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:
Liverpool fans bemoan Dejan Lovren’s latest error, as Malaysia XI take early lead
Twitter explodes in delight at Jordon Ibe’s brilliant individual goal v Malaysia XI
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.
