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#3 Jordan Henderson
Ahead of the Porto clash, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson started in each UEFA Champions League Group B encounter. The Englishman even played a starring role in Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League opener against AC Milan, pitching in with a match-winning goal.
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Considering how important he is to this Liverpool side, Klopp decided to give him a well-deserved rest against Porto.
Henderson was introduced in place of Thiago Alcantara in the 63rd minute. He only took a couple of minutes to get accustomed to the tempo of the match and came up with an assist.
His square pass to Salah was simple but it was enough to get the Egyptian winger into space between the Porto defenders.
Henderson’s 27-minute spell also saw him win five duels, complete two tackles and get a shot away, albeit off target.
#2 Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool’s most prolific forward this season and by a country mile. The right-winger has 17 goals and six assists to his name in 17 games across all competitions, reflecting his decisiveness in front of goal.
Having already qualified as group toppers, Liverpool did not necessarily need to field Salah against Porto. However, given his desperation to improve upon his tally, Klopp could not help but keep him in his starting XI.
Salah was eager to score, of course, but he did not show the urgency we usually associate with him. He was happy to take it slow and only contributed when the ball came into his territory.
The 29-year-old Liverpool winger troubled Porto defenders with his pace and link-up play. The goal he scored in the 70th minute came from a combination of the two aforementioned traits.
Salah backheeled the ball to Henderson to start the move and swiftly got it back from the Englishman. He sidestepped Mateus Uribe’s challenge and finally curled the ball into the near post.
After seeing his ace score another brilliant goal, Klopp subbed him out in the 71st minute for Divock Origi.
#1 Thiago Alcantara
Thiago Alcantara’s Liverpool career is yet to reach the stratospheric heights many anticipated. However, if he manages to keep playing as he did against Porto, we are certain of seeing him become a regular under Jurgen Klopp.
Alcantara operated primarily on the left side of the midfield and was responsible for keeping the game ticking. He showcased his passing range with a mix of ground passes and long-balls, emerging as the most influential midfielder in the match.
Thiago’s best moment of the match came in the second half when he demonstrated his long-range shooting ability to put Liverpool ahead. Collecting the ball after a botched Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain free-kick, Thiago hit the ball with the outside of his boot, catching it on the half-volley.
The ball flew past Porto keeper Diogo Costa to give Liverpool the lead on Wednesday night.
