Football

Liverpool player ratings vs Monterrey: Salah, Alisson, Keita impress – three stars get 5s


Liverpool scored a stoppage-time winner from substitute Roberto Firmino to book their spot in the Club World Cup final against Flamengo on Saturday as they overcame a scare against a lively Monterrey in Qatar.

Liverpool led in Doha through Naby Keita, scoring his third goal this month, but their advantage lasted only three minutes Rogelio Funes Mori – the brother of former Everton defender Ramiro – just three minutes later.

Monterrey were then the more dangerous team throughout the first half as they pushed for a goal to go in front, with Alisson required to make several smart stops.

And the Mexican outfit impressed in the second half too, though Liverpool tested Marcelo Barovero more in the Monterrey goal.

Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino came on as the Champions League winners looked to their big guns and it was the latter who provided the killer touch, finishing from another substitute Trent Alexander Arnold’s cross late on to put Liverpool into the final and avoid a third-placed play-off.

But how did the Reds perform in Doha? Express Sport rates and slates Jurgen Klopp’s charges.

Liverpool player ratings vs Monterrey – Club World Cup

Alisson – 8

Unlucky with the goal, saving the first shot well before the follow-up was scored. Denied Dorlan Pabon with a good stop on 26 minutes and then excellent to tip a pass across the box out of reach of the waiting Pizarro, who would have made it 2-1. Made several important stops after the break and was crucial in Liverpool coming away victorious.

James Milner – 6

Made his 200th appearance for the club at right-back. Saw a shot well saved by Barovero on 23 minutes and regularly roamed forward. Should’ve had an assist but Origi fired wide. Subbed off for Alexander-Arnold on 74.

Jordan Henderson – 6

Filled in for Virgil van Dijk at centre-back and unsurprisingly had moments of difficulty. Lucky Alisson was on hand to keep Pizarro’s shot out after he attempted to play Poban offside.

Joe Gomez – 5

Perhaps could have gotten a second-half red card, getting a yellow card for a cynical rugby tackle before a handball enraged Monterrey boss Antonio Mohamed, who felt he should’ve seen a second caution. Not his best night.

Andy Robertson – 6

Left Rogelio Funes Mori onside for the Monterrey goal, though that came after Gomez had initially failed to step up and left Robertson needing to cover, but not his usual self going forward.

Adam Lallana – 6

Some good work on the ball but started to tire second half and not enough to help stem Monterrey attacks.

Naby Keita – 8

Heavily involved going forward. Lovely near-post finish to put Liverpool in front early, later denied by the goalkeeper as he looked to round him after a good run in behind. Some excellent runs behind the back-line throughout.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6

Quiet until a good threaded through ball for a Keita chance after a burst forward. Came alive more second half, firing one wide from the edge of the area after the interval and then good work in the build-up to an Origi chance. Still felt he could’ve done more.

Xherdan Shaqiri – 5

A disappointing night from the Swiss, who was relatively uninvolved first half and failed to have much more of an impact in the second half. Subbed off for Mane on 67.

Mohamed Salah – 8

Gorgeous assist for Keita’s opener and an excellent back-heel to open up a chance for Milner, who was denied. Crucial role in the winning goal, holding it up before playing to Alexander-Arnold for the cross. In excellent form at the minute.

Divock Origi – 5

Struggled to impose himself and when he did get on the ball, let himself several times with a poor touch. Scored second half but was well offside. Then had a great chance inside the box from Milner’s cross but side-footed wide. Poor.

Substitutes 

Sadio Mane – 6

Tested Barovero with a drive from distance and helped Liverpool up the ante late on.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7

Delivered the cross for Firmino’s winner.

Roberto Firmino – 7

Late replacement for Origi and scored the winning goal five minutes after coming on with a deft finish.



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