Xherdan Shaqiri gets a 9 as Swiss star runs the show in Liverpool's 4-0 win in Champions League

Aditya Devavrat 01:23 25/10/2018
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  • Shaqiri was the star of the show.

    Liverpool blew Red Star Belgrade away with a clinical 4-0 win in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with their all-star front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane all getting on the scoresheet.

    The real star of the show, however, was Xherdan Shaqiri, pulling the strings behind them in a superb performance.

    Here’s how the Reds rated on the night.

    STARTING XI

    Alisson 7 – Had little to do all game – in fact, Red Star didn’t force him into even one save. His distribution and handling were solid as usual.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold 7 – Was good in defence on the few occasions he was tested, and his usual threat out wide in attack. Mixed results from set-piece duties, with a couple of dangerous corners but also some wasted free-kicks.

    Joe Gomez 8 – Another assured display from a young defender who has come a long way in a short span this season. Unruffled the few times Red Star threatened in attack, as he dealt with their forwards with ease.

    Virgil van Dijk 8 – Largely untroubled in defence as Red Star’s attack was kept at arm’s length, though the confidence he adds to the back-line which allows that to happen is a big part of what he brings to Liverpool.

    Andy Robertson 8 – A typically robust display from the left-back. His defending was solid and uncompromising. Displayed his usual work-rate in attack, including producing a few excellent crosses.

    Georginio Wijnaldum 6 – A purposeful display, though one without any end product. His work on the press and driving forward with the ball was typically energetic.

    Fabinho 9 – His first Champions League start for Liverpool, and Fabinho delivered an excellent display. The Brazilian controlled things in midfield with simple, composed passing, while also showing off a few flicks and tricks.

    Xherdan Shaqiri 9 – While he didn’t get on the scoresheet, Shaqiri ran the show for Liverpool with a sublime display, setting up the first two goals. The deeper role in midfield may be unfamiliar to him, but he’s taken to it like a duck to water.

    Mohamed Salah 8 – This looked more like the Salah of last season, as he built on his goalscoring performance at the weekend with another couple of goals here. His first, a finish off his weaker foot, shows that his confidence is back.

    Roberto Firmino 7 – Scored a superb opener, rounding off a sweeping Liverpool move, and was always in the perfect position whether his team was defending or attacking.

    Sadio Mane 6 – Got his goal eventually, ending a seven-game drought, but it came after a missed penalty and a display that was full of frustration. He’ll be relieved to have gotten on the scoresheet.

    Salah looked back to his best.

    Salah looked back to his best.

    SUBSTITUTES

    Adam Lallana 6 – Full of running as always, and why wouldn’t he be after the time he’s missed through injury. Passed up a glorious chance to get on the scoresheet after being sent through one-on-one.

    Daniel Sturridge 7 – Came on and set up a goal for Mane, continuing his renaissance for Liverpool this season with another assured display that nearly yielded a spectacular goal at the end.

    Alberto Moreno 6 – Lively cameo at the end, after he replaced the excellent Robertson.

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