Liverpool edge Atletico as Van Dijk secures dramatic Champions League win | OneFootball

Liverpool 3 – 2 Atletico Madrid – CL Player Ratings

The Champions League’s return heralded a wonderful encounter between two European heavyweights, as Anfield welcomed a dangerous opponent.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Alisson Becker – 7.0

The giant Brazilian stopper was unlucky for the first-half goal conceded as he was largely unsighted

After the restart, the Reds keeper was keen to stay alert and deal with a more proactive opposition. The second goal conceded was tough due to the defection.

Jeremie Frimpong – 6.0

The Dutch wide man was fast and effective in the first half as he looked to cover ground and support both defence and attack.

As the game resumed, the former Bayer Leverkusen flyer was able to show good concentration before departing the field.

Subbed – 58 mins

Andy Robertson – 7.0

The Scotland international skipper was the beneficiary of a deflection to score the game’s opening goal. His energy and experience were assured through a good and energetic first-half display.

After the intermission, the legendary full back was steady and reliable, especially when covering his third area.

Subbed – 86 mins

Ibrahima Konaté  – 7.0

The France international defender started the game with confidence and was unlucky with his positioning for the first-half goal conceded.

In the second period, the former RB Leipzig man was assured and strong against an increasingly dangerous threat.

Virgil van Dijk – 8.0

The captain and leader of this team was strong and commanding until the opening goal was conceded as he allowed the defensive line to open up.

After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was able to repel and resist the advancing Spaniards with superb defensive work. The relentless desire to score the winner was apparent in the final stages as he powered home the winner from a corner.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0

The Hungarian skipper was strong and full of powerful running in central midfield as he worked as the side’s engine in the first half.

When the match resumed, the former RB Leipzig man was more attacking in his work as he moved into the number ten position.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8.0

The Dutch midfielder was able to assist Mohamed Salah’s goal with a lovely pass, whilst thoroughly excelling in an excellent first-half display.After the half-time break, the former Ajax prodigy was again imperious as he chose the right path time and time again.

Man of the match

Florian Wirtz – 7.0

The German international was involved in lovely attacking plays in the first half as he looked to link with new surrounding players.

After the break, the £116m summer signing was unlucky not to score before leaving the field.

Subbed – 74 mins

Cody Gakpo – 6.0

The Dutch attacker was a sporadic conduit for possession from the flank in a solid first half.

In the second half, the goal-scoring wide man was ineffective before leaving the field.

Subbed – 58 mins

Alexander Isak – 7.0

The Sweden attacker was instrumental in making key moments in the first half as he showed his quality in the attacking third.

After the restart, the former Newcastle man was withdrawn to prepare him for the weekend.

Subbed – 58 mins

Mohamed Salah – 8.0

The Egyptian King was the instigator of the first goal as his free kick assisted Andy Robertson for a deflected opener. He was able to dispatch from close range moments later as he overtook the opening stages.In the second 45 minutes, the record-breaking attacker was unlucky not to score from the angle, as his shot hammered against the inside of the post.

Substitutions;

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0 (on 58)

Came on to add control.

Conor Bradley – 6.0 (on 58)

Came on to aid his return to full fitness.

Hugo Ekitike – 6.0 (on 58)

Came on to offer a fresher point to the red spear.

Rio Ngumoha – 6.0 (on 87)

Came on to add more thrust.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 8.0

The Dutch head coach was keen to roll the side which would include Alexander Isak.

The substitutions seemed pre-planned and allowed certain individuals the minutes they needed.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 1 Atletico Madrid