‘Superb throughout’, ‘8/10’: Media wowed by Liverpool defender’s display in 5-0 thrashing of RB Leipzig

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Liverpool romped to a 5-0 victory over RB Leipzig in Thursday’s pre-season friendly in Germany.

The Reds continue to move through the gears ahead of the start of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.

Jurgen Klopp selected a strong starting XI for their meeting against the Bundesliga high-flyers.

And it took Liverpool just eight minutes to open the scoring at the Red Bull Arena.

Mohamed Salah slotted home from close range after a neat one-two with Roberto Firmino.

Then, it became the Darwin Nunez show, as the summer signing opened his account and added three more.

The Uruguay international, who came on at the start of the second half, got his first on 48 minutes.

He converted from the spot after Luis Diaz was hauled down in the Leipzig box.

Four minutes later, Nunez had his second, going through on goal and rifling into the far corner.

His hat-trick came shortly before the 70-minute mark as he prodded home a cut-back from Harvey Elliott.

And in the latter stages of the game, Nunez had grabbed his fourth, though Janis Blaswich should’ve done better.

While Nunez got the match ball and the spotlight, quite a few Liverpool players impressed on the day.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was one of those, delivering a typically great, dynamic and defensively sound performance.

90Min gave him 8 out of 10 and wrote: “Fast. Very fast. We know what he’s been working on this summer.”

Liverpool World also gave Alexander-Arnold 8 out of 10.

“Some of his passing was superb throughout,” they wrote.

“While he also snuffed out the danger to thwart a Leipzig counter.

“Then got an assist for Nunez’s second goal. Subbed on 60 minutes.”

And the Liverpool Echo wrote: “One good piece of covering before interval and forward passing close to releasing team-mates on several occasions. Set up the third.”