Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool booked their spot into the last 16 of the Champions League after a 2-0 win against Red Bull Salzburg thanks to goals from Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah. Here’s how the players fared:
Alisson- 7
The Brazilian made a Good save to deny Minamino inside the first 10 minutes and came off his line to clear the danger. He made a few crucial saves to keep his clean sheet intact.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6
The right-back demonstrated what he’s best at with a cross-field pass which was key in leading up to the opening goal. He defended well at times but was also caught out on a few occasions.
Dejan Lovren – 6
The Croatian center-back struggled at times against Salzburg’s pace and movement and was unfortunately subbed off with an injury, for the second game in a row playing only 53 minutes in Austria.
Virgil van Dijk – 8
The Dutchman was involved in plenty of physical battles with Haaland and made some crucial challenges as the last man defending. Was always sniffing out the danger and shielded Liverpool’s backline being present all the time Liverpool’s defense was caught off guard.
Andy Robertson – 7
The Scotsman got forward regularly but the crosses he was able to make dealt with by the Salzburg defense. Some key challenges towards the end of the game but overall another decent performance with high energy.
Jordan Henderson – 8
The Liverpool captain marshaled the midfield excellently and often in the right place at the right time to break up the opposition moves. Made a great pass to force Salah’s goal by passing the ball into space and worked well alongside Keita in the center of the park.
Gini Wijnaldum – 6
Disappointing outing from the Dutch midfielder, who often allowed Salzburg attackers to ghost past on a number of occasions. He had a chance to get on the scoresheet but failed to take his opportunity.
Naby Keita – 8
Cute and clever with the ball at his feet and delivered the opening goal by heading in Mane’s cross. Good on the ball and finally proving his worth for Liverpool as his vision and technical brilliance is something that will benefit the club in the future.
Sadio Mane – 8
The Senegalese midfielder was the most lively of Liverpool players and got the assist he deserved when he chipped a pass for Keita. He was close to scoring on a few occasions but was rather unlucky not to get his goal on the night.
Roberto Firmino – 5
Below his normal best in the first half, lacking sharpness with his touch and giving the ball away quite a few times. He somewhat improved in the second period but still far from his best.
Mohamed Salah – 6
The Egyptian wasted quite a few chances and looked like he would never be able to score on the night until he produced a superb finish from the tightest of angles to seal the win.
