Liverpool took on Wogan Athletic in a pre-season friendly on Sunday at the DW Stadium. Goals from Danny Ings and Ben Woodburn helped Liverpool overcome Wigan 2-0. Liverpool’s “Little Magician”, Philippe Coutinho was back from his summer break and was the second best player on the pitch before he was substituted at the end of the first half. Klopp gave the youngsters another chance and most of them did not disappoint. But the real star was 16-year-old Ben Woodburn who scored his second goal in as many games. The goal was a good reward for his perfprmance in which he showed confidence in abundance. But how did the other Liverpool players perform? Here are our player ratings.
Starting Eleven
Loris Karius – 5
The German goalkeeper had a heart-in-the-mouth moment when Matip’s backpass rolled under his foot towards an open net. Luckily, he recovered well and did not let the Wigan player to slot the ball into the net. And for the rest of the match, he was hardly troubled.
Joel Matip- 6.5
Matip still lacks the physicality but was composed on the ball and was stable while defending set pieces. Almost played the full match but went off in the 88th minute with a slight injury. Alongside Lovren, Matip is forming a strong partnership.
Dejan Lovren- 7
Lovren was handed the captain’s armband and he did not disappoint. He played with the same confidence with which he ended the last season. Also, he was aerially strong and will be a key figure in Liverpool’s defense next season.
Connor Randall- 5.5
The right back exhibited good pace while going forward. He made good runs but lacked the final ball and needs to work on it. Defensively, he had a quiet afternoon.
Jon Flanagan- 5
Flanagan looked out-of-place standing in for Alberto Moreno. Did not have a good game and offered nothing while going forward.
Cameron Brannagan- 7
The 20-year-old gave another mature performance in the centre of the park. He released Mane a number of times down the right-hand side. He always wants the ball at his feet and plays good passes. Can fight for a place next season.
Kevin Stewart- 6
He was hardly noticed at the holding midfield position but all he did was good. He was good on the ball well and provided good support to the centre backs.
Philippe Coutinho- 7.5
The Brazilian was Liverpool’s most influential player on the pitch in the first 45 minutes. His tricky turns made it a nightmare for the defenders. He hit the woodwork twice and produced a stunning turn/assist but Mane couldn’t finish the move. Unfortunate not to score on his return.
Ovie Ejaria- 6
Ejaria had a quiet afternoon but showed good coposure for his young age. Did misplace a few passes when in good positions but showed prospect for the future.
Sadio Mane- 6
Won a lot of fouls but did not have a significant impact on the match. Lacked precision in the final third and did not provide an end product.
Roberto Firmino- 5.5
Firmino endured a difficult day. He never looked like scoring a goal but worked hard when off the ball.
Liverpool made 8 changes at half time and the substitutes clearly played better than the starting eleven. Here are the substitutes’ ratings.
Tiago Ilori- 6
Except for a moment or two, looked dependable. He has been called up for the Olynpics and that added to his confidence on the pitch.
Andre Wisdom- 6.5
Wisdom looked conposed at the right back position but did not have a lot to do. Worked well with the ball but did nothing to draw attention from Klopp.
Lucas Leiva- 7
Liverpool’s longest serving player was at his best once again. This time though, he played a more attacking game, as he burst through the box several times. Just missed out on his 2nd goal in 3 games.
Trent Alexander-Arnold- 6
A little quieter than the previous two games but whatever he did was good. He has a great vision and an excellent passing range. He showed glimpses of that. Also, he is great going forward.
Ryan Kent- 7
Continued his good form and was impressive with his passing and runs. Provided an excellent assist for Woodburn’s goal. Missed a couple of chances but will compete for a place in the first team soon.
Lazar Markovic- 5
Was disappointing, again. Provided the assist for Ings’ goal but had very little impact on the game. Needs to do better if he wants to play for the first team next season.
Ben Woodburn- 8
He was surely the Man of the Match yesterday. Was at his best and scored his second goal in as many matches. His vision is great and his finishing is even better. And at 16 he is Liverpool’s best academy player. Will get his chance in the first team next season.
Danny Ings- 7
Was rewarded for his persistent efforts in front of the goal with a second goal in 3 games. A cool finish and is working hard for the time he lost last season. Will play a vital role next season.