Player Ratings: Mac Allister and Salah Star in Liverpool’s 2-0 Win Over Bologna | OneFootball

Champions League: Player Ratings as Liverpool Defeat Bologna 2-0 at Anfield

The Premier League took a step back on this Wednesday night under the Anfield lights, with this Champions League group encounter being played out between Liverpool and their Italian visitors, Bologna.

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Alisson Becker – 7.0

The Brazilian stopper was relieved to see an early Bologna goal ruled for offside, as much of his early input was to recycle play and remain switched on. The presence of the giant keeper was vital (later in the half) as the Italians fought to try and get back into the tie, requiring some smart saves from the 32-year-old.

As the match resumed, the former Roma man was

Trent Alexander Arnold – 7.0

The England superstar was smart with his passing early on, as territorial advantage was soon in the favour of the hosts. Moments of loose defensive work were unfortunate later in the half, as the visitors started coming into the game. After a superb surge and clever cross, the fullback was again effective through the remainder of the half.

As the encounter resumed, the club vice captain was key in creating the space for Mohamed Salah’s goal, as his roaming run allowed the Egyptian to cut inside.

Subbed – 85 mins

Andy Robertson – 7.0

The Scottish international skipper was keen with his defensive play in the first half, whilst remaining a constant option when the home side flooded forward. An important header away stopped a brilliant chance materializing for Bologna, with the fullback keeping calm under pressure.

After the half time break, the former Hull man was steady before leaving the field.

Subbed – 71 mins

Ibrahima Konaté – 8.0

The France international defender started once more, with his importance now clear for all to see. A combative and reactionary half was key to stemming an enthusiastic attack, as his side battled to stay in front through an entertaining first half of play.

After the break, the former RB Leipzig man was again vital and out his body wherever it was needed.

Virgil van Dijk – 9.0

The captain and leader of this team was alert early on to hold a smart defensive line and ensure an early goal was ruled offside. His authority was clear and vital for the remainder of the first period, with the visitors giving their all to try and find the equalizer.

After the restart, the former Saints skipper was fast and imposing in his work, with a desire to claim yet another clean sheet.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8.0

The Duch midfielder was a little caught out early on, as his first touch nearly ended in a decent attacking opportunity for the visitors. As the half progressed, so did the impact of the 6ft 3inch middle man, as he started to take a hold of the game.

After the break, the former Ajax academy graduate was superb on the ball and in transition.

⭐ Alexis Mac Allister – 9.0 (Man of the Match)

The Argentina World Cup winner created the opening goal after a penetrating run and tap in from close range. His energy and desire as the holding midfielder allowed both Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai to press higher up the pitch. After the restart, the brilliance in composure was clear to see for a man in complete control.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0

The Hungarian skipper was unlucky not to score Liverpools second goal, as his side footed effort drifted wide of the far post. The power and tenacity of the attacking midfielder was key to stemming an opponent intent of making a game of the contest, as he used his pace and strength to dispel advancing attacks. After the half time team-talk, the former RB Leipzig man was electric in a breakaway and superb pass that should have seen Lucho finally score. An assist for Salah’s incredible strike allowed for a very solid outing.

Subbed – 85 mins

Luis Díaz – 7.0

The Colombian flyer was keen to get in on the overwhelming action early on, as his team took control of the encounter. A beautiful crafted give and go with his vice captain, Trent Alexander Arnold, nearly brought about a great chance to score the second.

As the encounter resumed, the former Porto man was a trailblazer on the ball and despite not scoring, was a key ingredient to most attacking patterns of play.

Subbed – 71 mins

Darwin Núñez – 6.0

The Uruguayan Raging Bull was eager and full of enthusiasm early on, as his early goal was ruled offside due to his marginal movement off the defenders shoulder. A bright half brought some good chances and his energy was important to how the team attacked.

After half time, the former Benfica man was keen to showing good running before leaving the field.

Subbed – 60 mins

Mohamed Salah – 9.0

The Egyptian King was superb in drifting over a wonderful cross for the opening goal, as he looked intent on being a provider of many chances early on. Some lovely moments and intriguing play was apparent in the opening 45-minutes, with the final decision sometimes lacking. After the intermission, the former Roma winger was unlucky with a curling effort that just missed the far post. Later in the second period, a wonderfully crafted strike when cutting inside saw the record breaking attacker curl into the top corner.

Substitutions:

Diogo Jota – 6.0 (on 60)

Came on to add more of a clinical edge.

Kostas Tsimikas – 6.0 (on 71)

Came on to add control to the middle ground.

Cody Gakpo –  6.0 (on 71)

Came on.

Conor Bradley –  N/A (on 85)

Came on.

Curtis Jones –  N/A (on 85)

Came on.

The Manager:

Arne Slot – 7.0

The Dutch manager was keen to get his strongest possible eleven on the pitch from the outset, which proved the correct decsion with an early and important opening goal. Placing Alexis Mac Allister into the holding midfield position allowed the more athletic midfielders to press high up the pitch and overwhelm an enthusiastic visitor in that first half.

The second half was a case of controlling possession and the substitutes became part of adding more energy, especially with the weekend game incoming. A wonderful Mohamed Salah goal capped a solid team effort.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

Liverpool 2 – 0 Bologna