Liverpool vs AC Milan – 4-1 Win Dubai Super Cup. Jurgen Klopp’s team defeated AC Milan 4-1 to win the Dubai Super Cup. Mohamed Salah was among the players who scored. As Liverpool ended their Dubai Super Cup campaign with a 4-1 victory over AC Milan, Darwin Nunez scored again. On a night when Mohamed Salah and Thiago Alcantara both had goals, the Uruguayan international scored twice at the Al-Maktoum Stadium after taking over for Roberto Firmino for the closing 30 minutes of play.
After some excellent work from Joel Matip, Salah handed the Reds the lead in the fifth minute. However, the Serie A champions equalized with a low shot from Alexis Saelemaekers. Before halftime, Thiago restored Liverpool’s lead by arrowing a beautiful attempt into the bottom corner from 25 yards, and Jurgen Klopp’s team continued to control despite a slew of second-half substitutions.
Nunez was one of them, and in the game’s closing eight minutes, he scored twice, first from close range after superb work from another teenage superstar, Ben Doak, and once after a great ball from fellow substitute Bobby Clark. After winning the game, Liverpool wasted the opportunity to earn an additional point when they lost 4-3 in a penalty shootout, with Kostas Tsimikas and Naby Keita both missing their opportunities.
The Performing Side:
Thiago Alcantara: Few footballers are more attractive to watch when they are playing than Thiago, and the Spaniard delivered something of a masterclass here, showcasing his complete range of skills in front of a giddy crowd. He gained control of the ball in his half less than four minutes into the game, flicked it up, and then speared a volleyed pass out now to Andy Robertson. He began blasting it to James Milner on the opposing wing shortly after that. 50 yards, precise. He managed the ball from 25 yards out and scored just before halftime with an incredible low half-volley toward the far corner. That is the embodiment of technique.
Stefan Bajcetic: Although Liverpool’s midfield may use some improvement, this young man certainly seems prepared to contribute to the team’s future. Bajcetic, who is only 18 years old, has already made a name for himself as a member of Jurgen Klopp’s first team, and his performance this time around suggests there will be many more. The former Celta Vigo prospect appears at ease in a position that requires a lot of concentration, maturity, and discipline, according to Pep Lijnders, who feels the Spanish U19 international has “all the traits needed” to be a top No.6 for the Reds.
Darwin Nunez: Hey there, Darwin! After a disappointing performance in Qatar, Nunez quickly resumed his playing career in Dubai, going to pick up where he left off for Liverpool before the World Cup. The Uruguayan international scored twice to earn a fine victory for his team and provide encouraging signs for his boss ahead of the crucial resumption in just 30 minutes. By the time Nunez received a truly fantastic pass from teenager Bobby Clark, the veteran Milan goalkeeper Antonio Mirante’s hands had already been burned. He scored low within the near post while maintaining his composure to make it 3-1.
The Losing Side:
Andy Robertson: Robertson will not want to witness Milan’s equalizer again. The Scotland skipper had to do more in a one-on-one match with Alexis Saelemaekers after being unlucky enough to first be caught just below the crossfield ball from left to right. Instead, he let the Belgian international, who just missed out on a spot at the World Cup, advance into the area and beat Caoimhin Kelleher with a low, left-footed shot into the corner. Soon after, Robertson had his hands up and apologized as a careless pass led to another Milan opportunity. Robertson will be aware that he is capable of playing much better than he did in this situation.
Joe Gomez: The centre-backs for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup match against Manchester City next week are already known. Since Virgil van Dijk won’t be available until Monday and Ibrahima Konate is busy training for the World Cup championship game, Gomez and Joel Matip will undoubtedly start at the Etihad. Klopp, therefore, would have preferred to see them appear confident in the face of a formidable opponent. However, while Matip played the part, defending well and setting up Mohamed Salah for the opening goal, Gomez’s day raised some questions.
Curtis Jones: The homegrown midfielder for Liverpool, who has had a frustrating season, was not present at this game. Since being told by doctors with a stress response in his tibia following the Community Shield in July, Jones has only made six appearances and two starts. Although he was a member of the 33-man team that traveled to Dubai, Jones has not been able to fully train and as a result, did not participate in either of the Reds’ matches. According to sources, the club is simply “managing his load” with the 21-year-old; nonetheless, with few midfield alternatives available and games starting thick and fast when the season resumes next week, Jones is once again playing catch-up.
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