UCL quarterfinal 1st Leg – Benfica 1-3 Liverpool: Player ratings
Liverpool got better off the Portuguese side Benfica for the first time in European competition since October 1984 to kick off their 2021/22 UCL quarterfinal campaign, let’s have a look at the player ratings
Benfica vs Liverpool: Player ratings
Goalkeepers & Defenders
Alisson Becker (GK) – 7/10
The Brazilian was able to enjoy the luxury of being a spectator for the majority of the game, as the Reds put on a show. However, he did concede a goal but you can hold Konate responsible for that rather than Alisson.
Ali the wall made a crucial stop to deny Everton, and his passing was excellent, with the exception of being almost caught in possession late in the game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) – 8/10
Following an injury, Alexander-Arnold returned to the starting lineup and reminded us all of his incredible assortment of passing.
Sadio Mane’s goal was set up by an inch-perfect ball, and another should have gone to Mohamed Salah to make it 3-0.
Mr. corner taken quickly is a joy to see, and he’s also a terrific defender.
Ibrahima Konate (CB) – 7/10
Panther Konate took over for Joel Matip and put in a good showing, often outplaying Darwin Nunez, who was highly ranked.
For much of the evening, the Frenchman displayed pace, strength, and aggression. Moreover, he scored the game’s first goal, which was also his first as a Red, becoming Liverpool’s 20th goalscorer this season.
However, he made a big error on Nunez’s goal, lowering his rating to a seven!
Virgil van Dijk (CB) – 8/10
Everything about the Dutchman was calm, from his calmness on the ball to his high-line play, and he complemented Konate perfectly.
Even though the guardian of Liverpool had one minor miscommunication with Alisson, he was back to his best and the same player he was before the injury.
Andrew Robertson (LB) – 7.5/10
At left-back, Robertson is Liverpool’s Mr Reliable, and he had another solid night in Portugal.
Konate scored the game’s first goal after the Scot whipped in a terrific corner. He also contributed boundless energy down the left flank.
Like so many others, he wasn’t quite as good in the second half. Thus, Liverpool’s RoboCop gets a seven and a half.
Midfielders
Fabinho (CDM) – 7/10
Fabinho was dominant in the No. 6 position, fresh off another coolly taken penalty over the weekend.
He did so much dirty work that went unrecognised while others generated more creative brilliance, tying him to Thiago once more.
However, it was fortunate to avoid a first-half booking. Liverpool’s Mr. Interceptor gets a well deserved 7.
Thiago Alcantara (CM)- 8/10
Thiago is having his greatest season as a Liverpool player, and he put in another outstanding effort in the midfield for the whole of the game.
His style, calmness, and underappreciated off-ball work all combined to create an easy-to-watch display, highlighted by one effortless first-half dribble and pass.
However, he was ineffective in a brief second-half appearance and was substituted by Jordan Henderson on the hour mark. The Reds Mr. passer gets 8 for his sold 1st half work.
Naby Keita (CM)- 8.5/10
Keita was picked over Henderson, and he put up an outstanding performance ahead of the weekend trip to Manchester City.
The Guinean was a smooth presence in the middle of the park, providing one lovely through ball to Luis Diaz and keeping things ticking over late in the day, assisting the Colombian’s goal.
On this evidence, Mid De Keita should start the crucial Premier League match on Sunday. But Klopp might choose his captain over him just because of Hendo’s leadership skills.
Forwards
Mohamed Salah (RW) – 6/10
Salah hasn’t been at his best recently, and things aren’t quite clicking for him like they used to.
He put in a lot of effort and moved around a lot, but he squandered one major opportunity and occasionally raced down blind alleys.
His touch appears to have completely vanished, which is concerning, and he cuts a worn figure. We need the Egyptian king at his best once again against the Sky Blues if he starts at the weekend.
Luis Diaz (LW) – 9/10
Pacy Diaz was electrifying out on the left side against former adversaries, often appearing like he was about to make something happen.
Odysseas Vlachodimos denied him with a dinked effort, but he then selflessly headed the ball across for Sadio Mane to tap home and put Liverpool 2-0 up.
With aplomb, he scored his goal, putting his team in a strong position to go to the Champions League semi-finals.
Sadio Mane (ST) – 6.5/10
In his new central role, Mane returned to lead the line, delivering a jumbled performance that was equal parts excellent and poor.
Salah was set up by a fantastic backheel, although Mane’s holdup play was awful at times, and his touch abandoned him. Mr Senegal must do better at the weekend.
Substitutes
Jordan Henderson – 6/10
Captain Hendo was in for Thiago at the brink of an hour mark.
Brought fresh legs and experience, but squandered a golden opportunity to play a goal-scoring ball to Roberto Firmino.
Roberto Firmino – 6/10
Bobby Firmino was in for Mane at the centre forward position. The Brazilian was also bought in after an hour mark.
He held the ball better than his teammates, allowing Liverpool to reclaim control.
Diogo Jota – 6/10
The Portugues was in for the Egyptian. Jota the scorer couldn’t find the back of the net this time around.
Touch wasn’t perfect, but he put in a lot of effort – he wasted a one-on-one opportunity to make it 4-1.
Joe Gomez – N/A
He was in for Trent. However, it was only for to hear the whistle.
James Milner – N/A
Came in for Naby Keita but went unnoticed.
