Starting XI
Alisson Becker – 9.0
Brazil’s number one, in his last start as a red before the World Cup. He was superb, and was able to stand out once again.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 6.0
England’s most talked about player, came back in for the impressive Calvin Ramsay. Was solid enough throughout and really seemed intent on being a consistent presence in the back.
Subbed – 87 mins
Andy Robertson – 8.0
The Scot’s turn to start in the left back rotation. His contribution in the final third was clearly evident. His two assists allowed the opportunity for the forwards to win the game, and his up and down nature was assured.
Virgil Van Dijk – 6.0
The big man heads to his first World Cup, but was the reds captain for this Liverpool outing. His average game is good enough, but hopefully he returns as the dominating force we all want.
Joe Gomez – 7.0
Regained his place, with Ibou managing a slight knock & Matip not ready to a return. Better all around than his last proper match, and his quick nature with his confidence nature on the ball showed. More of this please.
Thiago Alcantara – 9.0
A man not appreciated by the Spain manager, yet vital to our way of playing. His control and magnificent play was evident, and he’s allows the reds to tick along whilst running proceedings.
Fabinho – 7.0
Another start, as Klopp continues to build Fab back up. He just looks stronger, more dynamic, and more lethal in the tackle. Hopefully the break away with Brazil will see him return the Fabinho we need.
Harvey Elliott – 8.0
Came in with Hendo not available, he is now a fully fledged first team option. A good assist for Darwin’s opening goal, and a very good contributing outing for the young England starlet. Perhaps next time around he’ll be in that departing three lions squad.
Subbed – 68 mins
Mohamed Salah – 7.0
The reds top scorer simply had to start, and it’s nice to see Darwin outshine him so we don’t always rely on Mo. He was as involved as the game required, and now he can rest.
Roberto Firmino – 8.0
Perhaps with a point to prove, due to his omission from the Brazilian squad. A good header and very good performance all around. His rest and recuperation will benefit both him and the reds.
Subbed – 75 mins
Darwin Nunez – 9.0
A last outing before his Uruguayan World Cup adventure. Two very well taken goals just shows the player we can start building properly into our attack. His infectious style is a crowd pleaser, and once he’s fully integrated, he could become unstoppable.
Subbed – 87 mins
Subs;
James Milner – 6.0 (on 68)
Came in to add a little more composure and reliability off the ball.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain – 6.0 (on 75)
Minutes counting here, and he was pretty good.
Fabio Carvalho – N/A (on 87)
Minutes.
Nat Phillips – N/A (on 87)
The Manager;
Jurgen Klopp – 8.0
Reverted back to his strongest available eleven, after the all change midweek EPL win.
With Ibou & Hendo out, it was a routine decision to draft in Joe Gomez & Harvey Elliott from the start. Awarding Ben Doak a place on the Anfield bench showed the level of impression he made against Derby in the week.
With a now common 4–3-3 Diamond system employed, he’s now working the side to promote the best from his forwards. Darwin was sensational, and Ali was a monster in goal. When you have Thiago running the show, we usually win.
