The Reds were held to a slightly disappointing draw by a hard-working Malaysian XI, who looked a far better side than their reputation might suggest. However, the result completes an unbeaten Far East tour for Brendan Rodgers’s side, as well as a trip from which many positives will be taken.
Patrick Wleh capitalised on a mix-up between Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren to give the home side the lead early on, and while a stunning goal from Jordon Ibe levelled the scores, the Malaysians held out for a highly respectable draw against a youthful Liverpool side.
SEE MORE:
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Liverpool’s team vs Malaysia XI in 2011 – Where are they now?
Read the full Liverpool player ratings below:
GK) Adam Bogdan – 6
Could do nothing about the goal, after being let down by his central defenders. He had little else to do in terms of saves, although he handled the ball nicely and was always quick off his line to handle any danger. Encouraging.
RB) Nathaniel Clyne – 6 (Cleary – 79′)
Was tested a lot more defensively than he has been in the last couple of game. For the most part, he stood up well, but his impact going forward was limited as a result of his more regular tracking back. A decent run out at least.
CB) Martin Skrtel – 5
An uncharacteristically scrappy performance from the Slovakian. Usually such an assured presence at the heart of our defence, the centre-back was all over the place for the goal, as he was caught watching the ball. He looked unsure alongside Lovren all night and this partnership has surely run its course.
CB) Dejan Lovren – 4
If this was his night to prove himself, he fell well short. For the goal, he allowed his man to get past him too easily after a mix up at the back with Skrtel. He was also the perpetrator of a number of wayward clearances and, at the other end, three wasted chances – heading over twice when free and volleying a third opportunity in to the floor.
LB) Alberto Moreno – 6 (Maguire – 79′)
Got down the flank well on a number of occasions but still doesn’t look as assured at the back as we might have been hoping. As things stand, Joe Gomez is probably the favourite to start against Stoke on opening day.
DM) Lucas Leiva – 6 (Rossiter – 72′)
The Brazilian was forced to work harder than he might have expected to keep a grip on proceedings in midfield. He received a nasty cut above his eye for his efforts, with the Malaysian side putting in a handful of heavy tackles.
CM) Jordan Henderson – 7
Another assured performance from the captain, who is growing into the role more and more with every passing game. His influence over his teammates was again clear to see, as he dictated the tempo of the game with several telling passes.
CM) James Milner – 7 (Chirivella – 90′)
Like Henderson, his importance to this Liverpool team was obvious from start to finish. His ball control was particularly impressive, as he kept the ball in several tight circumstances, although he might have done better with one chance mid-way through the second-half.
AM) Jordon Ibe – 8
Excellent. A constant danger and the scorer of a truly brilliant goal. Watching him beat his man and dispatching a wonderful shot into the top right hand corner of the net was a joy to behold. This kid is going to be very special.
AM) Adam Lallana – 6
A little underwhelming considering the success he’s had in the first few games. He was marked out of the game admirably by the Malaysia defence, with the Asian side keeping him a lot quieter than might have been expected.
ST) Divock Origi – 5 (Ojo – 72′)
A frustrating outing for the young Belgian, who has probably slipped behind Danny Ings in the Liverpool pecking order, if today’s evidence was anything to go on. His highlight was a fine run through the middle, but he should have done better with his shot, which was instead straight at the goalkeeper.
Subs:
1) Jordan Rossiter – 6 – Took over Lucas’ role and didn’t look out of place.
2) Sheyi Ojo – 6 – One excellent run down the right but little else of note.
3) Daniel Cleary – 5 – Gave the ball away dangerously in the final moments.
4) Joe Maguire – 6 – Looked decent once again, put in one dangerous cross.
5) Pedro Chirivella – 5 – Little chance to make an impact.
