Player Ratings: Liverpool’s Balanced Play Secures Europa Points

Liverpool 2 – 0 Royale Union Saint-Gilloise – Europa League Ratings

The reds probably needed this type of game in order to extinguish the disappointment endured at White Hart Lane last Saturday evening. The team was adjusted as required, with a few surprise faces in the Germans starting eleven.

Two wins from two in the #UEL ✊ pic.twitter.com/yQgQpIykoy

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 5, 2023

Alisson Becker – 7.0

With his understudy injured, the Brazilian number one was drafted in for a rather low-key appearance. His handling and alertness were on point throughout as he watched his side dominate the game.

Kostas Tsimikas – 6.0

Started the game as expected, with a desire to give good width and support throughout the game. His running was key to cover any pot breaks in a solid game.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 8.0

The vice-captain wore the armband in place of a rested Virgil, which bodes well for a potential Premier League return on Sunday. His use of the ball was direct and incisive and his long-range effort created the goal for Ryan Gravenberch.

Subbed – 63 mins

Jarell Quansah – 8.0

It is genuinely exciting to see how this young player develops, with as much game time as his good form continues to allow in these secondary competitions. Was strong in the challenge and covered ground well as it was required. His elevation in just a few months is astounding, which shows the quality of the academy graduate.

Man of the match

Ibrahima Konaté – 8.0

A little surprising to see the man mountain continue to play such a prominent role in this competition, yet it is good to see all the central defenders competing well against one another. Played the role of rearguard general and was untested for the most part in a good performance.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8.0

After an underwhelming stint with Bayern Munich, the young Dutchman is revelling in this slow build to what could become a tremendous Anfield career. His deft touches, direct motion, and first half goal were all a sign of what his manager is looking for.

Subbed – 79 mins

Wataru Endō – 6.0

An uneventful half for the holding midfielder, whose job was to occupy space and shield the backline. Neat and tidy without having to over extend himself. A genuine option to start this weekend.

Subbed – 45 mins

Harvey Elliott – 7.0

A solid game for the talented Englishman, with his continuing role as a secondary starter allowing him to slowly progress and build his tactical awareness. Harvey has become an important squad member and these types of games and competitions will benefit him immensely.

Mohamed Salah – 7.0

A surprise starter, yet understandable considering the near unbreakable nature of the Egyptian King. Mo was dangerous and proactive in his play and should have achieved a lovely assist, if not for the Darwin close range miss.

Subbed – 45 mins

Diogo Jota – 7.0

The domestic suspension for the trip to Brighton guaranteed the Portuguese forward a start. He was generally quiet and probably played some safe football until his predatory instincts brought a well taken goal late on.

Darwin Núñez – 6.0

The man that can do the magical is still prone to fluffing the simple. Should have scored a goal in the opening half, as a near open goal beckoned. The running and movement were still important as it allowed the away team’s defence to remain pinned back.

Subbed – 45 mins

Subs;

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0 (on 45)

Came in to control the tempo and dominate the middle ground.

Luis Diaz – 7.0 (on 45)

Came on and showed his drive to create a goal for Diogo Jota.

Curtis Jones – 6.0 (on 45)

A steady and solid half of football for the weekend’s unfortunate absentee.

Joe Gomez – 6.0 (on 63)

Tried to be attacking and should have been more alert on a couple of defensive moments. No problem.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.0 (on 79)

Energetic and infectious.

The Manager;

Jürgen Klopp – 8.0

The manager once more shuffled his pack for a game that allows minutes to be spread accordingly. The German would have been happy with the control in the first half, if a little annoyed not to have seen his strong starting line-up not wrap up the game in that opening period.

The second half was about game management, which also allowed the substitutes to impact and key players to be withdrawn. His love for Ryan Gravenberch is clear and it seems as though his demand for the young midfield man was the right call in the summer.