UCL Player Ratings: Liverpool Outclass AC Milan in 3-1 Win
The European Cup returned for the 2024/25 campaign, with the new Champions League format now in effect. This huge encounter was always going to be a challenge for each side and the match action certainly mirrored the pregame expectations.
The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.
https://twitter.com/anfieldindex/status/1836148369464365535?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ
Alisson Becker – 7.0
The giant Brazilian was let down in the opening three minutes, as the entire left side of the reds defence opened to allow a swift counter attack from Milan. The first goal was a crisp strike across the keeper (into the bottom corner), which was at no point Ali’s fault. His remaining first half exploits were fairly controlled as his outfield players took over the tie. After the restart, the former Roma man was vocal and reactive when called upon, as his side extended their lead.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 7.0
The England superstar created the equalizer with a deft cross into the box, after a free kick had been awarded alongside the byline. The want to switch play and open space for his wingmen was evident from the off, as the no.66 looked to dictate play from deep. A solid defensive display was assured through the opening 45-minutes, as the reds took control of the encounter. As the match resumed, the academy graduate was once again in control of his defensive zone, with any issues dealt with in a confident manner.
Subbed – 78 mins
Kostas Tsimikas – 6.0
The Greek international was caught too high and let down his teammates in the opening few minutes, as his reckless abandon created the opportunity for Milan to score. The popular fullback bounced back brilliantly with surging outside running and the superb corner for Virgil’s headed goal. A tremendous piece of defensive work came shortly thereafter to turn around a first half performance that started terribly. In the second half, the attacking fullback was okay and carried out his duties without much fuss.
https://twitter.com/AnfieldIndex/status/1836150316007305415
Ibrahima Konaté – 8.0
The France international defender was the towering presence that grabbed the much-needed equalizer, as he rose highest to head in from close range. His power and dominance in the red’s rearguard was clear from that point, as he and his central defensive partner, Virgil, controlled any attempts in the first half. As the match resumed, the former RB Leipzig man was assured and allowed for a second half shut out.
Virgil van Dijk – 8.0
The captain and leader of this team was unable to successfully stop the shot for the opening goal, as his left back opened the entire flank with his unneeded attempt at winning the ball high up the pitch. The Dutchman’s calm and brilliance did not waiver and his headed goal was a superbly executed effort late in that first half. On resumption on the second period, the former Southampton man was steady and dominant as the reds cruised to a deserved win.
https://twitter.com/anfieldindex/status/1836148485575340222?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ
Ryan Gravenberch – 8.0
The Dutch midfielder looked to knit clever forward passes together, as the middle ground tightened around him and his midfield partners. A level of control and coverage started to build after the surprise first goal, as he enjoyed a solid opening half of football. As the whistle sounded to restart the game, the former Ajax man was in full control of the centre of the San Siro Park and continues to impress.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8.0
The Argentina World Cup winner was bright and alert from the off, as he looked to gain control of the midfield after the disappointing opening goal. His work rate and intelligence were clear and much needed to ensure spaces were covered. After the restart, the former Brighton player was brilliant on and off the ball as game management came into effect.
Subbed – 90+2 mins
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0
The Hungarian captain looked to get high and offensive, to support Diogo Jota in the attack. His pace and direct nature were a worry for the Milan midfield and defence, as his roaming style created confusion for the hosts. As his men took control of the game and score line, the half ended with a flurry of openings. In the second half the no.8 was the scorer of the third goal, as his arrival into the box was met by a low cross from Cody Gakpo, which he dispatched into the corner of the goal.
Cody Gakpo – 8.0
The Dutch wide-man looked keen to attack his fullback early on, with his attempts at creating crossing opportunities after the deficit. The 6ft 4inch attacker showed continual penetration and speed to be that creative hub, as his team rose to control much of the first half. As the match restarted, the forward was again lively and was able to create the third goal with a powerful run and cross for his assist.
Subbed – 68 mins
Man of the Match
Diogo Jota – 6.0
The Portuguese poacher looked that bit livelier from the outset, as he aimed to make the movement that his peers demanded. After being put clean through, he really should have taken the score to 2-1, however, a poor shot slid wide as others looked on from the middle of the goal. In the second half, the former Wolves man was unable to muster much before leaving the field.
Subbed – 68 mins
Mohamed Salah – 7.0
The Egyptian King was unlucky not the equalize after the first goal, as he struck onto the bar and away from goal. After the equalizer, Salah decided to launch one more shot into the bar, as his side looked to take control. Good chances came and went until the half ended and the second half was much the same in a steady if unspectacular performance.
Subbed – 90+2 mins
Substitutions:
Luis Díaz – 6.0 (on 67)
Came on to add more variety.
Darwin Núñez – 6.0 (on 67)
Came on to add power and pace
Joe Gomez – 6.0 (on 78)
Came on to add more defensive stability.
Federico Chiesa – N/A (on 90+2)
Came on.
Wataru Endō – N/A (on 90+2)
Came on.
The Manager:
Arne Slot – 8.0
The Dutch manager was always likely to make some changes from his previous losing lineup, however, once again the left back position proved to be a problem area for the defensive line for the opening goal conceded. The tempo and reaction were positive with his assets looking to stretch the Milan rearguard.
The game state and goals flowed and hopefully the reset was undertaken with good performances and decisions by all.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:
AC Milan 1 – 1 Liverpool
