Liverpool player ratings as Cody Gakpo brilliant and four others shine in Milan

-Credit: (Image: Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)


Liverpool kicked off their Champions League campaign in style with a 3-1 win over AC Milan in Italy. The Reds came from a goal behind to secure all three points in the revamped competition.

Christian Pulisiic scored Milan's opener within four minutes but Liverpool soon quietened the San Siro with headers from both Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk beating Mike Maignan in the Milan goal. Dominik Szoboszlai later converted Cody Gakpo's cross to seal the victory.

Here's how Paul Gorst rated the players in Milan:

READ MORE: AC Milan vs Liverpool LIVE - score, Szoboszlai, Konate and Van Dijk goals and Amazon stream

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Alisson Becker - 6

Besides picking the ball out of the net, the Brazil goalkeeper had very little to do.

Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7

Lovely floated delivery for the leveller and the right-back was always a creative outlet for his team throughout. Got the best of the battle with Rafa Leao before being subbed for Gomez.

Ibrahima Konate - 8

Equaliser was so simple in its execution as he rose above everyone to nod home. Was left in a difficult position for the opening goal but was excellent otherwise.

Virgil van Dijk - 8

Looked largely untroubled throughout with Alvaro Morata keen to stay away from one-on-one battles. Could do little about the goal. Towering header gave Liverpool the lead they deserved.

Kostas Tsimikas - 6

Decision to try and press high was a mistake for the opening goal. Left goalscorer Pulisic with oceans of space to attack. Recovered well after that and made amends with his assist for Van Dijk.

Alexis Mac Allister - 8

An excellent showing from the Argentina international, who showcased his intelligence throughout. Movement always finds space and his passing helps others flourish. Such an important player for this Liverpool team now.

Ryan Gravenberch - 8

Continues to look the part in this deeper midfield role. Helped the team wrestle back the initiative after the early concession. A star-in-the-making on current form and one of the first names on the team sheet.

Dominik Szoboszlai - 7

Pressed and passed well but was on the periphery of the game but took his goal well from Gakpo's superb run. Slot asked for more goals on Monday so this was a very good start.

Mohamed Salah -7

Unlucky to see not one but two efforts hit the bar and bounce to safety. Was always a threat out on that right-hand side and grew into the game. Caused so many problems for Milan first period in particular.

Diogo Jota - 6

Should have made it 2-1 moments after Konate's goal but somehow didn't apply the finish. Was denied by a brave Maignan save in the second half that forced the goalkeeper off.

Cody Gakpo - 9

Looked threatening whenever he had the ball and was too strong and powerful for Milan at times with his running and dribbling. Had a few shots that worked Maignan in the first half and low cross almost brought a goal from Salah. Brilliant run set up Szoboszlai for the third.

Subs:

Darwin Nunez - 6

On for Diogo Jota, the Uruguay striker was typically active but was unable to add to the goals.

Luis Diaz - 6

Didn't have the same impact as the man he replaced in Gakpo, but he didn't need to. The game was already won.

Joe Gomez - 6

Helped keep it tight for the final knockings with the result secure.

Wataru Endo - N/a

Introduced in stoppage time.

Federico Chiesa - N/a

Ditto.