There was one player who made a huge impact for Liverpool against Atalanta in the first-half and really dominated the game.
It seemed an impossible task for Liverpool at first. Although it became a little bit less impossible when the Reds scored within the opening ten minutes of the game.
In the first-half there was no question about it. This was a huge improvement from Jurgen Klopp’s side in comparison to the last few weeks.
Liverpool actually controlled the game and created chances while conceding few chances to Atalanta in their own defensive third.
Klopp’s men were simply brilliant, and in all reality, should have scored more than just one goal. If only Mohamed Salah had kept his shooting boots on when he was sent clean through on goal, but he snatched his effort wide.
One of the biggest players who made the difference for Liverpool on the night was Trent Alexander-Arnold. He was simply sensational.
Stephen Warnock on ‘magnificent’ Trent Alexander-Arnold vs Atalanta
In the first-half, Alexander-Arnold was like a maestro on the ball. He kept inverting into midfielder from right-back and causing Atalanta plenty of problems.
The way he sprayed the ball from left to right was an utter joy to watch. At times, it was like watching an artist creating a masterpiece.
Alexander-Arnold is so elegant and technically gifted and he showed off all of those qualities in this game, and just how sorely he has been missed as well.
Stephen Warnock, who was commentating on BBC 5 Live, was also very impressed by the Liverpool right-back.
“Trent Alexander-Arnold can change the game,” Warnock said. “A ball that wasn’t even on, but it changed from defence to attack.”
He later also described the Liverpool man as ‘magnificent.’
“Trent has been magnificent in this first half but it is a long way out,” Warnock said.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ‘world-class’ numbers against Atalanta
It’s no surprise that recently, Jermaine Defore has described Alexander-Arnold as ‘world-class.’
His numbers definitely proved that in the first half against Atalanta. As per Fotmob, Alexander-Arnold absolutely dominated the game for Liverpool:
- Most passes completed (36)
- Most recoveries made (8)
- Most dribbles completed (2)
- Joint most tackles won (1)