Liverpool ratings as defence get great marks in Champions League shutdown of Spurs

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  • A extremely professional display from Liverpool saw them clinch their sixth European crown in a Champions League final that used up most of its drama within the first minute.

    Mohamed Salah fittingly dispatched a penalty – from a contentious Moussa Sissoko handball – in the Spanish capital, helping to banish painful memories of last year’s defeat to Real Madrid.

    Tottenham were never truly in it as a superb Liverpool rearguard bottled up the Spurs attack, before the Reds’ super sub Divock Origi fired home late on to take the club’s remarkable European record to even greater heights.

    Here are our Liverpool ratings …

    LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)

    Alisson – Saved well from Eriksen, but it speaks for the unit ahead of him that Liverpool held a lead for so long, so comfortably 7

    Trent Alexander-Arnold – Apart from one clumsy foul on Rose, pristine in defence. Usual devilish crosses, too – what a talent 8

    Virgil Van Dijk – His pincer movement with Matip on Kane nullified the England forward. Snuffed out one great Son run 8

    Joel Matip – Did he outshine Van Dijk, or has big Virgil helped him become this composed? Crucial intervention in first half 8

    Andy Robertson – Less threat came down his side, but the teak-tough Scot thrived and his crosses from deep are things of beauty 7

    Fabinho – Game was seemingly set up for him when defending a lead, but wasn’t the destroyer he has been at his best this season 6

    Georginio Wijnaldum – Only made 12 passes as Reds kept their structure. Cut out one dangerous move in first 45, replaced on hour 6

    Jordan Henderson – A few aimless balls aside – par for the course – was the Reds midfielder most likely to snuff danger out 6

    Mohamed Salah – Came good when his side needed him – a minute in. Erratic shooting but goal changed his role, harried well 7

    Roberto Firmino – Like his counterpart, clearly was not match fit. A+ for effort as always, but right to come off in 57th minute 5

    Sadio Mane – Began to make some very dangerous runs from deep in the second half, kept Spurs on their toes 7

    SUBSTITUTES

    Divock Origi (58′) – Had a chasing brief for the last half-hour as Liverpool, but then what a finish when the chance came his way 8

    James Milner (62′) – Fizzed a low shot past the post after good work from Mane, wonderfully experienced sub to bring on 6

    Joe Gomez (90′) – No more than a victory lap for the young defender N/A

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