Liverpool put up a five-star performance against a hapless Burton Albion side in the second round of the EFL Cup.
Divock Origi opened the scoring for the Reds after he received an incisive pass from new signing Sadio Mane. Roberto Firmino and Emre Can soon grabbed goals for themselves as Liverpool raced into a 3-0 lead (although Can’s strike was deemed an own-goal, courtesy Burton’s Tom Naylor).
Daniel Sturridge then came off the bench in the dying stages of the game and scored two quick fire goals to give Jurgen Klopp’s side a 5-0 victory.
Here are Liverpool’s player ratings from the game:
Simon Mignolet: 6
The Liverpool goalkeeper had fairly little to do all game as Liverpool’s back line let nothing past them. His only main involvement in the game came in the 56th minute when he was called upon to make a comfortable save.
Nathaniel Clyne: 8
It was an extremely spirited display from the English right-back. He was exceptional defensively – almost flawless. Going forward too, he proved to be a constant threat and it was arguably his best performance in a Liverpool shirt.
Joel Matip: 8
After Tuesday’s performance, Matip made a case for his selection in the team. He was efficient in all aspects of the game and really impressed the Liverpool fans in attendance. He was seamless with his passes and also marshaled the back line with aplomb. A spirited showing by the Cameroonian.
Dejan Lovren: 6.5
Despite nearly conceding a penalty in the game, the Croatian defender looked fairly balanced at the back. He kept the ball ticking and helped Klopp’s side build from the back.
James Milner: 8.5
Deployed in an unfamiliar position, the Liverpool vice-captain improvised perfectly and was one of the best players on the day. He look calm and unruffled with the ball at his feet and also linked perfectly with Adam Lallana down the left flank.
Emre Can: 7
The German defender played exceptionally well as a holding midfielder and may be perfectly suited for that role. He was physical, efficient and rarely put a foot wrong against a weaker opposition. Despite an injury scare, the 23-year-old showed up and dominated the game during his time on the field.
Jordan Henderson: 5.5
Was an anomaly in the Liverpool side as he was virtually invisible for most parts of the game. Despite winning a few interceptions every now and then, his passing was lacklustre and he created no chances for the front men.
Adam Lallana: 6
Was threatening on occasions down Liverpool’s left, but was not as prolific and efficient as Sadio Mane on the opposite side. He also slowed down a number of fast-break plays and could be reconsidered as a regular starting option.
Sadio Mane: 9
Picked up a slight injury over the weekend but still recuperated in time to start the game. The new signing was energetic and tireless throughout the game and created a huge number of chances for his teammates.
His crosses were inch-perfect and was also good in his distribution. He also provided the assist for Liverpool’s second.
Roberto Firmino: 7
Was questionably played as a left forward by Klopp, but did fairly well in deputising for Phlippe Coutinho. His passing was sharp and he made a number of forward runs to make things happen for his side.
Divock Origi: 8
Starting ahead of Daniel Sturridge, the Belgian forward performed exceedingly well and grabbed a goal for his exploits. He seems to be getting better with each passing game and could be a regular in the side if he continues to put in performances like these.
Substitues
Geroginio Wijnaldum: 6.5
Kevin Stewart: 6
Daniel Sturridge: 8
