PLAYER RATINGS: LIVERPOOL 4-1 SHREWSBURY

Liverpool hosted League One side Shrewsbury Town in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup and romped to a 4-1 victory. The visitors took the lead through Udoh before Gordon replied for the hosts. A Fabinho double and a Firmino backheel put further gloss on the scoreline. Read on for player ratings from the encounter.

Kelleher – 6

Couldn’t do much about their goal. Didn’t have much to do. Good punch out and then quickly up to his feet to grab on to a header directed goalwards. Was almost caught in possession late on.

Bradley – 7

Linked up well with Gordon down that right channel. Showed lots of drive and energy but was lacking in quality at times in the final third. He got the assist for the equaliser with a cross into Gordon. Was also involved in Bobby’s, doing well to hook Fabinho’s pass back. Grew in confidence as the game grew on and even nutmegged his man. Should have done better to prevent the cross for their goal.

Konaté – 5.5

He was very shaky today. Completely went to sleep for their goal as he just let the cross go past him, presumably with no idea the danger lurking behind him. Was also beaten to a header from a few yards out and was grateful to see Kelleher make the save. Had a chance to play in Gordon after dribbling upfield but his pass went straight to the defender. Got the assist for Bobby’s goal though.

Van Dijk – 7

Had more to deal with than he’d have expected. Dealt with it all with minimum fuss. Almost sold Kelleher short with a backpass. Won a penalty with his presence in the box proving too much for Shrewsbury to deal with. Dealt with Udoh well when he had to.

Robertson – 6.5

Lots of promising positions and situations but no real end product. His deliveries from set pieces weren’t great. He did offer a threat down the left flank however. Set one up for Dixon-Bonner but the youngster couldn’t convert. Taken out with a horrendous tackle late on. Hope he’s fine.

Fabinho – 9

MOTM. Bossed proceedings in the middle of the park, as you would expect against League One opposition. Tucked away the penalty with aplomb. His cute chipped pass led to Bobby’s goal, and then he wrapped things up with an explosive finish from a tight angle. Not sure he’s ever netted a brace in his career before. Hopefully he gets a few more goals going forward.

Dixon-Bonner – 6

Played in midfield first half and then switched to the left wing second. Did alright in midfield but fared better in attack, he seemed to relish taking on his man. Was unlucky not to score from Robertson’s deflected cutback when Marosi made a great save to thwart him from point blank range. Not a bad full debut.

Morton – 6.5

Neat and tidy as always. Looks so comfortable in possession. He was caught on the ball second half when he tried to spin away from his man. Played well enough, needs to add more incision to his passing though. Goes side to side on too many occasions. Showed lovely feet in the box late on but got in the way of Minamino who wanted to shoot.

Gordon – 8

The 17 year old looked our most dangerous player first half. He cut inside his man and aimed for the bottom corner, bringing out a good save from Marosi. He then equalised with a piece of individual brilliance. Taking Bradley’s cross with a touch, he sold his man with another deft touch, before finishing past the keeper with a sweep of his left boot. Salah would be proud. Tired a bit second half as he constantly chased back to help out Bradley defensively.

Woltman – 5

Thankless task up top for the youngster. Worked hard but didn’t really get on the end of any opportunities. A great day for him as he made his full debut infront of a full Anfield crowd.

Jones – 6

Started on the left wing and moved into midfield second half. He takes way too many touches on the ball. In attack you have to be decisive when you get on the ball, Curtis took too many touches and saw good shooting opportunities closed down. He was sensible in possession in midfield but you want more penetration. First start in months so he can only get better.

Substitutes

Minamino – 6

Injected a bit of urgency in the Reds’ press. Sought to combine with Firmino when he came on. His movement was really good as he dropped deep to make himself an option for whoever was in possession.

Firmino – 8

Bobby came on and the step up in quality was visible. He could make it stick and could bring others into play. He scored with a cheeky backheel, in typical Bobby style. Was denied another by a brilliant block. Set Frauendorf up for a shot but the youngster couldn’t make the most of it.

Frauendorf – 6

Came on for his debut with ten minutes left on the clock. Charged about and made a nuisance of himself. He rode two challenges to emerge with the ball on the left wing and looked to combine with Robertson before the full back was scythed down. Should have done better with a shot inside the box.

Tsimikas – 7

Came on in added time and with his first touch, set up a goal. A wicked free kick found Fabinho in space and the Brazilian applied the finishing touch after seeing his initial header blocked.

Norris – N/A

On in added time. Must be buzzing to make his first appearance at Anfield for the first team.

Jurgen Klopp

Returned to the touchline after a bout with Covid. Went with a mixture of senior players and a smattering of youngsters. His side went down but showed a good response to comeback and win comfortably. The Robertson knock is the only negative on another day where youngsters got their chance.