Liverpool clashed heads against Genk in the UEFA Champions League earlier tonight hoping to pick up a win on the road. The Reds made a brilliant start to the game when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored in the 2nd minute via a well-placed finish from long range. However, Genk didn’t give up and was a threat on the counter in the first half.
Jurgen Klopp’s men came out stronger after the half-time break and doubled their advantage in the 57th minute when Oxlade-Chamberlain found of the back of the net again with a world-class strike. Both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah also got in on the act after scoring a goal each in the second half. The Belgian outfit got a consolation goal in the dying embers of the encounter, but the Merseyside giants ran away with a dominant 4-1 win from the Luminus Arena.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed during the clash against Genk.
GK: Alisson Becker – 7/10
The Brazilian keeper didn’t put a foot wrong in the game and passed the ball well out from the back. He couldn’t do much about Genk’s consolation goal, which ruined his chances of securing a clean sheet.
RB: James Milner – 6/10
The English veteran controlled the game well down the right flank, but his passes lacked creativity in the opposition half.
CB: Dejan Lovren – 5/10
The Croatia international held his own but was caught sleeping in the dying moments of the contest when the Genk attackers capitalised on his mistake to score from close range.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 7.5/10
It was another classy and commanding display from the Dutch star. He made some vital clearances for his side and did well to frustrate the opposition for major periods of the clash.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 5/10
The Scottish full-back looked like a tired soul on the pitch and was second-best in almost every foot race during the game, which was unlike him. He desperately needs some rest in the coming weeks to recover from all the exhaustion.
CM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 9/10
The English midfield ace produced two moments of magic which was enough to make the difference between the two teams tonight. He placed his opening goal to perfection and produced a moment of pure brilliance when he curled the ball in from outside the penalty box to register his second goal of the night.
CM: Fabinho – 6.5/10
The Brazilian anchorman was a bit sloppy in the first half, but he put in a dominant display at the heart of the Reds midfield in the second.
CM: Naby Keita – 7/10
The Guinean playmaker was full of energy and running in midfield. He also managed to create some decent openings for others around him and hardly gave away the ball. It was a classy display from Keita tonight.
RM: Mohamed Salah – 6/10
The Egyptian speedster netted a gem of a goal when his quick turn, flick and finish in the 87th minute made the points secure for the visitors. However, his overall performance was poor as he gave away the ball too many times in the first 70 minutes of the contest.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 6/10
The Brazilian forward was always looking to orchestrate a few decent chances for his teammates, but most of his tricks were not coming off in the final third.
LM: Sadio Mane – 8/10
The Senegalese worked hard and had a few bright moments during the game. He scored with a beautifully crafted chipped lob in the 77th minute which ensured the win for Liverpool.
Substitutes:
CB: Joe Gomez – 6/10
The English defender did not have much to do besides retaining possession for his side.
ST: Divock Origi – 6/10
The Belgian striker added some fresh energy to Klopp’s frontline.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 6/10
The Netherlands international did not make the best use of a golden chance after coming off the bench. He could have scored but ended up dragging his shot off target.
