Liverpool player ratings vs MK Dons: Three players handed fives as two youngsters shine

Liverpool moved into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup as a much-changed team – including three debutants from the start – defeated MK Dons in front of a record crowd at Stadium MK.

James Milner put Liverpool 1-0 up before half-time, although thanks to a helping hand from Stuart Moore, who fumbled his fairly routine drive into his midrift beyond him and could not claw it back.

The Premier League leaders doubled their lead through teenage defender Ki-Jana Hoever, who powered in a header after arriving late in the box to meet Milner’s delivery.

But how did Jurgen Klopp’s charges fare? Express Sport rates and slates the Reds as two youngsters and veteran James Milner shone.

Liverpool player ratings vs MK Dons – Carabao Cup

GK: Caiomhin Kelleher – 7

Not to hesitant to come off his line, although lucky not to concede after 10 minutes when Conor McGrandles fired over the bar. Good with the ball at his feet and solid save when first called upon in the 70th minute, palming wide for a corner. Then reacted excellently to a close-range Jordan Bowery header.

RB: Ki-Jana Hoever – 7

Continued to show why Liverpool fans are excited about his potential with an industrious display, showing good balance with his attacking and defensive duties. Great header for the second goal.

CB: Dejan Lovren – 5

Got caught early on when MK Dons nearly went ahead and coughed up possession several times too easily. Recovered well after leaving Sam Nombe onside before the hour mark and then headed clear on the line late on, but still disappointed.

CB: Joe Gomez – 6

Just his fourth start of the season if you include the Community Shield and was guilty of letting his man go several times in the second half, particularly in a below-par 10-minute spell. Positioned himself well and showed good pace to get across and help his full-backs out. Was well beaten by Nombe down the left side, with 

LB: James Milner – 8

Heavily involved as he took on Andy Robertson’s role of being one of Liverpool’s key attacking outlets. Should’ve had an assist in setting up Elliott early on, then might’ve scored himself when heading wide from an Elliott cross. Another of his deliveres almost led to a goal for Brewster before he broke the deadlock with more than a hint of fortune when Moore spilled his shot. Then provided the assist he had been threatening for Hoever’s goal with 20 minutes to go. Great block to deny Bowery.

CM: Adam Lallana – 6

Deployed in the No 6 role he played in pre-season and had an indifferent evening, neither incredible nor disastrous. Did lose the ball unnecessarily on occasion in the first 45 minutes in particular but was generally okay. 

CM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6

Disappointingly peripheral as one of the more senior players on the pitch for the visitors but a player who looks as though he needs minutes to gain some rhythm. Came close to a stunning long-range goal with 15 minutes to go, watching his effort come back off the post.

CM: Naby Keita – 5

First appearance since the Community Shield after injury and looked as though he needs a few more games. Too passive against a League One team and too often timid in possession. Slashed one shot well wide in one instance he got forward. Liverpool will be glad he survived an hour unscathed.

RW: Harvey Elliott – 8

Became Liverpool’s second youngest player of all time at 16 years and 174 days old and should’ve become their youngest ever goalscorer but struck the crossbar from 10 yards out early on. Lovely dribble and clipped cross for Milner to head wide on 25 minutes. Had some raw moments but was one of Liverpool’s brightest players and struck the crossbar again late on, this time with a lovely curly effort on his right foot.

ST: Rhian Brewster – 5

Inches from scoring on the half-hour mark, arriving slightly late to a Milner cross, but generally was in and out of the game. Touch evaded him multiple times. Highly-rated by the academy and will hope to produce more on his next outing.

LW: Curtis Jones – 7

Tested the MK Dons goalkeeper with two strikes and was lively and positive throughout the first half. Slightly quieter after the interval but cute on the ball and a solid showing given he’s more of a midfielder than a wide forward. Plenty to suggest the Liverpool-born teenager has a promising future at Anfield.

Substitutes

Pedro Chirivella (on for Keita, 63) – 6

Forgotten man only seen in flashes.

Herbie Kane (on for Oxlade-Chamberlain, 82) – N/A

Another debutant, but didn’t have much time to make an impact.

Sepp Vaan den Berg (on for Hoever, 90+1) – N/A

On for the final moments.

source: express.co.uk