In the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final between Liverpool and AC Milan, there were standout individual performances from both sides, but Liverpool’s players were especially influential during their incredible second-half comeback. Let’s break down the key players from both teams and analyze who had the best individual performance.

Liverpool: Key Players in the Comeback

1. Steven Gerrard (Midfielder)

• Goals: 1 goal (scored the first goal to bring Liverpool back into the game)
• Assists: 1 assist (set up Smicer’s long-range shot that gave Liverpool the lead)
• Key Contributions:
  • Gerrard was undoubtedly the heart and soul of Liverpool’s comeback. His leadership and ability to rise to the occasion were critical.
  • The header he scored from a corner early in the second half was crucial in shifting the momentum. He also showed his vision and passing ability when he set up Vladimir Smicer for the second goal.
  • Throughout the game, Gerrard demonstrated his tactical intelligence, breaking up Milan’s attacks and driving Liverpool forward.

2. Jerzy Dudek (Goalkeeper)

• Key Contributions:
  • Dudek’s performance in the penalty shootout is legendary, as his double save during Milan’s penalties, particularly Andriy Shevchenko’s missed shot, sealed Liverpool’s victory.
  • He also made crucial saves during the match itself, especially in the second half when Milan still looked dangerous on the counter.
  • His antics on the goal line during the penalty shootout, though controversial, rattled Milan’s penalty takers, forcing them into mistakes.

3. Vladimir Smicer (Midfielder)

• Goals: 1 goal (scored Liverpool’s second goal in the 56th minute)
• Key Contributions:
  • Smicer’s long-range goal in the second half was another game-changing moment. The ball dipped and caught Milan’s goalkeeper Dida off guard, bringing Liverpool level at 2-2.
  • Though Smicer was not on the field for the entire match, his impact in the short time he played was profound. He added much-needed energy and decisiveness in the attacking third.

4. Xabi Alonso (Midfielder)

• Key Contributions:
  • Alonso’s influence was key throughout the match, even though he didn’t score. He played a central role in orchestrating Liverpool’s midfield and recovering possession.
  • His calmness in tight situations and his ability to distribute the ball made him a vital part of Liverpool’s second-half control.
  • Alonso also had the composure to score a penalty in the shootout, helping Liverpool secure the win.

AC Milan: Key Players

1. Paolo Maldini (Defender)

• Goals: 1 goal (scored Milan’s opening goal in the first minute)
• Key Contributions:
  • Maldini’s early goal from a free-kick was a dream start for Milan. At 36 years old, he was still one of the best defenders in the world and was instrumental in organizing Milan’s defense throughout the game.
  • While his leadership and calmness under pressure were critical, Milan’s defense collapsed in the second half, and Maldini, despite his experience, couldn’t prevent Liverpool’s surge.

2. Andriy Shevchenko (Forward)

• Key Contributions:
  • Shevchenko was arguably Milan’s most dangerous attacking player. He had some brilliant runs and shots throughout the match.
  • His physical presence and link-up play with Filippo Inzaghi caused problems for Liverpool’s defense. However, he was not able to capitalize on his chances in the final moments.
  • Shevchenko’s missed penalty in the shootout was one of the defining moments of the game. Had he scored, Milan might have won, but Dudek’s save sealed Liverpool’s victory.

3. Kaka (Attacking Midfielder)

• Key Contributions:
  • Kaka was Milan’s creative hub. His dribbling and vision allowed Milan to maintain control of the ball in the first half and to create dangerous opportunities.
  • His influence waned in the second half as Milan’s dominance faded, but his passing and movement off the ball in the first 45 minutes were essential to Milan’s control of the game.
  • While Kaka did not score, his role in Milan’s buildup play made him a key player for them.

4. Filippo Inzaghi (Forward)

• Goals: 1 goal (scored Milan’s third goal)
• Key Contributions:
  • Inzaghi’s goal was an opportunistic one, as he was in the right place at the right time to score from a rebound off the post. His instinctive movement in the box caused problems for Liverpool’s defenders.
  • Inzaghi’s experience and ability to position himself in dangerous areas were vital to Milan’s success in the first half.
  • However, his influence waned as Milan’s defensive fragility became more apparent in the second half.

Who Had the Best Individual Performance?

While there were many standout performances on both sides, Steven Gerrard stands out as having the best individual performance in this match.

Reasons Why Gerrard Had the Best Performance:

• Leadership: Gerrard’s leadership in the second half was pivotal. He not only led by example but also carried his team with his drive and passion.
• Goals: His goal early in the second half sparked the comeback, and he had a direct hand in the build-up to the next goal. His leadership inspired the team to push forward and capitalize on Milan’s defensive lapses.
• All-Around Contribution: Gerrard contributed defensively as well, breaking up Milan’s attacks, pressing high up the field, and making sure his teammates maintained focus.
• Penalty Shootout: Gerrard was calm and composed during the penalty shootout, contributing to Liverpool’s victory.

Honorable Mentions:

• Jerzy Dudek deserves praise for his role in the shootout, where his saves were crucial in securing Liverpool’s win. His double save from Shevchenko and his antics on the goal line disrupted Milan’s focus.
• Vladimir Smicer also made a big impact in his short time on the field, scoring the equalizer and offering a burst of energy.