Liverpool did managed to win narrowly by 2-1.
It may be because one key man was missing from their squad.
Jurgen Klopp selected a makeshift back four who faced Monterrey in the Club World Cup after Virgil van Dijk was ruled out by illness. Van Dijk was not included in Liverpool’s squad, while Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were named on the bench.
Mane came into the 68th minute, while Firmino entered the pitch in the 85th minute. It’s worth pointing out that Liverpool traveled to Qatar with just two fit first-team centre-backs in Van Dijk and Joe Gomez, and with the former ruled out Jordan Henderson was selected to partner his fellow England international in defence for Wednesday’s semi-final.
Jurgen Klopp picked Divock Origi to spearhead an attack that included Xherdan Shaqiri and Mohamed Salah, resting Mane and Firmino with an eye on a potential final against Flamengo on Sunday. James Milner was selected to start at right-back for his 200th Liverpool appearance, meaning Trent Alexander-Arnold was on the bench with two goalkeepers – Adrian and Andy Lonergan – Neco Williams and Curtis Jones.
Keita opened the scoring in Liverpool’s 2-1 semi-final win over Monterrey on Wednesday to continue his fine run of form. Mohamed Salah’s wonderful pass set up Keita’s opener, but the Reds needed a 91st-minute winner from Roberto Firmino after Rogelio Funes Mori had equalised for Monterrey. Liverpool will aim to win their first Club World Cup title when they face Flamengo in the final on Saturday.
SEE ALSO:
- Milner wants trophy heaven at Liverpool
- Klopp relieved to reach finals!
- Top 10 Worst Liverpool Signings of All Time
- Top 10 Worst Liverpool Players Of All Time
- LIST: Liverpool Most Expensive Signings Ever
