Liverpool were given a far sterner test by Brisbane Roar than we were by the Thai All-Stars, with the Reds forced to come from behind to claim victory Down Under.
Dimitri Petratos had given the Australian giants an early lead, and it took an Adam Lallana screamer to bring us level. Danny Ings was denied by a fine save from the goalkeeper and Mamadou Sakho had a header cleared off the line before James Milner grabbed the winner 15 minutes before the end.
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Read the full Liverpool player ratings below:
GK) Simon Mignolet – 6
The goalkeeper was rarely troubled in truth, although will no doubt be pleased to get his first 90 minutes under his belt. He could do nothing about the goal, which was very well taken by the Brisbane forward.
RB) Nathaniel Clyne – 6
Looked a little happier than he did in the Bangkok Monsoon last time out. Clyne looked good down the right-hand side and got forward to support the attacks. Put several dangerous crosses into the area.
CB) Martin Skrtel – 7
The Slovakian looked as strong as ever in the heart of the Liverpool defence. His understanding with Sakho looked strong, so let’s hope that they can push on and continue this into the new season.
CB) Mamadou Sakho – 7 (Toure – 61′)
One terrible pass early on put his teammates in trouble, and that’s something he simply must cut out of his game next season. He looked better as the game went on, putting in a dominant display in the air, and had one header cleared off the line.
LB) Joe Gomez – 8 (Maguire – 61′)
Another really impressive performance from the youngster, who looked equally adept at left-back as he did at right-back on debut. He was reliable defensively and got forward well when he could. We could do a lot worse than having him in our squad next season, as his composure belies his age.
DM) Lucas Leiva – 6 (Rossiter – 69′)
You’re never going to get many surprises from the Brazilian. As always, he did the dirty work well and cleaned up well in front of the back four. In the absence of an injured Joe Allen, he put in a real claim to be starting on the first game of the season.
CM) Jordan Henderson – 7
Strong again. His passing range really shone and he was unlucky not to score in the second-half. If the captain can continue this level of performance into the new season then we could be on to something very special.
CM) James Milner – 7
Worked very nicely alongside the skipper. There was a slice of fortune about his goal but he finished it well eventually after a clever nutmeg. Let’s hope that’s the first of many for the summer signing. He worked hard and did everything James Milner does well – complementing hard work with genuine quality.
AM) Adam Lallana – 8 (Ibe – 61′)
Superb yet again from Lallana, who is giving Brendan Rodgers some real selection headaches ahead of the new season. He took his goal brilliantly – controlling the pass from Milner before unleashing his shot into the top right-hand corner of the net. Excellent all round.
ST) Danny Ings – 6 (Lambert – 76′)
Good movement and worked hard throughout – playing off the shoulder and making early runs. He came close with one first-half chance, forcing a fine save from the goalkeeper, and for the second match in a row a goal was all that was missing for the new signing.
ST) Divock Origi – 6 (Kent – 61′)
A much quieter night from the Belgian. He couldn’t get involved in the game as much as he did on debut, with the Brisbane players much more competent defensively than the Thai All-Stars. Still managed to hold the ball up well at times.
Subs:
1) Kolo Toure – 5 – A quiet half an hour at the back.
2) Joe Maguire – 6 – Looks a decent prospect that might get some chances next season.
3) Jordon Ibe – 7 – Caused problems and saw one decent effort well saved by the goalkeeper.
4) Ryan Kent – 6 – Look good alongside Ibe. A nice debut for the youngster.
5) Jordan Rossiter – 6 – Looked solid again in midfield. Encouraging stuff from the teenager.
6) Rickie Lambert – 5 – Little chance to make an impact.
