Covid-stricken Liverpool fielded a squad full of academy prodigies against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup third-round fixture at Anfield. Only Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson and Fabinho were the senior stars who made it to the starting XI and the Reds overcame an early scare to clinch a commanding 4-1 victory to progress to the next round.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their win against Shrewsbury Town.
Caoimhin Kelleher: 7
Could have done little to stop Daniel Udoh’s finish from an extremely close range. Made a key save late in the first half to deny Ryan Bowman’s glancing header. Showed his calmness and composure as a sweeper-keeper.
Conor Bradley: 8
A great impact from the right fullback with his marauding runs, crosses and cut insides from the flank. Linked up well with Kaide Gordon down the wide while setting up the equalizer, also performed his defensive duties whenever required. Did extremely well to keep the ball in play before Firmino’s cheeky backheel to make it 3-1.
Ibrahima Konate: 6.5
Should have closed down the first post and blocked Nathanael Ogbeta’s cross before Udoh’s opener. Looked nervy at times while passing the ball but his athleticism helped the Reds regain possession on many occasions.
Virgil van Dijk: 7
A sloppy backpass in the second half could have invited trouble. Made some no-nonsense clearances, played his trademark long balls out from the back and his physicality refrained Udoh from causing more menace against the run.
Andrew Robertson: 6.5
Made lively runs from the left-hand flank, but his final deliveries often lacked quality resulting in wastefulness in the attacking third. Picked up a knock and was taken off in the closing seconds for Kostas Tsimikas.
Fabinho: 9
Dictated the show from the centre of the pitch, was spot on with his tackles and box-to-box movements, also showed great composure from the spot to grab the lead late in the first half. Found the net again with a thumping strike moments before the final whistle.
Tyler Morton: 7.5
An impressive display from the teenager who controlled the midfield game with his grit and aggression. More to come from him in the forthcoming future as he made way for James Norris in the closing seconds of the match.
Elijah Dixon-Bonner: 7
Another youngster who made his presence known with liveliness, smart movements and great awareness in and around the attacking third. Missed a golden opportunity to find the net in a one-on-one situation. Was replaced by Roberto Firmino midway through the second half.
Kaide Gordon: 8
The highly-rated teenager showed great composure while receiving Bradley’s cross before finding the back of the net with a smart finish. Looked purposeful with the ball at his feet down the right-hand flank. Received plaudits from the fans while making way for Melkamu Frauendorf with just over ten minutes remaining.
Curtis Jones: 6
Struggled to deliver as a wide attacker. Was later shifted to the usual midfield role but his game lacked energy and intent for the majority of the contest.
Max Woltman: 5.5
The academy starlet was lined up as the ‘number 9’. Tried his best to cause problems inside the box. Was taken off at half-time for Takumi Minamino.
Liverpool Subs Vs Shrewsbury Town
Takumi Minamino: 7
His swift footwork and ball-carrying traits created space high up the pitch.
Roberto Firmino: 7.5
Found the net with a cheeky backheel to make it 3-1.
Melkamu Frauendorf: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
James Norris: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Kostas Tsimikas: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
