Although Liverpool hold the record for the most English League Cup titles (8 times), the significance of this competition has decreased considerably in recent years. The big guns of Premier League evaluate their squad strength and the Reds, being no exception, opted to field a squad full of academy prospects against MK Dons. It was an opportunity for those too who have been wanting for minutes and the game, though competitive, ended up 2-0 in favour of the Premier League leaders.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their win against MK Dons.
Caoimhín Kelleher: 7
The debutant holds all the traits of a modern-day custodian who prefers to operate as a sweeper-keeper. Looked calm and composed under pressure and impressed with his distribution and timely outings. Denied Jordan Bowery twice spectacularly to ensure his clean sheet.
Ki-Jana Hoever: 7.5
The highly-rated teenager had an average outing while featuring as a right fullback. He was struggling at times while tracking back but kept on making marauding runs to help out his teammates in the attacking third. The Dutchman made his mark in the second half by doubling the lead from Milner’s exquisite cross. Was replaced by Sepp van den Berg in the closing moments of the fixture.
Joe Gomez: 7.5
Although the hosts had a few clear chances, Gomez was towering with his physical as well as aerial presence against the Dons frontline. His passing was impressive too, and he covered the space on the right that was left open by Hoever while making those overlaps. Had some nervy moments in the second half.
Dejan Lovren: 8
Almost cost his side an early setback when he lost his balance and allowed Paul Tisdale’s men to create a glorious opportunity against the run of play. The Croatian, however, improved his game with time, made some crucial blocks and often opened up space in the opponents’ defensive half with exquisite long balls and through passes.
James Milner: 9
The best player on the pitch for the Reds as he was constantly troubling the home side with his cut insides, crosses and link-ups from the left flank. His thumping strike was fumbled by Stuart Moore in the Dons goal and earned the Merseysiders a lead late in the first half. His majestic cross was then headed home by Hoever to make it 2-0 midway through the second half. Exemplary display from the Liverpool skipper who tracked back to defend deep under pressure.
Adam Lallana: 6.5
Started in a deeper midfield slot but lacked the confidence to surge forward and often struggled physically while retaining possession. Had a better impact in the second half as he tried to move the ball quicker from a central role.
Curtis Jones: 7.5
Was excellent throughout with his gifted skills, swift footwork and mazy movements that often caused menace in the opponents’ backline. His directness and work ethics received a lot of appreciation.
Naby Keita: 6.5
Enjoyed an hour of football on his return from injury. Was not at his best even though the Guinean carried the ball forward from the deep and operated in the advanced areas. Was taken off to be replaced by Pedro Chirivella.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 6
A lot more was expected from the Englishman. His fierce strike from a distance rattled the woodwork. Tried to open up space with his strong runs and crosses, but the efforts lacked imagination on most occasions. Made way for Herbie Kane for the final minutes of the game.
Harvey Elliott: 8.5
The 16-year-old summer signing from Fulham was sensational from the right flank. His ball control, vision, passing and attacking attributes depicted why he is well ahead of his age group. Could have been Liverpool’s youngest goalscorer ever but hit the woodwork twice despite exhibiting some exhilarating football.
Rhian Brewster: 5.5
Was isolated upfront and struggled to get himself involved in the moves. Should have converted Milner’s cross in the first half.
Substitutes
Pedro Chirivella: 7
Made some crucial interceptions when the hosts were desperately chasing for a goal in the closing minutes of the match. Injected fresh legs in the middle of the park replacing the worn-out Keita.
Herbie Kane: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Sepp van den Berg: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
