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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Theo Squires

Liverpool Legends player 'ratings' v Manchester United as Xabi Alonso oozes class and Mark Gonzalez does it again

Jerzy Dudek

The Kop will never forget the Istanbul hero. Name chanted throughout the first half as he made a number of good saves. Off his line quickly when needed and could do nothing about the stunning goal.

Bjorn Tore Kvarme

Playing at right-back, very much looked like a 90s former Liverpool player as he slowly trotted upfield to support the attack before withdrawing injured inside 15 minutes.

Stephane Henchoz

Earned cheers for one no-nonsense defensive header to stop a United counter-attack. A solid 45 minutes from the defender, who once turned down the Red Devils prior to joining Liverpool. He didn’t even look too out of breath!

HOW IT HAPPENED: Recap of all the action from the Legends match at Anfield between Liverpool and Man Utd

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Martin Skrtel

Only recently retired, it was a trademark, no-nonsense defensive display from the Slovakian. Repeatedly put his body on the line before going off injured late on after a clash of heads. Snubbed the offer of a stretcher to walk off accompanied to a standing ovation. Hard as nails.

Gregory Vignal

Loves a sliding tackle! Flung himself into numerous challenges as he was given the unenviable challenge of lining up against probably the fastest man on the pitch in Antonio Valencia.

Momo Sissoko

Thoroughly entertaining watching him reunite with fellow member of ‘the best midfield in the world’ in Xabi Alonso and charge around the Anfield turf like a bull in a China shop, flying into thunderous challenge after thunderous challenge. Darren Fletcher was a frequent victim. Came back on for the injured Skrtel at centre-back.

Stewart Downing

A quiet outing from Downing, truth be told. Passed the ball around well and linked up with Vignal. A couple of crosses headed clear by Jaap Stam.

Xabi Alonso

The star attraction on the day, he oozes class and could still play. Passing as exquisite as ever, organised his team-mates well and unlucky not to score with one smart half-volley. Bossed it second half as he was repeatedly urged to shoot by the Kop, completing the 90 minutes. Truth be told, if this game was a month ago, maybe we would have had a couple of suggestions that Jurgen Klopp should tempt him out of retirement!

Maxi Rodriguez

Playing as a number 10 so no running down the wing today. Unfortunate not to score after being denied by Raimond van der Gouw following a smart nutmeg on Johnsen.

Anthony Le Tallec

Nearly scored a stunning ‘Van Basten’ volley after being picked out by a brilliant diagonal pass from Alonso.

Andriy Voronin

Drilled on strike narrowly wide into the side-netting and couldn’t convert when trying to round Van der Gouw. Booked for a very late tackle on Danny Pugh as he looked to get into the box.

Fabio Aurelio (on for Kvarme, 14)

The birthday boy came on in an unfamiliar position at right-back. Nearly recreated his stunning Old Trafford free-kick, only to be denied by Van der Gouw. Headed narrowly wide in second half. His left foot might be one of the best to grace the Anfield turf, but his right is just for standing, as demonstrated by one wild volley into the stands.

Sander Westerveld (on for Dudek, 46)

Stunning fingertip save to keep out a downhead header from Ronny Johnsen. Had little else to do, truth be told.

Salif Diao (on for Henchoz, 46)

Playing at centre-back, he put in a solid defensive performance and a couple of smart tackles to stop United attacks.

Djimi Traore (on for Vignal, 46)

He just can’t control his feet! Flung himself into a few challenges after coming on at left-back and not shy getting forward either. Sadly couldn’t connect with a late chance to score in front of the Kop.

Albert Riera (on for Sissoko, 46)

A more withdrawn role for the Spaniard as he partnered compatriot Alonso, helped control midfield for the majority. Got forward well to support the attack and fired narrowly off-target with one cross-cum-shot.

Florent Sinama-Pongolle (on for Le Tallec, 46)

In the right place and the right time to rifle home a late winner in front of the Kop before celebrating wildly. Came off injured on his Legends debut at Old Trafford, he’ll certainly be a lot happier with his latest involvement!

Luis Garcia (on for Maxi, 46)

A smart as ever showing from the Spaniard as he came on as the number 10. Tricks, flicks and a few neat touches as he linked up well with his fellow forwards and rolled back the years by running onto Alonso through-balls.

Mark Gonzalez (on for Downing, 46)

What is it about the Chilean and Manchester United legends?! Only ever scored two Premier League goals, but now has three in two outings against the veteran Red Devils. After an Old Trafford brace, took him just a minute of the restart to equalise with a smart finish in front of the Kop. Then crossed for Pongolle’s winner.

Robbie Keane (on for Voronin, 46)

In the lone-striker role which he loathed so much during his actual Liverpool playing career. Didn’t mind it today. Set up the equaliser for Gonzalez, celebrated wildly and denied a goal of his own by Van der Gouw after smart movement in the box to win a powerful header.

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