Rio Ngumoha sensational, Virgil van Dijk awful – Liverpool ratings in AC Milan loss
Arne Slot’s side experienced a game of two very different halves as Liverpool lost 4-2 to AC Milan during their pre-season tour in Hong Kong.
Despite early pressure, Rafael Leao was able to break free and fire an incredible effort past Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, before Dominik Szoboszlai curled home a beautiful equaliser after 25 minutes.
With multiple changes made at the half-time break, the Reds were slow to react, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek giving AC Milan the lead and Noah Okafor adding a third, yet again on the counter-attack.
Cody Gakpo managed to grab a goal back before a mix-up between Giorgi Mamardashvili and Kostas Tsimikas allowed Okafor to tap in for a fourth with the final kick of the game.
The Reds will now jet out to Japan to face Yokohama F.Marinos for another pre-season friendly on Wednesday, 30 July, before facing Athletic Club.
Ryan Gravenberch shines at centre-back
Alisson (On for Mamardashvili 46′) – 6
Rock at the back, remained solid throughout his 45 minutes on the pitch.
Luca Stephenson (Off for Kerkez 46′) – 5
Some positive signs from the 21-year-old, though he sometimes found himself out of position.
Ryan Gravenberch (Off for Morton 62′) – 8
Immaculate range of passing from the centre of defence. Barely out a foot wrong.
Virgil van Dijk (Off for Konate 46′) – 3
Far from his best, allowing Leao to get ahead of him for Milan’s opening goal.
Andy Robertson (Off for Tsimikas 46′) – 5
Had some good spells in the final third but struggled a little with the pace of the game.
Dominik Szoboszlai (Off for Jones 46′) – 8
Scored a worldie to equalise in the first half, side-footing his effort past Chelsea-linked shot-stopper Mike Maignan, and set an example for his teammates.
Rio Nguhoma stars against AC Milan
Tyler Morton (Off for Nyoni 46′, back on for Gravenberch 62′) – 6
Nothing special from the youngster, with a few mistakes cropping up in his play. Still young, and still learning.
Harvey Elliott (Off for Doak 46′) – 6
Clearly working hard to prove himself at Liverpool, but with the likes of Newcastle United and Tottenham possibly watching Elliott, as Mick Brown told Football Insider.
Florian Wirtz (Off for Frimpong 46′) – 7
A positive first outing in Liverpool colours in Hong Kong, creating multiple chances and linking up well with his new teammates.
Rio Ngumoha (Off for Bradley 46′) – 9 – Man of the Match
Sensational 45 minutes from the 17-year-old, deservedly grabbing his assist for Szoboszlai’s delightful effort.
Mohamed Salah (Off for Gakpo 46′) – 5
Continued to be dangerous, but wasted far too many chances in such a short space of time.
Arne Slot’s substitutions shift friendly game
Substitutes
Giorgi Mamardashvili (On for Alisson 46′) – 4
Thrown straight into the deep end, conceding three against the Italian giants. Little he could do when the Reds were caught on the counter-attack, but the final goal was rather embarrassing.
Milos Kerkez (On for Stephenson 46′) – 6
Stayed strong at full-back, winning fouls and crunching into tackles. Wears his heart on his sleeve, and fans absolutely love him.
Ibrahima Konate (On for Van Dijk 46′) – 6
A steady performance from the Frenchman, who had several centre-back partners in the second half.
Kostas Tsimikas (On for Robertson 46′) – 4
A subdued display from the Greek international, staying behind the attack in case of further counter-attacks. Simple error to end on.
Curtis Jones (On for Szoboszlai 46′) – 4
Failed to have much of an impact during his 45 minutes on the pitch, unable to grab the game by the scruff of the neck.
Jeremie Frimpong (On for Wirtz 46′) – 7
Desperate to get on the scoresheet already, causing panic down the opposition’s flank whenever he has possession.
Trey Nyoni keen to impress for Liverpool in Hong Kong
Ben Doak (On for Elliott 46′) – 5
Was getting into all the right areas, but could not latch onto the final pass to grab an all-important goal.
Cody Gakpo (On for Salah 46′) – 8
Immediately started creating chances in the final third. One of Liverpool’s focal points ahead of next season. Got his deserved goal.
Conor Bradley (On for Ngumoha 46′) – 4
Caught out on the counter-attack far too easily, missing tackles and not being able to keep up with play.
Trey Nyoni (On for Morton 46′) – 6
Showing some very positive signs, bursting into the penalty area with the ball, while also crunching into tackles against AC Milan.