By Josh Smith
Andoni Iraola’s Champions League debut ends in victory as his Redmen side came from behind to have the perfect opening game.
Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis MacAllister summed up a very encouraging performance built on after the 2-0 victory over Ipswich last Friday.
A trademark Marcos Llorente goal at Anfield put opening day hopes in doubt in the first half when the Spaniard, who’s now got four goals at the ground, found a huge space in behind through the middle of the Liverpool high line.
Whilst they had the lion’s share of possession, Liverpool looked like they could score with every attack. The front of three of Bradley Barcola, Alexander Isak and Rio Ngumoha looked very dangerous in and around the deep-lying Simeone defence.
However, it was Dominik Szoboszlai with the goal late on in the first half after an incredible backheel assist from Ronald Araujo that gave Liverpool the confidence to go on and win the game after momentum shifted their way midway through the first half.
Alexis Mac Allister’s thumping effort was too much for Atletico legend Jan Oblak in goal, which was ultimately the winner for Iraola’s side, and summed up the game the Argentine had.
Frimpong converted a third at the far post but was ruled out for offside, and at that point Liverpool were very comfortable with their lead.
With a superb confidence booster and the major issues being dealt with, here are the Redmen player ratings after that first European victory against one of our most difficult opponents.
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid | Player Ratings Show
Player Ratings
Alisson Becker – 7
Alisson had little to do, but whilst some argued he could have done better preventing the goal he conceded, it would be harsh to give him anything less than a 7. A fantastic save as well after a ridiculous Álvarez strike from outside the box showed why he still can play at the top level for Liverpool.
Ronald Araujo – 8
A very complete performance from the loanee shows why he will be permanently starting in the right-back spot for the season. Atleti attacks tended to amount to very little danger down his side, but he also made many incredible passes and was heavily involved in the build-up, which is something we have not seen much of since he joined in the summer. The assist for Dominik Szoboszlai’s strike was sensational and deserved an extra point for that alone. One of our best performers, and he will need to be starting most games for the Reds to see success this season.
Jeremy Jacquet – 8
The positive of Jacquet as a defender is that he doesn’t stand out. He slots in seamlessly as if he has been at the club for over five seasons, rather than a young and nervous twenty-year-old. He misplaced one pass all game, completed all five of his long passes and made some brilliant tackles down his right-hand channel. His transfer fee looks like a steal for the fact that we may be seeing him start for Liverpool for many years to come. It sums up his start to his life in Merseyside so far.
Virgil Van Dijk – 7
Another very good Van Dijk performance where he also was not standing out. Always cool and composed, and didn’t allow Alvarez many clear shots on target. A cool and composed performance kept the game very comfortable for his side, and it seems like he and Jacquet are forming a brilliant partnership in this high back line.
Milos Kerkez – 7
A very solid performance from Milos Kerkez. Some fans have been quick to criticise him, as the Hungarian tends to look a lot less secure than he is; however, last night he had a brilliant start to his European campaign. Four tackles and 32 completed passes showed how complete he was, offering plenty going forwards and on the back foot. A very good performance overall.
Alexis Macallister – 9
I think when the season kicked off, most fans were not sold on the fact that Iraola hadn’t got in a number six he wanted. However, it feels as if these last two games have been some of Mac Allister’s best football at the club. Hungry for a new deal, the Argentine has been defensively well disciplined to glue the midfield together whilst knowing when to push up to add to the attack, with the goal being a perfect example. Ryan Gravenberch struggled to adapt to this role that Iraola needed, but given Mac Allister has now had time to prove his worth in the most defensive role of the midfield three, he will be ready to start there for many more games to come.
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Dominik Szoboszlai – 8
A slotted finish in the first half and the player the attacks went through – it was another classic Szoboszlai performance. A player who really conducts the midfield; it feels as if he gets the free rein to move up and down the pitch however he can, and he can contribute to both attacking and defensive actions. The most key passes in the game (5) and the most successful dribbles (4) in the game show why he is deserving of an eight.
Florian Wirtz – 6
Another decent performance from Wirtz, where that final product was so nearly there. He found himself in a great position in the first half, where his volleyed effort was relatively comfortably saved by Jan Oblak, but there were still more positives in the build-up. There were moments where you thought he could get the best out of Barcola in attack, and vice versa, as Wirtz’s build-up play and one-touch passing are of an extremely high standard, but it still felt as if he was lacking involvement in key goals and major attacks. Watching him, he clearly feels lost in the system but is still hungry to get the goal contributions he is so desperate to get. It’ll need to come soon, as there are two or three players knocking on the door to start in that midfield.
Bradley Barcola – 7
The only negative from the game is the fact that the Frenchman came off with an injury, but it seems to be a case of cramp, so it could be less of a worry. He looks sharp and moves around the pitch like a world-class winger. Electric and direct, he linked up with his attacking teammates well and caused trouble down that side. He also had a good effort early on target in the first half but no clear-cut opportunities he could’ve done better with. Fans really enjoyed the fluidity in the front three between him and Rio Ngumoha on each side, which helped get the best out of Liverpool’s most exciting prospect. It feels as if there are now two winger partnerships of Barcola and Rio, as well as Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz. Very encouraging to see a great first start for the £123 million new signing.
Alexander Isak – 8
Isak’s link-up has improved exponentially this season already, and it’s been making him a better complete striker. He may not have had the goals like last game, but because of the other aspects of his game looking so much better, those encouraging signs of how well he works alongside Barcola, Rio and Szoboszlai give him a nicer rating than he would have had last season if he was very quiet on the shooting front.
Rio Ngumoha – 7
The interchanging between left and right-hand sides for Rio was way more beneficial for the 18-year-old. Whilst he didn’t have a great first half, he was always direct and getting on the ball as much as he could. It allowed him to take defenders on his favoured left-hand side, whilst giving him options to build up with around Araujo and Szoboszlai on the right. He never fears a take-on, and being so direct definitely caused problems. With the most touches out of all the attackers and a big improvement in the second half, it is good to see him getting some rewarding minutes in Europe.
All the substitutes (Victor Munoz, Lewis Koumas, Ryan Gravenberch, Kostas Tsimikas and Jeremie Frimpong) were a six out of ten, mainly because of the fact that the game had petered out with little action. However, Frimpong’s right-wing cameo was better than his right-back performances this season, so there is a high possibility we see Frimpong turn into a secondary right-wing option.
Next up…
Taking this game into the home tie against Fulham on Saturday, it will be interesting to see if the Reds can string a good run of games together after two wins on the bounce and an unbeaten start to the 26/27 season.
