17 consecutive penalties for the Reds in all competition. Playing his 100th game at Anfield, Salah did bounce back in the second half to get himself on the scoresheet.
Divock Origi (ST) – 7/10
The most surprising pick of all in the squad was Divock Origi. Nobody predicted him to start. An early chance in the game from a decent ball in from Robertson scuffing it off target, Origi was lacking the finishing touch all night long.
The lack of game time was clearly visible on the field. Overall, it was a decent performance from the Belgium Forward.
Diogo Jota (LW) – 7/10
Playing at the left wing, the Portugues was unable to create enough chances. Thus, could not make any big impact on the game. But he did played a part in closing down the Milan players and winning the ball back.
Substitute
Sadio Mane (63rd Min.) – 6/10
Bought on for the one who took his position from the starting 11 (Origi). He did get enough time to make an impact on the game. However, he failed to wrap up the game by missing a couple of decent chances
Curtis Jones (70th Min.) – 7/10
Bought on for Jota. Played a decent role in the left mid. Looked sharp and energetic for his 20 minutes into the game.
Thiago Alcantara (70th Min.) – 7/10
Bought on for Keita. A decent run of 20 minutes for him. Controlled the pace of the game.
James Milner (83rd Min.) – 5/10
Switching for the Captain (Henderson). Did got himself booked.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (83rd Min.) – 7/10
Bought on for Salah, Playing at the right-wing looked good on the ball.
Next up for Liverpool is a game awaiting in the Premier League on Saturday as they welcome Crystal Palace to Anfield.
Liverpool is my Religion and Anfield is my Church. 17th May 1996 the date I had my blood coloured red. The one you love the most you can not live without it and that is football to me.
