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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Lawrence Ostlere

Leipzig vs Liverpool player ratings as Curtis Jones shines on Champions League stage

Photograph: Getty

Liverpool took a major step towards the Champions League quarter-finals with an impressive victory over RB Leipzig in Budapest.

The match was moved to Hungary from Germany due to German coronavirus rules and means Liverpool take two precious away goals back to Anfield for the second leg.

Mohamed Salah scored their first goal early in the second half after pouncing on a slack pass in the Leipzig defence, and Sadio Mane scored a similar goal a few minutes later to give the Reds a commanding lead.

Here is how the Liverpool players rated:

Alisson Becker, 7: Made one really important save early in the second half, rushing out of his goal to stop Christopher Nkunku running through on goal, on an otherwise surprisingly quiet night for the goalkeeper.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, 7: A tidy defensive performance from the right-back, who kept the advancing full-back Angelino relatively quiet and played some typically exquisite passes.

Ozan Kabak, 8: A much-improved performance by the young Turkish defender who looked far more composed here than he did on his Premier League debut against Leicester City.

Jordan Henderson, 7: The captain put in another reliable shift at centre-back.

Andrew Robertson, 7: Threatened down the left with his crosses and almost scored a wondergoal with a 40-yard lob which floated just over the bar.

Georginio Wijnaldum, 6: A neat performance, if a little quiet in midfield.

Curtis Jones, 9: Absolutely outstanding at times, gliding around the pitch like the Champions League is his rightful stage. Set up Mane’s goal with a measured pass over the top. Plenty more to come from this young talent.

Thiago Alcantara, 7: Made a trademark foul after 70 seconds and played some trademark passes throughout his 70 minutes on the pitch, showing just what he can bring to this team.

Mohamed Salah, 8: Sharp and alert for the opening goal. Played some dangerous passes too and was a consistent threat.

Roberto Firmino, 7: Thought he’d scored the opener only for the assistant to decide the ball had gone out of play.

Sadio Mane, 8: Dangerous throughout and took his goal well.

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