Ranking the 5 best Liverpool players from the Reds' 3-2 win against AC Milan | UEFA Champions League 2021-22

Kumar
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool had to come from behind to beat AC Milan in their opening game of the 2021-22 Champions League on Thursday. There was plenty of anticipation heading into the game, as the two sides have a bit of history in the Champions League.

The Reds started on the front foot and took the lead early through Trent Alexander-Arnold. Despite threatening to put the game beyond the visitors, they failed to take their chances, and AC Milan came roaring back into the contest.

AC Milan, after being under the cosh for most of the first half, hit back just before half-time with two quick-fire goals. Ante Rebic scored the equaliser to finish off a good team move before Brahim Diaz took advantage of some slack Liverpool defending to put the visitors in front.

Liverpool, though, did not change their dynamic at half-time and came out firing on all cylinders once again. Mohamed Salah soon restored parity in the 49th minute. Jordan Henderson then scored a scorcher from the edge of the box to give Liverpool the win.

The game had a bit of everything. So without further ado, here's a look at the five best Liverpool players from the win.


#5 Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah atoned his miss from the spot with a goal.
Mohamed Salah atoned his miss from the spot with a goal.

Although Mohamed Salah missed a penalty in the first half and should have put the game to bed, he didn’t let the miss affect him. The Egyptian looked as hungry as ever to score, and tested Mike Maignan from long range a few times.

Every time Salah isolated AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez, it looked like something would happen. The Egyptian eventually found the back of the net after combining well with Divock Origi, slotting the ball calmly past Maignan.

Salah had the joint highest number of dribbles for Liverpool on the night, His form in front of goal bodes well for the Reds as they have some key fixtures coming up.


#4 Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold sizzled for Liverpool.
Trent Alexander-Arnold sizzled for Liverpool.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was partly at fault for the goals Liverpool conceded, as they both came from his flank. However, his impact in the attacking third was once again massive.

The full-back was key in everything Liverpool did in the opening 30 minutes as the Reds pinned Milan into their half. Alexander-Arnold took on Theo Hernandez and always looked to pick the right pass.

Perhaps he was a tad lucky with the deflection that resulted in Liverpool’s opener, but his tenacity and willingness probably warranted a goal.

#3 Divock Origi

Divock Origi shone against AC Milan.
Divock Origi shone against AC Milan.

Divock Origi’s surprise appearance against AC Milan raised a few eyebrows, but the Belgian put in a competent display. With Roberto Firmino injured, Jürgen Klopp had the option of using Diogo Jota or Sadio Mane in a more central role, but went with Origi.

Considering the Belgian hasn’t started a game before, there were doubts about whether he could make an impact. However, the forward put in a solid display. Origi harried the Milan defenders, and closed them down well. He looked assured and confident whenever he received the ball.

The 26-year-old played a lovely lifted pass for Salah to make the score 2-2 in the second half. In the process, Origi silenced some of his critics who believed he should have been sold in the summer.


#2 Jordan Henderson

Jordan Henderson scored a rare Champions League goal.
Jordan Henderson scored a rare Champions League goal.

Jordan Henderson admitted a few days ago that he is still finding his rhythm and isn’t at peak fitness. Judging from Wednesday’s display, though, he is nearly there.

The Liverpool captain showed good work rate, and pressed relentlessly to win the ball back. His passing was pretty solid as well, as he managed a pass success rate of 90%.

Henderson’s strike in the second half to give the Reds the lead was picture-perfect, and he couldn’t have struck the ball any sweeter.

With Harvey Elliot not expected to feature for a while, Henderson could once again become a regular in the Liverpool midfield. If he can replicate Wednesday’s display, it’s unlikely he’ll make away for anyone else in the near future.


#1 Fabinho

Fabinho had a good performance against AC Milan.
Fabinho had a good performance against AC Milan.

Fabinho was once again impeccable in central midfield, as he kept most of AC Milan’s transitions at bay. The Brazilian was often in the right position to intercept passes and make tackles to win the ball back for Liverpool.

The 27-year-old ended the game with six tackles and four interceptions. His tenacity allowed the likes of Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita to play further up the pitch against AC Milan.

Jürgen Klopp will be happy Fabinho has hit the ground running. If he can continue these impressive displays, Liverpool could once again be a tough team to beat.

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Edited by Bhargav