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Football News: Liverpool Vs Atletico Match Review

Liverpool Vs Atletico Match Review
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Liverpool Vs Atletico Match Review

A game in which Liverpool played with high energy, high intensity, and we should have won given our dominance and the chances we created. Having said that fine margins decide sports at the elite level and the calamitous Adrian served only to highlight how much we miss Alisson in the biggest matches - a comparison between last year's Barcelona semi final, in which Alisson made countless important saves, compared to tonight in which Adrian made none, seems rather apt.

Fans gave been saying this result has made the season very anti climactic and I have to agree, these final two months offer minimal drama - but this is only because of our outrageous quality this season. Personally, I'm glad it's not going down to the wire.

Player ratings:

Adrian - 1 - I know this seems really harsh and really reactionary but allow me to set out my stall. He had 4 saves to make the entire game - 3 went in, and the one he saved he almost fumbled into the oppositions path. He directly contributed, with an awful, aimless pass/ clearance/ I don't know what to the pivotal goal and didn't even make a proper dive from the subsequent shot. I don't think his positioning, or dive, for the second was good either. I've never seen a goalkeeper do so badly with the little he had to do, hence the rating.

Robertson - 7.5 - excellent energy levels all night, offered an outlet going forward and made sure he was back covering most of the time. Can rarely say this about Robertson but he probably should've scored a goal or two, such were the positions he was getting into. His crossing wasn't the best consistency wise but it's the best he has played for some time.

Trent - 7 - Similar to Robertson in that his play both offensively and defensively was first class, his energy levels rarely dipped, he caused them problems. Despite assisting for Wiji I thought his crossing was quite erratic an not up to his usual high standards.

Van Dijk - 8 - took the defence by the scruff of the neck and organized them superbly for the most part. Gave Atletico little and looked to get on the ball and play it out from the back, this was vital to our game plan and it worked well. We looked far less likely to fashion an opening when he went up front and we played hoof ball.

Gomez - 7 - Also did very well, dealt with there talented attack well and distributed the ball well, made few mistakes although I think for their second goal GE could be critiqued for backing off too much. That'd be harsh though considering how good he was for the majority of the game.

Henderson - 8.5 - that's what we've missed the past few games. Controlled the midfield, broke up their attacks, started ours, passed superbly all night, didn't deserve to be on the losing side.

Wijinaldum - 9 - for me our man of the match, he was everywhere. Broke play up well, had the confidence to take men on and play more decisive passes. Got forward with purpose and threat, scored a superb header, and was crucial for our midfield.

Oxlaide-Chamberlain - 9 - very tight between him and Wiji for man of the match. He ran himself into the ground such were his energy levels but his willingness to track back and win back lost possession was excellent. Started to fade, which is understandable, which is why Gini edged him for man of the match.

Salah - 8 - I though he was excellent, despite almost always having to contend with two markers. Caused them multiple problems, I thought he deserved a goal, he just didn't test Oblak enough, which I think the entire front 3 were guilty of.

Mane - 7.5 - sadly left his shooting boots at home as he just didn't work Oblak enough. Apart from that all other aspects of his play were excellent though his tracking back and willingness to win the ball was exceptional, and contributed to our dominance.

Firmino - 7 - I still think he did well, tried to create, got himself a goal, worked hard, but I thought he never had enough of the ball, and that his contributions were lacking a little. He played well, no question, but he has had better games.

Subs:

Milner - 7 - solid replacement for Ox, worked hard and kept possession, though lacked the flair and dynamism Ox brought.

Fabinho - 5 - Despite coming on in extra time looked really flat and slow. Has looked out of sorts for a while now, doesn't make the first team on current form.

Origi - n/ a - not really enough time to impact much but didn't look good when he got the ball, predictable and lacking any end product.

Minamino - n/ a - still settling and learning our system but a willing runner and always looking for the quick give and goes, team mates not on same page though and seem reluctant to use him.

Written by Seano_ March 12 2020 10:39:16

 

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