Goals: Pulisic 3?; Konate 23?, Van Dijk 41?, Szoboszlai 67?
Alisson – 6/10
Alisson was largely a bystander in this match, with little to do after the early goal conceded by Liverpool. His pass to the opposition was a notable error, but overall he had a quiet game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7/10
Trent was a key creative force, providing a well-placed assist for one of Liverpool’s goals. Despite being dribbled past a few times, his offensive contributions, including creating four chances and making 11 passes into the final third, were crucial to Liverpool’s success.
Ibrahima Konate – 9/10
Konate delivered an outstanding performance, contributing both defensively and offensively. He made eight recoveries, six successful duels, and five clearances. His goal, his first in two-and-a-half years, was vital in leveling the score and showcasing his dominant presence at the back.
Virgil van Dijk – 7/10
Van Dijk was his usual reliable self, working to open passing lanes and dealing effectively with Milan’s attacks. He matched Konate with a goal of his own and was solid defensively, particularly in challenging Alvaro Morata.
Kostas Tsimikas – 6/10
Tsimikas struggled early in the game, initially contributing to Milan’s opening goal with a misjudged header. However, he improved as the game progressed, making a key block on Morata and providing the assist for Van Dijk’s goal.
Ryan Gravenberch – 9/10 (Man of the Match)
Gravenberch was exceptional, showcasing his ability to handle tight situations and win physical battles. He played a crucial role in regaining control of the midfield, finishing with 10 recoveries and six interceptions, the highest of any player on the pitch.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8/10
Mac Allister was influential with his vision and composure, though he might feel frustrated by Diogo Jota’s missed chance from his pass. His contributions were instrumental in breaking down Milan’s defense and orchestrating Liverpool’s play.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7/10
Szoboszlai’s work rate was impressive as he covered a lot of ground and applied pressure. While his passing was occasionally wayward, he made up for it with a well-taken goal and a consistent effort throughout the match.
Mohamed Salah – 7/10
Salah had an eventful first half, hitting the crossbar twice, but his influence extended beyond just goal attempts. He won six of seven duels, demonstrating his importance in both offensive and defensive situations.
Cody Gakpo – 8/10
Gakpo made a strong impact in his first start of the season, showing dynamism and directness. His performance included an assist and a consistent presence on the left flank, contributing significantly to Liverpool’s attacking play.
Diogo Jota – 5/10
Jota had a challenging game, missing a crucial chance from Mac Allister’s pass and being unable to influence the match significantly. His time on the pitch was relatively quiet, and he was substituted in the 68th minute.
Substitutes:
•Darwin Nunez (on for Jota, 68?) – 6/10
Nunez brought energy but lacked a finishing touch in his typical cameo appearance.
•Luis Diaz (on for Gakpo, 68?) – 6/10
Diaz had a few chances to make an impact but did not manage to add to the scoreline.
•Joe Gomez (on for Alexander-Arnold, 79?) – 5/10
Gomez’s brief appearance involved a few tense moments at the back, but he was generally solid.
•Wataru Endo (on for Mac Allister, 90+2?) – N/A
Endo’s time on the field was too short to make an impact.
•Federico Chiesa (on for Salah, 90+2?) – N/A
Chiesa made a late debut, contributing little in the final moments.
Manager: Arne Slot – 8/10
Slot’s tactical adjustments ensured Liverpool’s recovery after going behind early. While his decision to make only a couple of changes to the starting XI was conservative, his side’s response and eventual dominance were commendable. Slot could have used his bench earlier to rest key players but will be pleased with the three points and the performance in his first Champions League match as Liverpool manager.
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