Liverpool Player Ratings vs Villarreal: Ngumoha Unplayable in Champions League Win

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By Steven Smith
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Liverpool 4 – 3 Villarreal – CL Player Ratings

The Reds hosted a Spanish outfit determined to upset the six-time European champions on their own turf in a Champions League return.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Alisson Becker – 6.0

The giant Brazilian stopper was let down terribly by the VVD mistake, as the visitors took an early lead. The second goal was another defensive horror show, as the backline opened up completely. The goals brought him back some stability when his side woke up.

After the restart, the Reds’ keeper was steady and largely untested in the second half.

Ronald Araújo – 6.0

The Brazilian international was at fault for the second goal as he wandered out of position, leaving the right flank wide open. The injury-time equaliser at least saw a better end than the beginning.

Subbed – 45 mins

Kostas Tsimikas – 7.0

The Greek international was poor on the ball, lacking in defensive awareness and could not increase his output after a shaky start. A solid corner for the opening Liverpool goal.

After the break, the veteran full-back was far more effective and looked a different player after the break.

Jérémy Jacquet – 7.0

The France under-21 international was the only defender who looked anything close to normal form, as he at least intercepted and locked down most of his performance.

In the second half, the exciting prodigy was again the best defender and able to cover ground well.

Subbed – 73 mins

Virgil van Dijk – 6.0

The captain and leader of this team was dreadful early on as he looked bereft of concentration, which led to an early error and deficit for his side.

After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was far more measured and guided his team over the line. The opening stages drove down his rating. Should have done better for the away team’s third goal.

Alexis Mac Allister – 9.0

The Argentina international was a shadow of his recent form as he failed to get a grip on the central midfield. The headed goal brought something g to life. A blister striker soon thereafter and a well executed we kick ended the half well.

After the intermission, the midfield man was on the scoresheet again, as he took control of the middle ground.

Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0

The Dutch international was lifeless and anonymous in the first half as he looked unable to support the central midfield.

When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga star was far more involved and far more effective at right back. Was out of position for the third goal conceded.

Trey Nyoni – 7.0

The young midfielder was overwhelmed at times by the quick passing and bright movement around him

After the restart, the former academy graduate grew into the game, saw a well-struck shot inch wide and matured through this contest.

Subbed – 81 mins

Lewis Koumas – 6.0

The Wales international was a headless player at times as he tried to press into form; however, the energy struggled to turn into form.

In the second half, the academy graduate was eager but always lacking that final touch.

Subbed – 67 mins

Rio Ngumoha – 10.0

The England winger was a blistering force early on as he looked to attack at every opportunity. The assist for the equaliser was well deserved.

After the break, the former Chelsea lad was simply unplayable and created the third goal with brilliant wing play.

Man of the match

Subbed – 74 mins

Cody Gakpo – 6.0

The Dutch player was a peripheral element at times, though flashes of skill and movement reminded us of his pedigree.

After the intermission, the former PSV man was willing and showed some good interplay with Wirtz, ending with him assisting the German for the Reds’ fourth goal.

Substitutions;

Florian Wirtz – 8.0 (on 45)

Came on to bring class and a crisp goal

Alexander Isak – 5.0 (on 67)

Came on to gain valuable minutes.

Bradley Barcola – 5.0 (on 74)

Came on to add new pace.

Joe Gomez – 6.0 (on 74)

Came on to help his team over the line.

James McConnell – 6.0 (on 81)

Came on.

The Manager;

Andoni Iraola – 7.0

The starting lineup was adjusted due to injuries meaning certain players had to start this game and others needed rhythm.

The second-half substitutes were able to inject life and energy into this game.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 3 – 1 Villarreal

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