With top of group placement already secured and a heavy upcoming fixture list, Jurgen Klopp did some heavy squad rotation for Liverpool today against Danish Superliga champs Midtjylland.
Liverpool wasted literally no time going up. Mo Salah sprinted through the Midtjylland backline to put the Reds up 1-0 in 55 seconds fastest ever in Liverpool Champions League history). Liverpool hold on to that 1-0 lead going into the half.
VAR somehow ended up screwing Liverpool left right up and down again this match can’t eventalkaboutitanymorethisissuchbullshitwhateverwestillfinishedtopofgroupafter a 1-1 draw that should’ve been a 3-0 win whatever.
Here are Liverpool player ratings vs Midtjylland for December 9, 2020.
Liverpool starting XI vs Midtjylland
Liverpool Player Ratings
Manager
Jurgen Klopp (7) –
Not surprised Klopp rotated so heavily. Clarkson a somewhat surprise starter but otherwise it was the expected line-up. Hard to really knock anything he did this match and again, EFF VAR.
Goalkeeper
Kelleher (7.5) –
The man of the moment between the sticks for Liverpool. Great on saves but a little shaky in distribution / passing. Somehow given a yellow and penalty for getting big and making contact after a shot was made–these VAR decisions and general rules within the box fucking suck. Ruining soccer.
Regardless, decision making / when to come off line is solid. Came up with some huge saves too.
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold (5) –
The best RB in the world is back in the starting XI! Gets the captain’s arm-band today too, which has to be the thrill of a lifetime for a scouse. So cool.
Shaking a lot of rust off though. Not his best.
Rhys Williams (8) –
So mature in composure. May set a world record for aerials won this match. Kid is legit.
Fabinho (8) –
He’s so good. Goal saving clearance in the 33rd. Saw a lot of the ball, 92% pass accuracy, and solid defensively. Off at the half but no injury concern.
Kostas Tsimikas (7) –
Really is like a Poor Man’s Robbo. Completing dribbles and winning a bunch of aerials. Goes for an ambitious bicycle kick before the half. Goes out with an injury around the 56th.
Midfielders
Leighton Clarkson (5) –
Least impressive of the midfield. A little shaky. Gave the ball away in the 50th minute leading to a dangerous situation.
The Looks Great in Training Naby Keita (5) –
Not really adding much which is supposedly what he does (dispossessions etc). Solid effort though right before the half that was very well saved. Otherwise not much to show and comes off in the 63rd for Henderson.
Takumi Minamino (6) –
Could really use a confidence building performance. Denied a goal at the end by VAR. Still, passing / link up was solid and he can build on this one.
Forwards
Diogo Jota (5) –
First real “meh” performance in red.
Mo Salah (7) –
Wow. It took all of 60 seconds for Salah to breakaway and put Liverpool up 1-0. Lively after that but less effective.
Divock Origi (5) –
His time at Liverpool may be coming to an end. Just isn’t having an impact and disappears too often.
Substitutions
Billy Koumetio (6) – Comes in for Fabinho at the half. Almost immediately effs up with a poor header clearance — he’s only bailed out by the crossbar. Steadies though and does OK.
Jordan Henderson (6) – Comes on about 63 minutes too late for Keita. Immediately makes squad better.
Andy Robertson (6) – Doesn’t connect on some crosses that could’ve made a difference but tough spot as he was rushed on the pitch.
Sadio Mane (NR) – Played a role in the Taki goal that should’ve counted but no impact otherwise.
Roberto Firmino (NR) – On late, no impact.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Would’ve been Fabinho had he played a full 90, so let’s go with Rhys would had yet another solid display.
