PLAYER RATINGS: AC MILAN 1-4 LIVERPOOL

Liverpool cruised to a 4-1 victory over AC Milan as they wrapped up the Dubai Super Cup. An early Salah goal was cancelled out by Saelemaekers, before Thiago restored the lead before the break. Darwin Nunez came off the bench to light the game up with a brace second half. Here are player ratings from the encounter.

Kelleher – 7

Well beaten for the goal. Made a smart stop at his near post. His excellent distribution helped the side keep their tight grip of control on the game.

Milner – 8.5

Was everywhere! Rolled back the years with some incisive wing play. Created a number of openings going forward and was rock solid at the back. Kept Rebic honest and made several crucial blocks/interceptions in the box.

Matip – 8

Went on a mazy run and ended up with an assist. It was a lovely cushioned first time pass for Salah. He was another who was always on hand to clear danger in his own box. Headed one corner wide second half. Good to see him back fit.

Gomez – 7.5

Got across at pace to put out some fires. Was generally solid throughout. Kept his passing simple, stepping into midfield with the ball when required.

Robertson – 5.5

A hard one to rate. He showed his usual energy and hustle and bustle style, getting into some good areas as a result, but his final ball wasn’t quite at the levels. Was poor for their goal as he backed off Saelemaekers and allowed the shot. Played one suicidal pass straight to a Milan shirt and was lucky nothing came off it.

Bajcetic – 7.5

Looked accomplished at the base of midfield. He’s certainly been watching Thiago in training as he pulled off a number of the Spaniard’s trademark turns. Stole back the ball often times with his deceptively long limbs. Showed good vision as well with some line breaking passes. Promising.

Elliott – 6

The youngster did okay, tried to combine with Salah down the right. Needs to add a bit of unpredictability to his play though.

Thiago – 9

Absolutely ran the show. His range of passing is obvious but it always manages to take the breath away. There was one such moment when he had a bit of keepy-ups before spraying a delightful pass down the left wing. Won his challenges in the middle of the pitch as well, marrying the dirty side with the sublime. Cracking goal. Took a touch and then slammed past the keeper after a corner was half cleared to the edge of the box.

Salah – 6.5

Scored early when he gave the goalkeeper the eyes before rolling calmly into the bottom corner after being played clean through by Matip. Looked up for it but his passing let him down. Enjoyed himself out there.

Firmino – 6.5

Some filthy flicks on show as per usual. Worked his socks off at the tip of the press.

Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6

Operated on the left wing. Tried to combine with Salah and Firmino. Grew into the game as it wore on. Incurred the wrath of Milner when he opted to shoot with the veteran wide open on the right. Worked hard.

Substitutes

Adrian – 6

Not much to do in normal time. Great save from Aldi’s spot kick.

Tsimikas – 6

Some wicked set piece deliveries. Nutmegged by Saelemaekers. Saw his pen saved in the shootout.

Frauendorf – 5

Played out of position at right back. Didn’t seem sure of himself in terms of positioning or passing.

Keita – 5.5

Came on for Thiago. Lovely ball over the top for Darwin but the big man slipped before he could shoot. Saw his weak penalty well saved.

Carvalho – 6

Pushed around by the physical Kalulu. Drifted central to try and influence the game. Could have slipped Darwin through late on but elected to go for the shot. It was comfortable enough for the keeper. Boss pen.

Clark – 7

Played the pass of the match with an astonishing through ball for Darwin’s first. What a pass! Confident penalty as well. Only 17 years old, wow.

Darwin – 9

Immediately got involved, with his snap shot smothered by the keeper. He went close again when he accelerated past Bennacer before seeing his left footed effort tipped over. He got his goal when his well timed run was met by Clark’s majestic pass, before producing a clinical near post finish.

He then tapped home Doak’s centre for his second of the night, albeit with a hint of offside. Was lucky to see his poor penalty squirm past the goalkeeper. Not the worst return to the team after a tough World Cup campaign.

Phillips – 7

Made a crucial block in the box to halt a dangerous attack. Put his head where it hurts, as per, when he took a boot to the face from Bennacer. Moved to the left when Quansah came on.

Doak – 7.5

Showed what he was all about with some direct running. First, he breezed past the Milan defence and saw his shot cannon off the post. He then beat his man again before finding Darwin at the backpost for a tap in. He should have bagged a second assist but chose to ignore Darwin this time, shooting wide with his left foot. Jürgen Klopp certainly enjoyed his cameo.

Corness – N/A

Battled hard in midfield.

Quansah – N/A

On late on for Gomez.