Following a scoreless draw at Anfield against Manchester United on Saturday afternoon, Liverpool travelled to Slovenia this midweek in order to contest NK Maribor in a Champions League group stage encounter. The Reds drew their two previous European fixtures against Sevilla and Spartak Moscow and were desperate to win the game to get back on track and keep their Round of 16 hopes alive against the Champions League minnows who kept seven clean-sheets in 10 outings at Ljudski vrt so far ahead of their Wednesday night outing.
The game, however, proved to be a cakewalk for the visitors who registered a gigantic 7-0 win against the Slovenian champions.
Liverpool Players Rated & Slated In Their 7-0 Win Vs NK Maribor
Loris Karius: 6.5
Despite conceding a silly goal against Spartak Moscow, the German custodian was preferred again in Liverpool’s Champions League outings. Karius, however, was mostly untested throughout the game but didn’t lose his focus and pulled off one decent stop in the first half
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 8
Alexander-Arnold kept on making forward runs, linked up with Salah and Milner down the right-hand flank. Scored the seventh of Liverpool’s night as his strike got deflected and ended up in the back of the net.
Joel Matip: 7
Did not have much to do defensively. Played some decent passing game and helped to build attacking threats from the deep defensive line.
Dejan Lovren: 7
Made his presence known with positioning, aerial ability, duels, and interceptions. The Croatian did well to contain Tavares inside the box.
Alberto Moreno: 8
Spent the majority of his time in attack alongside Coutinho from the left-hand flank. Assisted Mohamed Salah’s second of the night with a low cross from the left wing. Did not have much to do defensively.
Emre Can: 8
Worked tirelessly in midfield, won back possession many times, combined upfront with the forwards and played some smart one-twos to create space in the Maribor box.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 7
Wijnaldum too did well to hold the ball, create space and advanced a few impressive through balls. The Dutchman is yet to score his first away goal for the Reds and did not find any tonight either. Was taken off in the second half. Dominic Solanke was introduced in his place.
James Milner: 8.5
The skipper was excellent in the middle of the park with his tireless runs, crosses, link-up play and passing accuracy. He set up the Reds’ second of the night after picking up Philippe Coutinho with a majestic cross. The Brazilian converted it in style with a fine finish.
Mohamed Salah: 9
Salah once again caused trouble in vulnerable Maribor backline with his speed. He often opened them up and scored twice in the first half. Also, set up the Reds’ early opener for Roberto Firmino who tapped it in from close range. Was taken off in the second half and replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Roberto Firmino: 8.5
Firmino scored twice in the game and could have scored two more goals but failed to finish it from close range. His first goal was a tap-in but the second one was a header from fellow countryman Coutinho’s free-kick minutes into the second half. Also, set it up for Mohamed Salah for his second of the night. Was taken off in the second half to be replaced by Daniel Sturridge.
Philippe Coutinho: 9
Coutinho impressed once again with a stunning finish after picking up Milner’s cross. Also set up Roberto Firmino’s second from a free-kick and also registered another assist in closing seconds when Alexander-Arnold picked his pass and his deflected strike eventually ended up into the back of the net.
Substitutes
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain: 7
Chamberlain was denied by Handanovic once but scored his first goal in Liverpool colours with a powerful run through Maribor defence after picking up Daniel Sturridge’s pass.
Daniel Sturridge: 6.5
Sturridge did not score any but set one up form Oxlade-Chamberlain in closing minutes.
Dominic Solanke: 6.5
Played his part in Liverpool’s sixth of the night after coming on as Wijnaldum’s substitute.
