Liverpool faced off against Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena earlier tonight as they looked to earn a good result away from home in the UEFA Champions League. The Reds made a sloppy start to the game and managed to get their noses ahead against the run of play in the 42nd minute courtesy of Mohamed Salah’s excellent finish. Jurgen Klopp’s men went into the half-time break 1-0 up on the scoreline.
Darwin Nunez doubled Liverpool’s lead just four minutes into the second half before Harvey Elliott put the game to bed when he found the back of the net with a powerful strike just two minutes later. The contest ended with the Merseyside club earning an impressive 3-0 win on the road.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed during the match against Ajax.
GK: Alisson Becker – 6.5/10
The Brazilian keeper had to make just one save in the game but was fortunate to keep a clean sheet as he was bailed out by some awful Ajax finishing.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.5/10
He made a couple of important defensive contributions at the back and had some lively moments in the Ajax half.
CB: Joe Gomez – 7.5/10
Gomez earned the ball back a few times and didn’t hesitate to put his foot through the ball when required. He had a tough first half but a solid second half.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 7/10
The Dutch centre-back cleared the danger when needed and was quite accurate with his passing.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 8/10
Robertson was full of energy and running down the left flank and has got an assist to show for his efforts.
CDM: Fabinho – 7/10
Fabinho anchored the midfield well but lacked quality in the opponent’s half.
CM: Harvey Elliott – 8/10
He found it difficult to get going in the early stages of the game but came back and produced a matured display in the second half. He scored with a great strike in the 51st minute.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 7/10
The Liverpool captain earned the ball back once and set up Salah’s goal with an excellent pass. However, he was forced off with an injury that would concern Klopp.
CAM: Roberto Firmino – 7/10
He linked up play well with others around him and was too unselfish in front of the Ajax goal.
ST: Darwin Nunez – 8/10
Nunez missed a sitter when he found himself staring at an empty goal but could only hit the post. However, he refused to give up and got his name on the scoresheet with a good header early in the second half.
ST: Mohamed Salah – 8/10
The Egypt international caused a lot of headaches for the opposition centre-backs and ended the game with a goal and an assist to his name.
Substitutes:
CM: Curtis Jones – 6/10
He added some energy to Liverpool’s midfield.
CM: James Milner – 7/10
The veteran midfielder got stuck in with some solid tackles after coming off the bench.
CM: Fabio Carvalho – 6/10
Carvalho made one key chance in the final third.
CDM: Stefan Bajcetic – 6/10
He was not shy of having a strike at goal.
LB: Kostas Tsimikas – N/A
Tsimikas didn’t get enough time to influence the game.
