Let’s see how Liverpool did against AFC Ajax in the Champions League opener at Johan Cruyff Arena, we have the player ratings.
As Liverpool keeps going through a rough week, they visited Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam to face Ajax in the Champions League. The Reds just got the worst possible news with Virgil van Dijk’s ACL injury that will keep him out of the game for more than 8 months.
Jürgen Klopp needed to use this game in order to find a possible solution for this absence and he possibly found it on the first try. As part of the starting eleven, the German manager trusted Fabinho on the position and the midfielder responded quite well. In fact, he saved a ball on the line that kept the Reds on the lead during the first half.
Ajax made a mistake through Nicolas Tagliafico as he scored an own goal that gave Liverpool the early advantage. The Reds didn’t deserve this advantage after Ajax’s constant chances, but they were fortunate tonight.
Klopp saves his front three for later.
Jürgen Klopp needed to make some modifications for the second half despite not having secured the result. Liverpool is set to play a game every three days for the next month, they will need all their players fit for the next seven matches.
With this in mind, Klopp decided to take his front three in order to give opportunities to other players. Diogo Jota, Minamino, and Shaqiri took their places. The Reds get to enjoy another victory in a game dominated by Ajax but with much fortune for Klopp’s side.
Player ratings
AFC Ajax: Onana (6), Blind (7), Tagliafico (4), Mazraoui (7), Schuurs (6), Martinez (7), Klaassen (8), Gravenberch (7), Kudus (7), Tadic (8), Neres (7).
Bench: Promes (7), Ekkelenkamp (6), Labyad (7), Huntelaar (5), Traore (5).
Liverpool FC: Adrian (6), Robertson (7), Gomez (7), Fabinho (9), Alexander-Arnold (6), Milner (7), Wijnaldum (8), Jones (7), Mane (7), Salah (7), Firmino (7).
Bench: Minamino (7), Jota (7), Henderson (8), Shaqiri (6).
Feel free to make your pick on player’s ratings and performances using the widget below.
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