Harvey Elliot MOTM, 3/10 teammate has howler – Liverpool player ratings v Lille
Liverpool secured automatic qualification to the Champions League round of 16 after a 2-1 win against Lille.
Arne Slot extended his unbeaten run in European competition at Anfield on Tuesday (21 January) and despite calls to rest Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian started the clash and opened the scoring in the first half.
The Reds looked on course for a routine victory after Aissa Mandi received a second yellow card 59 minutes later, but Anfield was silenced three minutes later when Jonathan David equalised for the visitors.
However, Harvey Elliott came to the rescue to score his first Champions League goal and ensure Liverpool will end the league phase as leaders with a game to spare.
Here’s how Liverpool News rated each player out of 10 at Anfield, with all stats from Sofascore.
Alisson – 3
Alisson has been underwhelming for the Reds since his return from injury and Tuesday night was no exception. He couldn’t even keep possession and only completed 20 per cent of his long ball attempts. The Brazilian was called upon once and was left wrong-footed as David calmly converted the equaliser.
Conor Bradley [off for Trent Alexander-Arnold 86′] – 6
A solid overall performance from the right-back who looked just as capable going forward as he did defending. However, his usual attacking threat was neutralised by the opposition.
Jarell Quansah – 7
A solid return to the first team for the centre-back, he won 100 per cent of his duels and completed 98 per cent of his passes against Lille.
Virgil van Dijk – 6
The captain had little to do defensively all evening but matched his defensive partner, completing 98 per cent of his passes.
Kostas Tsimikas – 7
Tsimikas was a constant attacking threat down the left flank, completing 93 per cent of his passes with three key passes and one big chance created on the night.
Ryan Gravenberch [off for Harvey Elliott 46′] – 5
The Dutchman had a quiet first half, winning his one duel contested but rightfully was removed at half-time with the Reds holding a one-goal lead.
Curtis Jones [off for Alexis Mac Allister 46′] – 6
Jones created one big chance leading to the opening goal for Salah, kept the ball well and another who was rewarded with a well-earned rest for the second half.
Dominik Szoboszlai [off for Wataru Endo 63′] – 5
While a pass completion rate of 92 per cent with one key pass makes for great reading, Szoboszlai played far too safe with the ball at his feet and offered no attacking threat at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah scores again for Liverpool
Mohamed Salah – 7
Salah opened the scoring at Anfield but was not as his usual high standards in the Champions League. With three shots on-target and three shots off-target, it just didn’t click for the Reds talisman but he still managed to make an impact.
Darwin Nunez – 5
Nunez failed to replicate his Brentford heroics and only managed one shot on-target resulting in one big chance missed. He did find the back of the net in the dying embers only for the offside flag to be raised.
Luis Diaz [off for Federico Chiesa 75′] – 7
The Colombian worked himself to the ground at Anfield, winning 75 per cent of his duels and was a constant menace to the opposition defence, completing 100 per cent of his dribbles.
Substitutions
Harvey Elliott – 9
Elliott brought life into the game following his introduction and scored his goal from only one shot on target resulting in a 100 per cent shot conversation rate. The Englishman completed 86 per cent of his passes and made three interceptions, by far the most energetic player on the pitch.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5
The Argentine performed his usual role of keeping possession but offered not much else. Received a yellow card for his efforts.
Wataru Endo – 5
Shored up the midfield after replacing Szoboszlai and helped Liverpool restore control of the contest.
Federico Chiesa – 5
Nearly scored in the final few minutes but not allowed much time to make an impact.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – N/A
In other Liverpool news, Reds fans rage at “garbage” and “sinister” Elon Musk update.
For more Liverpool news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.