Liverpool 3-0 Southampton FA Cup 5th Round Player Ratings

The start of this game was pure cup football, as Southampton arrived with a want to upset the Premier League leaders. The rise of the Anfield kids was superb and the reds march on.

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Two excellent goals, scored by teenagers assisted by an 18 year old and a 20 year old.

Up the Bright Future Reds.

— Nostalgia Merchant (@HendrickD82) February 28, 2024

Caoimhin Kelleher – 9.0

The 25-year-old Irishman was brilliant in the opening stages as the visitors peppered his goal from the outset. The steady and confident showing was a blessing to behold, especially given the ongoing injury issues surrounding Alison Becker. The remainder of the first half was less frantic, as the second half needed the deputy stopper to maintain composure and strength against a vibrant adversary.

Kostas Tsimikas – 7.0

The Greek international deserved to start this game after a sporadic return from his recent injury. Some indecision and overplaying was evident in the first half, however, the experienced fullback grew into the affair and offered assurance to the younger assets around him.

Conor Bradley – 7.0

The young Northern Irishman was very attacking in the opening stages of this game, which probably opened too many avenues for the away team to counter. The tenacious nature of the wiry fullback was much needed as the reds started to take control and he is now a fully fledged member of the first team group. His growth and maturity this season is staggering.

Jarell Quansah – 8.0

The England under-21 star was pulled about a little early on, as the guests drove at the reds defence with real intent. His resilience and composure under pressure was key to stemming the pressure and he was able to guide those ahead of him in a very good display.

Virgil van Dijk – 7.0

The captain and leader of this team was certainly made to work hard in the opening period, as the energy and desire of the Saints was clear from the opening minute. The command of the skippers back line was needed more than ever, as the middle men struggled to contain a rampant attack.

Subbed – 45 mins

James McConnell – 7.0

The young midfielder was caught chasing counterattacking play from the off, as the new midfield group acclimatised to a frenetic tempo. Once the teenager settled into the game he was able to get on the ball and show good intelligence and passing throughout.

Subbed – 62 mins

Joe Gomez  – 7.0

The England international was tasked into the holding midfield role and was made to work hard through the initial stages of this tie. He was caught out a little at times, as the largely unknown position had him misplaced on occasion. On the ball, the experienced utility man was assured and able to control possession once the reds took control of the game.

Bobby Clark – 9.0

The young midfielder was caught out positionally early on as the Saints showed relentless desire to upset the English giants. His assist for the opening goal was key to steadying the game state, with a very good second half display ensuing, as he showed a tremendous level of talent and maturity.

Man of the match

Lewis Koumas – 8.0

The 18-year old wide man was starved of the ball early on, however, was subject to a fair penalty call as his team fought to get into the swing of the encounter. His penetration and running saw him score the first goal, as his desire to get his shot off was vital just before half time.

Subbed – 62 mins

Cody Gakpo – 6.0

The Dutch forward started through the middle once more, as the more senior of the attacking group. The 6ft 4inch striker failed to convert a number of solid chances and was guilty of indecision on too many occasions. His game improved after the second goal as the vibrancy of the side increased his own output.

Harvey Elliott – 7.0

The young live-wire kept his place in the starting eleven after his very fine outing in the EFL Cup final. Despite some poor on ball decisions in the first half, he grew gradually into the match and linked well with Conor especially. Some good touches and movement were evident, yet the best position of the former Fulham player is still to be determined.

Subbed – 78 mins

That was Liverpool without 14 members of the first-team squad due to injury and illness. #LFC

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) February 28, 2024

Substitutes:

Ibrahima Konaté – 7.0 (on 45)

Came on to offer power and assurance.

Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0 (on 62)

Came on steady the final stages.

Jayden Danns – 9.0 (on 62)

Came on to offer pace and brilliance with two clinical finishes. An absolute pleasure to view as he emerges.

Trey Nyoni – 6.0 (on 78)

Came on to begin his journey into the Anfield limelight.

The Manager:

Jürgen Klopp – 9.0

The German manager rotated accordingly, with so many senior players injured or unable to play so soon after the recent EFL Cup final.

The starting line up was quite understandably inconsistent in the opening exchanges, as his team struggled to keep shape and coordination. The gamble on youth paid off, however, as his players grew into the game and allowed good changes to be made to further impact the game.

Jayden Danns stole the show late on and overall, all the managerial choices were the right ones.

Steve Smith Pre-match Prediction:

Liverpool 4 – 2 Southampton