Liverpool first-half player ratings vs AC Milan: Two 8/10s but trio score 4s in Hong Kong

Liverpool continued their pre-season preparations against AC Milan at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong on Saturday, and Arne Slot named some big hitters in his starting lineup. New £79million striker Hugo Ekitike was absent from the squad, as were injured duo Alexis Mac Allister and Joe Gomez, as the Reds began their tour of Asia.

Rafael Leao opened the scoring in the 10th minute after profiting from a lapse in Liverpool's defending in front of a raucous Far East crowd. However, Dominik Szoboszlai brilliantly fired his side level on 26 minutes, and the teams went into half-time locked at 1-1.

Express Sport runs through the Liverpool first-half player ratings before Slot made a raft of changes at the break.

Liverpool first-half player ratings vs AC Milan

Alisson: 6

Was lucky that Szoboszlai bought a foul after giving him a ball inside the Liverpool area that he clearly did not want under pressure. Made some important saves as Milan profited from an open defence.

Luca Stephenson: 4

Caught out by Christian Pulisic's ball down the left in the build-up to Leao's opener. It was always going to be a tough assignment for the 21-year-old.

Ryan Gravenberch: 7

Well, he is not a centre-back, but he is a midfielder, and that was clear from the pinpoint long balls he was playing out of defence. Stunning pass to Rio Ngumoha in the build-up to Szoboszlai's leveller.

Virgil van Dijk: 4

Could not cover Stephenson and did not pressure well enough as Leao bore down on Alisson's goal ahead of finishing into the top corner. Also did not help Ryan Gravenberch by going on an adventure up the pitch at every opportunity. Got a boot in the face late on. Looked painful.

Andrew Robertson: 6

Certainly did not put the friend in friendly when he fumed with the referee after not receiving a penalty.

Tyler Morton: 4

Milan cut through him. Not a defensive midfielder, so it was a tough afternoon in a trio also consisting of very attacking-minded players in Harvey Elliott and Szoboszlai. Went off during a drinks break.

Harvey Elliott: 6

Interestingly started while Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, also expected to leave this summer, were not even named on the bench. Was spreading the ball nicely.

Dominic Szoboszlai: 8

It is bemusing to see some Liverpool dream XIs for next season without him in them. As pure a ball striker as they come, which he proved again by lashing one past Mike Maignan to raise the roof off the Kai Tak.

Mohamed Salah: 5

Had a clear shot at goal after some sumptuous play up the pitch by Liverpool, but uncharacteristically stuttered. Decided to lay it off for Wirtz, and the chance went begging.

Rio Ngumoha: 8

The 17-year-old looks a special talent. Completed the most dribbles (3) and won the most duels (4) throughout the first half. Provided the assist for Szoboszlai and tested Maignan himself.

Florian Wirtz: 6

Involved in some tidy interchanges as a false nine. Displayed pace, a deceptive level of strength and quick feet.