Liverpool player ratings as Victor Munoz 8/10 in behind closed doors friendly
· Theo Squires · 2026-08-16T12:43:22+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Victor Munoz caught the eye for Liverpool when making his first start for the club as the Reds fought out an entertaining 0-0 draw with Como in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the AXA Training Centre.
The Spaniard was a constant thorn in the Serie A defence’s backline and created numerous chances for his team-mates in an encouraging showing following his summer move from Osasuna.
Liverpool started brightly and could have taken an early lead following smart play from Munoz down the left. Twisting and turning, he left the full-back for dead, only to see Trey Nyoni head wide from his cross.
Alexis Mac Allister made his first appearance of pre-season following his World Cup exploits and looked sharp in midfield as he completed just short of an hour. The Argentine picked out the energetic Federico Chiesa with one smart through-ball, only for the Italian to be denied by the Como goalkeeper from a tight angle.
Chiesa was denied again after the break following more smart play from Munoz as his glancing header was kept out at the near post, before the Spaniard fired into the side-netting following a superb individual run over half the length of the pitch.
The Reds finished strongly with substitutes Lewis Koumas and Will Wright both going close to opening the scoring. The former stole possession on the edge of the box, only to curl wide on his weaker foot, and Nyoni then picked out Wright with a superb through-ball in the last minute, with the former Salford City forward turning well inside the box only to be denied by a last-gasp block.
While Liverpool were unable to break the deadlock, it was a worthwhile exercise as a number of players - both young and old - gained valuable minutes.
And here’s how the ECHO rated the Reds…
Giorgi Mamardashvili 6
Rarely tested by Como with his first save not coming until the second half when Assane Diao shot straight at him from distance. He really needs to improve his distribution, though. Kicking put Liverpool under pressure and coughed up possession far too frequently.
Calvin Ramsay 7
Not an easy task for the Scotland international, up against the pace and trickery of Diao, but he handled the winger well. Not afraid to get stuck in to win the ball back and made one vital block. Would have liked to offer more offensively, though.
Wataru Endo 7
Struggled at times against Diao’s pace in the first half, but helped keep Alvaro Morata very quiet. Looked more confident after the break and never gave the Como forwards a moment’s peace. Completed the full 70 minutes.
Luke Chambers 7
Another encouraging performance from the youngster in an unfavoured centre-back position. Looked calm on the ball and helped keep a clean sheet. Finished the game in a deeper midfield position.
Kostas Tsimikas 6
Captain for the day. Not helped by risky distribution from Mamardashvili at times as he found himself under pressure on more than one occasion. Improved after the break and sent in a couple of dangerous crosses.
Trey Nyoni 7
Another really promising performance from the young midfielder. Headed wide early on, and saw a couple of other half-chances go begging. Passed it around well, as always, and set up Wright with a brilliant through-ball at the death.
Alexis Mac Allister 7
Making a first appearance of pre-season following his World Cup exploits, the Argentine was smart in possession and passed the ball around really well. Broke the defensive line with a number of smart passes to play in the likes of Chiesa and Munoz.
James McConnell 7
Stationed as the most offensive of Liverpool’s midfield trio, he pressed hard throughout and was never afraid of getting stuck in in a bid to win back possession.
Harvey Elliott 6
A frustrating day for the playmaker who looks low on confidence after a difficult season out on loan at Aston Villa. Did not look entirely comfortably on the right wing, and repeatedly moved central in a bid to see more of the ball.
Victor Munoz 8
A very good first start from the Spaniard, he was Liverpool’s star player throughout. A constant threat to Como with his pace down the left, he created all of the Reds’ best chances. Set up Nyoni and Chiesa with fine crosses, and shot into the side-netting after one fine individual run.
Federico Chiesa 7
An encouraging performance from the hard-working Italian. Made numerous selfless runs to create space for his team-mates and twice went close to opening the scoring.
SUBS
Lewis Koumas (on for Munoz, 46) 7
Almost made an immediate impact, only to shoot wide. Probably should have won it for Liverpool after pressing to win the ball back on the edge of the box, only to then curl wide on his weaker foot.
Will Wright (on for Chiesa, 46) 7
Unlucky not to win it at the death after being denied by a smart block. Looked a real threat and caused numerous problems to Como with his pressing to win the ball back.
Kieran Morrison (on for Elliott, 46) 6
Not as involved as his fellow two attacking arrivals but pressed well and looked smart when on the ball.
Mor Talla Ndiaye (on for Mac Allister, 59) N/A
Came on for the final 10 minutes or so. He’s quick and powerful, but had little to do defensively.
Lucas Pitt (on for Ramsay, 68) N/A
An unofficial Liverpool debut for the youngster.
Josh Sonni-Lambie (on for McConnell, 68) N/A
More senior minutes for the young forward.