Liverpool’s final game of pre-season ended with a 3-1 victory over Torino.
The Reds were awarded a penalty in the 15th minute when Sadio Mane was fouled, although it did look rather harsh on the defender. However, Fabinho, who arrived at Liverpool with a reputation of being an excellent penalty taker, missed the target.
However, the Reds were 1-0 up five minutes later when some good work from Gini Wijnaldum and Mohamed Salah set Roberto Firmino free in the box. He cut inside and his shot deflected into the back of the net, leaving Salvatore Sirigu helpless.
It was 2-0 moments later when a quick move involving Nathaniel Phillips, Salah and Firmino set Wijnaldum free and he slotted home neatly.
Torino got a goal back on the half-hour mark when Alberto Moreno failed to stop Lorenzo Di Silverstri’s cross and Andrea Belotti headed home from close range.
Jurgen Klopp made a raft full of changes at half-time as Torino made constant changes, which disturbed the flow of the game but Liverpool had all of the ball and after a few chances, they finally got their third goal when Daniel Sturridge headed home Xherdan Shaqiri’s neat cross.
Alisson - 6
Looked calm on the ball. Had no chance to save the goal. Dealt with everything else well in his 70 minutes on the field but was hardly tested.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7
Nearly made it 2-0 with a decent long-range strike that was well saved and also had a drive blocked when it looked like it was going in. Came off after a very encouraging hour’s work
Nathaniel Phillips - 6
Looked calm on the ball and was involved in Liverpool’s second goal. Got caught out for the Torino goal, but the run and finish from Belotti was top class. More than held his own from that point onwards against a very good striker.
Virgil Van Dijk - 7
Calmness personified. Had no real issues and dealt with everything that came near him.
Alberto Moreno - 6
A typical Alberto Moreno performance. Mostly very good with a lot of intensity but then failed to stop a cross that resulted in a goal.
Fabinho - 6
Missed his penalty by a fair way, hitting wide of the goalkeeper’s right post. In general play, he was neat and tidy with the ball and was disruptive without it. Played at centre-back in the second half, and looked comfortable before coming off after 70 minutes.
Gini Wijnaldum - 8
Set the tone in midfield with some very good work. Took his goal really well. Made another good run and probably should have scored when he was one-on-one with the keeper. A really good performance from the Dutchman.
Naby Keita - 6
Was busy and tenacious. A decent home debut for the new midfielder.
Mohamed Salah - 6
A rather subdued performance from the Egyptian but he still had the odd moment where he sprung into life.
Sadio Mane - 7
Won the penalty by being direct, which he was for the entire first-half.
Roberto Firmino - 7
Looked a bit leggy and was a bit sloppy at times but still got a goal and an assist in his 45 minutes spell.
(Sub) Andy Robertson - 6
Didn’t have to do much defending and got down the left-hand side when he could.
(Sub) Marko Grujic - 6
Looked a bit off the pace at the start of the second half and was a bit slow with the ball. Moved to centre-back for the final 20 minutes and won a few high balls.
(Sub) Curtis Jones - 6
Was neat and tidy without being spectacular. Showed his inexperience with a rather rash tackle.
(Sub) Daniel Sturridge - 8
Played in a deeper role and looked lively straight away. Played a lovely ball to release Danny Ings, who should have hit the target. Forced a good save on the hour mark after some quick feet opened up a shooting chance. Slotted wide with ten minutes to go after good work from Adam Lallana. Got his goal with a delicate header after good work from Xherdan Shaqiri.
(Sub) Adam Lallana - 7
Showed no sign of the recent calf issue that saw him miss the game in Dublin. Made a good chance for Sturridge and was his usual self in terms of his pressing and desire to win the ball back.
(Sub) Xherdan Shaqiri - 7
He looks like he’s full of energy as he bounces on his toes constantly. Did really well to set up Sturridge with a delicate chipped cross from the corner of the area.
(Sub) Danny Ings - 6
Had an early chance in the second half but scuffed it wide. Saw a shot cleared off the line as he looked to poke the ball home whilst off balance.
(Sub) Nathaniel Clyne -6
Snuffed out M’Baye Niang when he looked like was through on goal.
(Sub) Jordan Henderson - 6
Got the final 20 minutes and looked pretty good.
(Sub) Loris Karius - 6
Got a rousing reception from the whole stadium when he came on for the final 20 minutes. Hardly had a save to make but did well to pressure Niang into forcing his shot wide late on.