Liverpool Player Ratings vs Rangers: Salah and Firmino shine in a seven-goal rout at the Ibrox
After what seemed to be a slow start to the game in the first half, Liverpool seemed to never downshift from sixth gear in the second 45 minutes against Glasgow Rangers at the Ibrox in the Reds’ fourth UEFA Champions League matchday.
Mohamed Salah scored the fastest-ever UCL hat trick, completing the feat in just 6 minutes and 12 seconds after coming on. Roberto Firmino was on a roll, scoring on either side of the 45 and assisting Darwin Nunez’s first Champions League goal for Liverpool.
Harvey Elliott was Liverpool’s final goal-scorer of the day, taking his goal nicely from close range. Diogo Jota, who also came on at the same time as Salah, got three assists to his name in that short duration. Notably, all of his assists were for the Egyptian.
Overall, a near-perfect game for Liverpool against the Rangers with some regions of improvement. A 7-1 win means we are now top three points off Napoli in second position in Group A with two matchdays to go. A draw against the Italians at Anfield will confirm qualification for the knockout rounds.
Here are the Liverpool Player Ratings.
Alison Becker: 7/10
The Brazilian had a good number of saves early on in the game. Apart from the tough goal conceded, Alisson was good in between the sticks. Top-class distribution as well from the top-class goalie. Solid game from the former AS Roma keeper.
Joe Gomez: 8/10
The 25-year-old filled in very well for injured Trent Alexander-Arnold. Won all of his aeriel duels and was strong on the ground as well. Created numerous chances and assisted Firmino’s second goal of the night.
Ibrahima Konate: 7/10
Ibou won the most duels in the match with eight. (stats from FotMob). Blocked a wonderful shot, which could have resulted in Rangers scoring a goal and momentum could swing. Won 100% of his tackles and was solid in front of Alisson.
Virgil van Dijk: 7/10
Big Virg had a good game partnering with Ibrahima Konate. 100% tackle success rate and also made multiple clearances. A good game for a good centre-back, but given it is Van Dijk, one would expect an average rating of 8. Nonetheless, VVD was quite sturdy and positive throughout the game.
Kostas Tsimikas:7/10
The ‘Greek Scouser’ was running up and down the left wing without any plight and was pretty balanced in both, defensive and offensive contributions. Assisted Bobby’s first goal from a corner kick, which equalised the score for the Reds. Tsimikas made multiple recoveries as well.
Fabinho: 7.5/10
The former AS Monaco man completed the most passes in the match, with 60. Offensively, created three chances and made seven recoveries at the back and won all of his ground duels. Good game for Fab.
Jordan Henderson: 7.5/10
Balanced contribution in both offence and defence. Created a chance early in the first half and won all of his tackles defensively. Hendo was taken off in the 67th minute.
Harvey Elliott: 8.5/10
The 19-year-old was a constant menace for the Rangers’ backline with his frequency of runs and deft touches in and around the box. Took his well-deserved goal quite late in the game after several goal attempts. Promising signs from the youngster.
Roberto Firmino: 9/10
Two goals and an assist to Bobby’s name. He has been in sublime form this season and it has continued with this outing against the Scottish side. Extremely clinical game and is coming in clutch for Liverpool multiple times this season. Top performance from the Brazilian.
Darwin Nunez: 8/10
Nunez scored his first UEFA Champions League goal for Liverpool in this game. Made constant runs and was a thorn in their back four. With growing confidence, his output is also showing. Played a few cheeky long balls and would have probably gotten a goal given the way he was playing if he was not subbed.
Fabio Carvalho: 7/10
Carvalho had an impressive game in LW given his age and experience playing in that unfamiliar role. He had two of his shots blocked. The 20-year-old will gain some confidence if he keeps starting games regularly and will hopefully be a star at the club.
More Liverpool News
- Liverpool defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip are out injured for three weeks
- Jurgen Klopp confirms Liverpool ace Andy Robertson will return from injury against Rangers
- Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp talks about his opinion about the penalty against Arsenal
Substitutes
Mohamed Salah: 10/10
Fastest UCL hat trick. Mo also broke the record for the most goals scored by a player for an English club in the UEFA Champions League. Short, brief appearance, Salah took his chance and made it count. AND HOW! A wonderful game for the Egyptian and hope this form carries on.
Thiago Alcantara: 7/10
Not much of an impact but had a good few passes around the edge of the box and had one accurate long ball. Won most of his ground duels as well. Solid game for our Spanish Wizard.
Andrew Robertson: 7/10
Good performance on return from injury. Hopefully, Robbo recovers well so that there is no recurrence. Played several passes and did not get into unnecessary challenges as it was his first game from a lay-off.
Diogo Jota: 9/10
In just 17 minutes, Jota created more chances than anyone else in the game with four. 100% pass accuracy and three of those to Mo Salah, with the Portuguese registering for himself a hat-trick of assists.
James Milner: N/A
Milly did not see himself getting involved in the thick of things towards the dying embers of the game. Hence, could not have a major impact on the game, and did not warrant any ratings as well.
