Bournemouth 1-2 Liverpool – Player Ratings

Bournemouth 1-2 Liverpool | EFL Cup Ratings

The Wednesday evening trip to the Vitality Stadium saw our German manager opt for a strong starting eleven, intent on staying competitive in all competitions.

🇪🇬👑 … Captain Salah ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TJ4usDVi8g

— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) November 1, 2023

Caoimhin Kelleher – 7.0

After a rather shaky performance against Toulouse last week, the Irishman looked to iron out any lingering rust with this domestic cup run. He showed good hands on a couple of first-half moments, as the chances were shared. The equalizer was a case of being unable to defend a brilliantly taken corner under harsh windy conditions. However, overall, this was a good game for the understudy keeper.

Kostas Tsimikas – 6.0

Starting the game as the current first-choice left-back, he had a desire (from his manager) to gain more rhythm in his play. He was a little quiet in the first half as the occasion struggled to get going. He couldn’t quite get into the game at times, as the wet conditions made for an end-to-end cup tie.

Joe Gomez – 7.0

The Liverpool hybrid for the evening, he was a constant outlet on the overlap through the opening period. He was alert to danger and is continuing his good run of form. A solid outing that may see him become the long-term right-back for the club, if Trent moves into the middle permanently.

Joël Matip – 7.0

The experienced campaigner is having a fine season, with an ability to play just one game per week. The Cameroonian was the steady organizer at the back as the away side dominated possession. A good game of strong leadership at the base of a changing team.

Jarell Quansah – 8.0

Man of the Match

It was a little surprising to see him ousted for last Thursday’s Europa League win; however, time is on the side of the exciting young Englishman. He showed good use of the ball with a couple of searching balls in a steady first half. He was pressured a little more in the second period, yet showed good composure throughout the game to produce a very fine and mature display.

https://twitter.com/AnfieldIndex/status/1719834808195465436

Curtis Jones – 6.0

After completing that absurd and overly harsh three-match suspension, the young Englishman would have been set on competing to get his elite starting shirt back. He was a good controller and mover of the ball as his role was more about recycling play. He may start at the weekend after a solid game.

Subbed – 61 mins

Wataru Endō – 6.0

After his Liverpool goal against Toulouse last week, you could see the confidence surge through the experienced, yet tentative, Japan captain. He did his job diligently as the central shield for the defense, as his teammates took control of the match. Steady and reliable.

Subbed – 61 mins

Harvey Elliott – 7.0

A good opening half, one where he really should have opened the scoring with a clear opportunity in front of goal. He was productive for the most part, yet almost gave away a good breakaway in that opening period. Incisive at times before leaving the field.

Subbed – 61 mins

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0

The Roy of the Rovers and standout midfielder got a rare midweek start, except on the right of the attack for this game. He offered good width and pace, as well as a continual ability to deliver into the box in a busy first half. He had a couple of snap shots that both drifted away from goal, as the Reds threatened to add more first-half goals. He was lively if a little ineffective after the break, especially in difficult conditions.

Subbed – 76 mins

Mohamed Salah – 7.0

The Egyptian King is evidently determined to get as many goals as possible, especially after his ridiculously low 11th place finish in this year’s Ballon d’Or. He started through the middle, yet looked more comfortable when drifting to the right in a productive first half. He was more productive when Darwin came on through the middle.

Cody Gakpo – 7.0

A welcome return to starting duties after his recent injury lay-off. He opened the scoring by lashing in from close range after finally taking advantage of one of the numerous first-half corners. A lively outing after injury.

Subbed – 81 mins

Subs:

Darwin Núñez – 8.0 (on 61)

Came in to score a wonder goal.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0 (on 61)

A steady game where more control was required.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.0 (on 61)

A tenacious cameo from the vice-captain.

Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0 (on 76)

Tough to get into the game.

Diogo Jota – N/A (on 81)

Came on.

The Manager:

Jürgen Klopp – 8.0

The manager went with a strong side, in order to try and overwhelm the weaker opposition. With a 4-3-3 starting shape, he was keen to see his superior attacking assets score early, which came later on in a good first-half display. He strangely utilized Dominik high on the right, allowing Harvey to drop into the middle three from the outset. The opening goal came after a succession of corners finally led to the goal, which at least enabled a calmer halftime team talk.

The substitutions seemed premeditated, though probably in line with the injection that was needed. To bring on Darwin and alter the front line immediately paid dividends, as his Uruguayan striker unleashed a wonderfully taken goal from outside the box. The remainder of the contest was about game management and getting into the hat for the next round.

A solid night all around in poor weather conditions.