Liverpool 3 – 1 – EFL Cup 3rd Round Player Ratings
The reds enter the English Football League Cup at the 3rd round stage, as Leicester arrive to try and cause an upset. With both sides excelling in their respective divisions, this was always going to be a game that could swing in either direction. Below is the team that Jürgen Klopp opted for, which saw some substantial rotation from Liverpool’s weekend win against West Ham.
https://twitter.com/anfieldindex/status/1707090045805429133?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ
Caoimhin Kelleher – 7.0
The cup keeper was praised by his manager, yet let down in the opening few minutes by a defence that was far too easily opened up. Was a relative spectator from then on in.
Kostas Tsimikas – 7.0
Started the game as expected, with a desire to get high and create for his teammates. His energy is good yet positionally for the first goal he could have been better. Was solid and dependable throughout.
Subbed – 90 mins
Curtis Jones – 7.0
The young Liverpudlian would have been delighted to skipper his boyhood club, however, despite some good contributions and energy in the first half, right back is a push for the versatile Englishman.
Subbed – 78 mins
Jarell Quansah – 8.0
Deservedly started this game and was the better of the central defensive pair. Patrolled and showed good composure as the reds took control of the first half, albeit one goal behind. Was a steady presence throughout and is looking the part. A brilliant run to create the goal for Jota.
Ibrahima Konaté – 8.0
A little strange to see the brilliant Frenchman in these competitions starting eleven, yet his injury and the form of his teammates mean this is where his current minutes lie. Was caught for the first goal as his team was too high up field for the oncoming counter attack. Had a good chance to head in and was generally good through a frenetic first period. Showed good maturity as his team dominated.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0
After a very good full debut in Austria, the supremely talented Dutchman continued his starting role in the second tier eleven. It was a little chaotic in the opening half, with passes and play hurried too often. It was the opening few minutes of the second half where Ryan produced a lovely assist for the equaliser. Continues to impress.
Subbed – 64 mins
Wataru Endō – 7.0
A tough start for the reds, with the pace and ferocious nature of his new environment taking a moment to adjust to. The captain of Japan is still struggling to maintain possession and react. Was much better in the second half as he got up to speed and moved the ball on with more assurance.
Harvey Elliott – 7.0
A solid back up option that is always keen to impress his manager. His enthusiastic attitude is great, though he does need to add composure which was lacking in a blustering first half. Was involved in much of the build-up through a controlled second half performance.
Cody Gakpo – 8.0
A sporadic start to the season sees the young Dutchman taking on a less demanding role in the squad. Had a good chance go over the bar and tried to knit things together as the reds dominated after the opening goal. The equaliser came from a well taken goal that was placed beyond the keeper, which is exactly what the forward needed.
Diogo Jota – 7.0
The penalty box poacher seems destined for an Anfield backup role, yet no one can doubt his overall value to a strong squad of players. Would get lost in his decisions and struggled to impact in a busy opening 45 minutes. Was in and out of the game in the second half as he seemed to get a little lost from the left, until he remembered what he was good at with a lovely back-heeled goal to make it 3-1.
Ben Doak – 7.0
Too much expectation was pushed upon the teenage Scot in Austria, therefore, a return to more familiar surroundings was always going to see a brighter performance. Was unable to pin down a full back and express himself as the frenzy engulfed the first half. Was bright and progressive in a solid outing.
Subbed – 64 mins
Subs;
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0 (on 64)
Brought a magnificent moment to a frustrating period of the game, as his long-range effort crashed into the goal.
Darwin Núñez – 7.0 (on 64)
Came on and showed powerful purpose.
Stefan Bajčetić – 6.0 (on 78)
A steady and solid cameo.
Luke Chambers – 6.0 (on 90)
A lovely sight for his first appearance.
The Manager;
Jürgen Klopp – 8.0
The manager is probably feeling the relief of a less demanding season, with a second-tier European tournament allowing heavy rotation. This initiative continued in the season’s first domestic cup, which saw the German manager shuffle the deck. He went with Curtis at right back and the team was as expected from there. The first half habit of conceding first was apparent once again and he would have been eager to get the team in at half time.
A more measured and coordinated assault brought about the equaliser, as the home team dominated possession once again. The big German manager would have been delighted with his team’s response and is once again making good decisions in his substitutes.
Pre-match Prediction;
Liverpool 2 – 1 Leicester
