Liverpool picked up a 3-0 win over Ajax in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday to reach the Round of 16.
The win takes Liverpool into the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, and it remains to be seen whether they can go through as the group winners now.
Napoli are currently on top of the group, three points clear of the Reds. Liverpool would have to pick up a comprehensive win Anfield in their final group game to win their group.
The Reds opened the scoring at the stroke of half time through Mohamed Salah and then doubled their advantage early on in the second half through Darwin Nunez. Harvey Elliott put the game to bed just a few minutes later with a thumping effort into the roof of the net.
Jurgen Klopp switched his set up to a 4-4-2 diamond and he will be happy with the way his players adapted and performed on the night. Here at the Hard Tackle, we look at how the Liverpool players performed on the night.
A big win in Amsterdam 🤩 pic.twitter.com/CfvkLWrcHI
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 26, 2022
Alisson Becker: 7/10
The Brazilian goalkeeper was a spectator for most of the game and was barely tested by the Ajax forwards. Alisson did well with the ball at his feet and was assured with his catching. A routine outing for Liverpool’s player of the season so far.
2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Appearances
9️⃣0️⃣ Clean sheetsIncredible, @Alissonbecker 🧤 pic.twitter.com/h4p5CTDzJ9
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 26, 2022
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7/10
The right-back had a conservative approach on the night and impressed defensively. Alexander-Arnold was cautious going forward and did not make too much of an impact on the other end of the pitch. But he dealt well with the likes of Dusan Tadic.
Joe Gomez: 7/10
Gomez had a nightmare outing against Nottingham Forest, but he did well here. The Englishman was composed at the back and dealt with the threat from Ajax. Gomez did well with the distribution from the back as well.
Virgil van Dijk: 7/10
A solid defensive performance from the Dutch international. He has not been at this best this season, but Ajax barely caused any problems for the colossal centre-back, who sniffed out any danger and dealt with it accordingly.
Andy Robertson: 8/10
Andy Robertson vs Ajax:
2 clearances
1 interception
100% aerial duels won
4 crosses completed
5 chances created
1 assistHeroic performance. Man of the match. pic.twitter.com/GfVHYOEYEz
— The Anfield Buzz (@TheAnfieldBuzz) October 26, 2022
Robertson was the pick of the players on the night. Outstanding at the back, he was equally as good going forward. The Scot dealt well with Steven Bergwijn and created the goal for Darwin Nunez. A complete performance from Robertson.
Fabinho: 5/10
The Brazilian put on another underwhelming performance here. Steven Berghuis glided past him at times, and he will need to improve in the upcoming matches. Perhaps, Fabinho needs an extended period of rest.
Jordan Henderson: 7/10
Henderson did reasonably well with the ball at his feel and worked hard off it. He created the opening goal of the game with an exceptional outside-of-the-boot pass for Mohamed Salah.
Harvey Elliott: 7.5/10
19 – Harvey Elliott (19y 205d) has become the first teenager to score in consecutive UEFA Champions League appearances for Liverpool. Unfazed. pic.twitter.com/yZoqaAib2i
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 26, 2022
Deployed on the right hand side of the diamond, Elliott worked hard defensively and tried to create chances for his teammates in the final third. The teenage prodigy scored a fantastic goal in the second half to put the game beyond Ajax.
Roberto Firmino: 7/10
Firmino was asked to operate as the attacking midfielder at the tip of the diamond. He linked up well with Nunez and Salah. Had a great chance to get on the scoresheet but he decided to square it to Nunez, who missed a sitter.
Darwin Nunez: 7/10
2️⃣ in 2️⃣ for @Darwinn99 in the #UCL 🫶 pic.twitter.com/UpO24uKbcS
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 26, 2022
The Uruguayan, the player to watch in our preview, troubled Ajax with his movement and runs in behind. Nunez had a great chance to score but he hit the post with the goal laid bare in front of him. He made amends soon after with an outstanding header from the corner.
Mohamed Salah: 8/10
The Egyptian international is now the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League this season. Salah worked hard without the ball and linked up well with Nunez, Firmino and Elliott. Scored the opening goal of the game and set up Elliott’s goal in the second half.
50+ – With a goal and assist tonight, Mohamed Salah (51 – 39 goals, 12 assists) has become the third player to be directly involved in 50+ goals for English clubs in the UEFA Champions League, after Ryan Giggs (69) and Thierry Henry (52). Prestige. pic.twitter.com/aeIiPQVn4o
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 26, 2022
SUBSTITUTES
Curtis Jones: 6/10
Jones came on at a time when Liverpool were in cruise control. He did well with the ball at his feet. Created opportunities in the final third and took on the tired Ajax midfield.
Stefan Bajcetic: 6.5/10
A solid outing from the youngster. Looked defensively switched on and dealt with any late threats.
Fabio Carvalho: 6/10
Another player who worked hard after coming on and linked up with his teammates.
James Milner: 6/10
Kept things simple in the middle and helped his teammates see out the game with his experience and composure.
Kostas Tsimikas: N/A
Came on too late to make a meaningful impact.
