Florian Wirtz impressed despite Liverpool’s defeat(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool carried on with their pre-season preparations against AC Milan at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong on Saturday, with Arne Slot naming some heavyweights in his starting lineup.
The squad was without new £79million striker Hugo Ekitike, as well as injured pair Alexis Mac Allister and Joe Gomez, as the Reds kicked off their Asian tour.
Rafael Leao broke the deadlock in the 10th minute, capitalising on a lapse in Liverpool’s defence to the delight of the enthusiastic Far East crowd. However, Dominik Szoboszlai spectacularly equalised on the 26-minute mark, leaving the teams tied at 1-1 going into half-time.
Slot made nine substitutions at half-time before Milan clinched a 4-2 win courtesy of a Ruben Loftus-Cheek goal and a brace from Noah Okafor. Cody Gakpo scored a late header.
Here, the Daily Star Sport provides a rundown of the Liverpool player ratings following a messy performance in Hong Kong.
AC Milan lifted the Hong Kong Football Festival trophy(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Alisson: 6
He was fortunate that Szoboszlai drew a foul after being given a ball inside the Liverpool area that he clearly didn’t want under pressure. Made some crucial saves as Milan took advantage of an exposed defence.
Luca Stephenson: 4
Caught out by Christian Pulisic’s pass down the left in the lead-up to Leao’s opening goal. It was always going to be a challenging task for the 21 year old.
Ryan Gravenberch: 7
Well, he’s not a centre-back, but rather a midfielder, as evidenced by his spot-on long balls from the back. He delivered a cracking pass to Rio Ngumoha in the lead-up to Szoboszlai’s equaliser. Played the full 90 minutes.
Virgil van Dijk: 4
Failed to cover Stephenson and didn’t apply enough pressure as Leao charged towards Alisson’s goal before slotting it into the top corner. Also left Ryan Gravenberch in the lurch by constantly venturing upfield. Copped a boot to the face towards the end. Looked painful.
Andrew Robertson: 6
Certainly didn’t put the friend in friendly when he fumed with the referee after not receiving a penalty.
Tyler Morton: 4
Milan sliced through him. Not a natural defensive midfielder, so it was a tough day at the office in a midfield trio that also included attack-minded players Harvey Elliott and Szoboszlai. Subbed off during a drinks break.
Harvey Elliott: 6
Interestingly got the nod to start while Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, both rumoured to be leaving this summer, didn’t even make the bench. Distributed the ball well.
Dominic Szoboszlai: 8
It’s puzzling to see some Liverpool fans’ dream line-ups for next season without him. As clean a striker of the ball as you’ll find, which he demonstrated again by smashing one past Mike Maignan to lift the roof off the Kai Tak.
Dominik Szoboszlai scored Liverpool’s first goal
Mohamed Salah: 5
Had a clear sight of goal after some silky build-up play by Liverpool, but uncharacteristically hesitated. Opted to square it to Wirtz, and the opportunity went begging.
Rio Ngumoha: 8
This 17 year old is showing signs of being a real gem. He topped the charts with the most dribbles (3) and duels won (4) in the first half, set up Szoboszlai’s goal and even had a pop at Maignan himself.
Florian Wirtz: 6
He was involved in some slick exchanges playing as a false nine. Showed off his speed, surprising strength and nimble footwork.
Giorgi Mamardashvili: 4
Couldn’t do much about Milan’s opening two goals after the break. He’ll be hoping his team can tighten up their defence against counter-attacks when the serious stuff kicks off. Kostas Tsimikas left him in the lurch with a dreadful pass for the last-minute fourth.
Milos Kerkez: 4
Gave Alexis Saelemaekers free rein before he assisted Okafor’s goal, putting the result beyond doubt.
Ibrahima Konate: 6
Strong in the tackle but went missing for Loftus-Cheek’s decisive goal. Managed to assist Cody Gakpo late on with a decent cross.
Kostas Tsimikas: 3
Got stuck in but was caught out on the break along with the rest of his teammates. His shocking pass to Mamardashvili as Liverpool were going all out for an equaliser handed Okafor his second on a platter.
Conor Bradley: 4
Simply couldn’t match Leao’s speed and power as he stormed through to set up Loftus-Cheek.
Conor Bradley struggled against Milan’s pace(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Trey Nyoni: 5
Struggled to make his mark on the game.
Curtis Jones: 6
Didn’t seem physically up to scratch but displayed some tidy passing.
Ben Doak: 4
Only got a touch on the ball 17 times and lost both of his ground duels.
Jeremie Frimpong: 7
Despite Liverpool’s defensive shortcomings in Hong Kong, he shone in the attacking department. Positioned himself well to steer a Cody Gakpo cross towards goal and topped the chart for most duels won on the pitch (6).
Cody Gakpo: 8
His solid header gave Liverpool a glimmer of hope for a late equaliser… until Milan netted their fourth shortly after. The Dutchman was in fine form, crafting four opportunities and firing off three shots.
