Liverpool Player Ratings: Leipzig Win Highlights a Thrilling Comeback
Liverpool secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig in their Champions League Round of 16 first leg at Anfield. The Reds were far from their best in the first half, struggling to create clear-cut chances and conceding a sloppy goal. However, a second-half resurgence saw them turn the tide and snatch a vital win thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah and Naby Keïta. Here's a breakdown of the Liverpool player ratings:
Alisson Becker (7/10): Alisson was a steady presence in goal, making a couple of crucial saves in the first half, especially a brilliant stop from a Dani Olmo shot. He also showed good distribution throughout the match.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10): Trent was defensively solid in the second half, making important tackles and interceptions. He also provided a crucial assist for Mohamed Salah's equalizing goal.
Ibrahima Konaté (6/10): Konaté was a little shaky in the first half, but he grew into the game and provided a much-needed presence in the heart of the defense.
Virgil van Dijk (6.5/10): Van Dijk was typically dominant in the air and put in a strong defensive performance. He was also involved in the build-up play, helping to initiate attacks from deep.
Andy Robertson (7/10): Robertson was a constant threat down the left flank, making dangerous runs forward and delivering accurate crosses into the box. He provided a great cross for Salah's goal.
Fabinho (6.5/10): Fabinho anchored the midfield, breaking up play and providing stability in the middle. He lacked his usual dynamism, but he was still effective.
Jordan Henderson (6/10): Henderson worked tirelessly in the midfield, covering ground and winning back possession. His performance was less impactful compared to his previous games.
Cody Gakpo (5.5/10): Gakpo looked lively in the first half, but his final touch and decision-making let him down. He was substituted at half-time, leaving fans wondering if he needs more time to adapt to the Premier League.
Mohamed Salah (8.5/10): Salah was a constant threat to Leipzig's defense and scored a crucial equalizing goal. He also showed great vision and composure to set up Keïta's winning goal.
Darwin Núñez (6/10): Núñez had a mixed game, showing flashes of his pace and power but lacking the finishing touch. He was replaced by Diogo Jota in the second half.
Naby Keïta (8/10): Keïta had a great impact from the bench, scoring the winning goal with a brilliant strike. His energy and creativity helped turn the game around.
Substitutes:
Diogo Jota (7/10): Jota came on and made a significant impact, adding pace and intensity to the attack. He was involved in the build-up to Keïta's goal.
Harvey Elliott (6.5/10): Elliott brought fresh legs and technical ability to the midfield, helping Liverpool control possession.
The Takeaways:
- Liverpool's resilience: Despite a slow start, Liverpool showed great resilience and character to turn the game around and secure a vital victory.
- Salah's brilliance: Mohamed Salah continues to be a talisman for Liverpool, delivering a crucial goal and assist to keep the Reds' Champions League campaign alive.
- Keïta's impact: Naby Keïta's decisive goal from the bench underlines his importance to the squad.
Liverpool will now travel to Leipzig for the second leg with a slender lead. They will be hoping to build on this comeback win and secure their place in the quarter-finals.