Liverpool vs Shrewsbury Town: Liverpool Player Ratings
The ‘magic of the cup’ was on full show at Anfield as Liverpool’s youngest-ever team showed guts and commitment to win 1-0 against League One side Shrewsbury Town.
The young Reds took the game to the opposition and looked unfazed by the grand setting of a packed Anfield crowd.
Liverpool dominated the possession and kept the ball well. The more experienced players such as Curtis Jones, Pedro Chirivella and Neco Willams imposed themselves well as they lead their teammates.
Much was made of the game prior to kickoff, with some rightly calling it a match-up of men against kids. It was a baptism of fire from which the kids came unscathed. They showcased that Liverpool are always up for the fight, regardless of the team being put out.
Shrewsbury were largely kept quiet. They looked to have scored from their first shot on target but thankfully for the Reds, it was ruled out for offside.
In the end, it was an own goal that settled the tie. Former Manchester United defender Ro-Shaun Williams headed past his own keeper to send Anfield wild.
Liverpool held on in what was a night to remember for the kids.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Caoimhin Kelleher (7/10)
Wasn’t overly troubled by the Shrewsbury attack. Saved well from David Edwards before Shaun Whalley converted from the rebound.
Thankfully the goal was ruled off for offside. Tried to distribute the ball quickly and came off the line to gather a dangerous cross in stoppage time.
Neco Williams (9/10)
Liverpool’s best player of the night. The youngster could have had a hattrick had his finishing been a tad better.
It was his cross that was turned in by Ro Shaun Williams past his own keeper to give Liverpool the lead. Also showed his defensive awareness in what was a solid display.
Ki Jana Hoever (7.5/10)
A solid yet unspectacular display from the Dutchman. Played second fiddle to his centre-back partner as he handled everything Shrewsbury threw at him. Was at hand to make a few crucial interventions as the opposition pushed up for an equalizer.
Sepp van den Berg (8/10)
An impressive performance by the youngster who has looked out of sorts so far. Looked comfortable on the ball and nonplussed with the setting.
Showed good pace and awareness and communicated well with his backline.If he keeps it up, Liverpool will have another player on their hands.
Adam Lewis (7/10)
Ran up and down the flank all night. He was afforded space to run into due to Shrewsbury’s narrow formation.
Put in a few promising crosses and hot a freekick into the wall in the second half.
Pedro Chirivella (8/10)
Liverpool’s oldest player on the night, the Spaniard put his experience and leadership ability to use. He directed the players around him well and was always available to diffuse a situation.
Showed excellent tactical awareness and read the game well to blunt any Shrewsbury attack.
Jake Cain (7/10)
Part of the midfield three that dominated possession. Kept things simple and seemed unfazed by the occasion. Created a good chance for Williams, only for the fullback to blaze over.
Leighton Clarkson (7/10)
A tidy performance by the youngster. Created a chance for Harvey Elliott and kept the ball ticking in a performance full of maturity.
Curtis Jones (8/10)
It has been a campaign to remember for Jones. The 19-year-old became Liverpool’s youngest captain ever as he led his team out for the match. Showed excellent leadership and lead from the front as the Reds started out on the front foot.
Smashed a long-range shot right at the keeper and got into some good positions. His finishing and decision making in the final third let him down at times, but carried himself well and was always available for a pass.
Liam Millar (7/10)
Showed tremendous energy and a willingness to run himself into the ground. Closed the Shrewsbury backline well and gave it his all. Didn’t have much of a sniff at goal. Was given a proper ovation by the crowd upon being substituted.
Harvey Elliott (7/10)
A promising display by the youngster but far from his effective best. A bag of tricks, he created a number of problems for the Shrewsbury defence. However, he seemed to lack the final ball as his efforts were rebuffed.
Had a good chance to put his side two-up in the second half but overhit the pass allowing the Shrewsbury keeper to clear.
Substitutes
Joe Hardy (NA)
From playing for Brentford a month ago to making his Liverpool debut at Anfield yesterday. It has been a brilliant month for the January signing. Didn’t have much time to make an impact but held up the ball well.
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Morgan Boyes (NA)
The youngster recently signed a new contract. Came on late to add an extra body in the defence.
Elijah Dixon-Bonner (NA)
Another Liverpool sub to run the clock down. The youngster looked eager and immediately got stuck in as Liverpool sought to see out the game.
