Liverpool Player Ratings: Lincoln City (A)
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An experimental Liverpool side put League One Lincoln City to the sword on Thursday night in the Carabao Cup Third Round by winning 7-2.
The Reds in their ‘tidepool’ coloured away strips put seven past their hosts as a team made up of fringe players, youngsters, and Virgil van Dijk flexed their muscles.
Xherdan Shaqiri opened the scoring in the first half with a powerfully struck free-kick before Takumi Minamino volleyed home the second shortly after.
The night’s Man of the Match Curtis Jones then bagged a quickfire brace before half-time to put the game beyond doubt.
As many predicted, Van Dijk wasn’t seen after the break as Fabinho came on to replace the Dutchman although it didn’t matter too much as 18 seconds later, after some high pressing work, Minamino got his second goal.
Diogo Jota replaced Harvey Elliot with just over half an hour left, no sign of Thiago in the matchday quad, however, a sign of his importance after just a week.
A Marko Grujic strike then separated two Lincoln consolation goals before an otherwise quiet Divock Origi rounded off the scoring with a low finish.
Here’s how we rated Liverpool’s players for the game.
Adrian - 7
Unlucky to concede at all after some impressive work. Made a few very good saves but didn’t cover himself in glory for Lincoln’s second goal. Continues to be a viable understudy.
Neco Williams - 7
Always a forward-thinking option down the right and did not do a lot wrong all night.
Rhys Williams - 8
Very impressive senior debut and dealt with everything with composure. Carried the ball nicely out of defence too.
Virgil van Dijk - 8
A surprise inclusion for many but was sent to lend his experience to the backline – clean sheet whilst he was on the pitch.
Kostas Tsimikas - 8
Allowed to play mostly on the front foot which suited the Greek debutant. Produced some dangerous crosses, not unlike the first-choice in the same position.
Marko Grujic - 8
A long time between Liverpool appearances but the Serbian looked at home. Composed and positive in his thinking. Deserved to grab a goal.
Curtis Jones - 10
Demanded the ball all night and was a joy to watch. Deserved his two goals and the Man of the Match award.
Xherdan Shaqiri - 8
Scored a stunning free-kick to open the scoring and showed us all there’s still a decent footballer to be had in the Switzerland international.
Harvey Elliot - 7
A lively performance from the teenager who was always looking to try something positive. Saw a decent effort tipped round the post for a corner.
Takumi Minamino - 9
Described as ‘outstanding’ after the match by Jurgen Klopp and you can see why. By far his best performance since arriving at Liverpool.
Divock Origi - 6
Given the captaincy in the second half but in many ways, he was saved from more criticism by his goal. Besides that late strike, it was an otherwise poor performance.
(Sub) Fabinho - 7
Back in at centre-half to add his experience. Didn’t do much wrong but the team did concede twice.
(Sub) Diogo Jota - 6
Sample size from the Portuguese winger who saw a smartly taken effort go narrowly wide of the post.
(Sub) Naby Keita - 6
Kept things ticking late on but little time to do anything noteworthy.
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