Liverpool vs Flamengo: Player Ratings as Reds win Club World Cup
Liverpool FC have officially been crowned as the world champions. The Reds rounded off a year to remember by being crowned the World Club Champions in Qatar.
Pushed hard by a Flamengo side eager to repeat their 1981 heroics, Klopp’s men held their nerve to win their first Club World Cup in their fourth attempt.
Roberto Firmino’s strike in extra-time proved to make the difference in a hard-fought final.
Liverpool have now become the first English team to complete the international treble of the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Player Ratings
Alisson Becker (8/10)
The Liverpool keeper reminisced celebrating Internacional’s victory on the streets in 2006. 13 years later he celebrated winning the title he has so cherished.
Called into action twice, both times against Gabigol he showed authority and conviction to keep the scored level in normal time. Had little else to do otherwise.
Andrew Robertson (8/10)
The Scot was a lively presence down the left flank and supported Mane in both attacks and against Rafinha’s barbs.
Stood up to whatever Flamengo threw at him and also made forays forward.
Virgil van Dijk (7/10)
Recovering from an illness, the Dutchman purveyed a sense of organization and calmness into the Liverpool defence.
Scuffed a couple of clearances which thankfully came to nothing. Strong and assured otherwise.
Joe Gomes (8.5/10)
A dominant display. The Englishman stood up to Flamengo’s attacks with ease and such was his confidence that he also made forays forward into midfield.
Covered for Trent on multiple occasions making sure the team came away with a clean sheet. With performances like this, he can nail down a spot in the starting XI.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6.5/10)
Almost grabbed an assist in the first minute with his ball to Firmino. Brune Henrique had the beating of him in the first half with Joe Gomez having to cover for him.
Gradually grew into the game and held his own in both defense and attack. Also struck a free-kick which was well saved.
Jordan Henderson (8.5/10)
A captain’s performance by the midfielder who has made it a habit of performing at the biggest stages.
Got stuck in and lead Liverpool charge to control the midfield. Sprayed around accurate long passes and almost settled the tie with a brilliant strike drawing a great save from Alves. Threaded the ball to Mane which lead to Liverpool’s Winner.
Also dealt well with a Referee who clearly wasn’t anywhere good enough at his job.
Naby Keita (7/10)
Quite average considering his recent form. Did his usual flicks and tricks but couldn’t make anything happen otherwise. Another victim of the referee’s lack of competence as he was denied a penalty after being brought down in the penalty area.
Came off for James Milner after Liverpool took the lead as Klopp sought to see out the tie.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (6/10)
Not a performance to remember as he struggled to impose himself on the game. He gave away the ball a lot of times and seemed to lack cohesion with his teammates.
Taken off in the second half with a worrying looking injury, Liverpool will hope it is nothing serious.
Mohamed Salah (7/10)
Kept pushing forward without making anything concrete happen. Squandered a 4 vs 2 counter in the first half and lacked his shooting shoes.
Almost struck in a trademark finish in extra time with Alves at full stretch to deny him. Got onto Flamengo’s nerves by taking his time on being substituted.
Shown a yellow after he caught Bruno Henrique.
Roberto Firmino (8/10)
Almost gave Liverpool the lead in the first minute only to fire over. Was made to work hard by the Flamengo defense and also struck the bar in the second half.
Never stopped running and was at hand to calmly slot in the winner after Mane had put him through in the 99th minute.
Shown a yellow card for his celebration, he will not mind it one bit.
Sadio Mane (7/10)
The livelier of the Liverpool attackers, Mane came up against Rafinha whom he had taken to the cleaners last season at Munich.
Got a Yellow for his troubles and stood up well to Rafinha’s provocations. Thought he had won a penalty for Liverpool in injury time only for an incompetent referee to give Flamengo a free-kick.
Provided the assist for Firmino’s winner.
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Substitutes
Adam Lallana (7/10)
Came on for the injured Chamberlain. Did little much of note but kept the ball well and slowed down the tempo when required.
Divock Origi (6.5/10)
Came on for Firmino in the second half and had little much to do. Helped waste time by taking the ball to the corner flag.
James Milner (7/10)
Brought experience and fresh legs to the Liverpool midfield. Brought down Henrique for a Yellow and did well in closing down space against a tiring Flamengo midfield.
Xherdan Shaqiri (NA)
Replaced Salah in the last minute of extra time as Liverpool sought to run down the time. His first touch was also his last touch as the referee brought the game to an end.
