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Liverpool 0 – 3 Atalanta Player Ratings

The stressful Premier League campaign was sidelined for a few days to allow the first leg of this Europa League quarterfinal to be played out. As the Italian side entered fortress Anfield, there was a sense that they could be on the receiving end of the reds weekend frustrations, though the complete opposite was what soon followed.

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 4.0

The 25-year-old Irishman is perhaps on the verge of being displaced by the returning Alisson Becker, yet the extended period of play that has seen the understudy called upon, has been largely terrific. Shortly after the first whistle the Anfield stopper was required to make a close-range stop, as he spread wide and deflected the shot over by way of his cheek. The understudy was unable to get down quick enough for the ties first goal, as his defence let him down. The second goal was an impossible task, as his teammates once more left him exposed to a close-range opportunity. The third goal was deserved and the worst team performance of the year competed.

Joe Gomez – 3.0

The England international defender came back into the side after sitting out the weekends game. As the chosen right back for the game, the opening period allowed the former Charlton man to surge forward, yet his relationship with the more forward assets on that flank was very unfamiliar. The second half showing was uncoordinated and unsure as he struggled to intertwine with more familiar bodies. The defensive shape was lost and this was like a bad dream from last season.

Kostas Tsimikas – 2.0

The Greek international defender has been largely sidelined since his return from injury, therefore, it was important to see him start this game. From the outset the popular fullback was involved going forward as the reds looked to exploit the Atalanta rearguard. Unfortunately, his showing was lacking in potency and he was guilty of losing his marker for the game’s opening goal. Was not good and may have played his last game of the season.

Subbed – 45 mins

Ibrahima Konaté – 3.0

The France international defender started this game after a precautionary rest for the Manchester United encounter. The 6ft 4inch defender was dominant from the opening bell and confrontational to his opponents. Despite some good strength, he was lacking positionally for the second goal as the lead was extended to 2-0. There was a lack of real pressure on the defender for a spell, as the Italians looked to preserve their well-deserved lead. As the game went to 0-3, the heads of the centre backs were lost.

Virgil van Dijk – 4.0

The captain and leader of this team is vital to success and he started this game with a commanding presence. From minute one, the former Celtic man was keen to push his defensive line up. Some rather lacklustre work meant he did not close the cross which created the opening goal. His team’s defensive shape lost its way after the break and the uncoordinated rearguard were two behind. Urgency was fleeting and a tired group could not be rallied by the giant skipper. The third goal was lazy and the scoreline reflected the game state.

Alexis Mac Allister – 4.0

The Argentina World Cup winner is the more important outfield player in this calendar year and his continued form is one of the key components, to a successful end of season charge for glory. As the game started, the former Brighton man was tasked into the right-hand side and struggled at times to really get onto the ball, as the Italian side looked to surround him at each opportunity. Moving to his preferred left-hand side did not improve his effectiveness much as possession was sporadic from the entire midfield.

Wataru Endō – 3.0

The Japan international captain retained his place with a desire to build momentum as the midfield shield. As the game began the former Bundesliga man was during many facets and busy with his work, on and off the ball. Unfortunately, the defensive midfielder was hounded and overran at times and the left the field shortly after being dispossessed of the ball.

Subbed – 76 mins

Curtis Jones – 3.0

The future England star was ready to start and his inclusion was needed to add much needed competition to the middle ground roster. The academy graduate started as the left sided midfielder and nearly earned an early assist after a wonderful through ball had set Darwin free. Struggled to get on the ball and looked off the pace before leaving the pitch.

Subbed – 45 mins

Cody Gakpo – 4.0

The Dutch forward has been in and out of form of late, though his continued inclusion on European nights perhaps points to the importance of the competition, as a secondary point of interest. As the game started, the former PSV man was both strong and determined, with a desire to make an impression on his manager. Sadly, the impact dipped in line with the goals conceded and the effectiveness of the early stages disappeared.

Darwin Núñez – 3.0

The Uruguayan Raging Bull started through the middle with a licence to drift to the left as a roaming attacker. The power and energy of the former Benfica man was on show from the first whistle, however, the lack of a clinical edge in front of goal was too apparent in the opening stages, as two good chances failed to produce the game’s opening goal. More second half chances were wasted as the enigma which once terrorised Liverpool left the pitch early.

Subbed – 60 mins

Harvey Elliott – 3.0

The England under-21 star deserved to start this game; despite the continued effectiveness he has offered as a second half substitute. The former Fulham trainee started as the creative wide forward who nearly scored a wonderful angled effort midway through the first half, stopped only by the bar and then lost before bouncing clear. Was largely anonymous apart from the great effort and it was no surprise to see him taken off at half time.

Subbed – 45 mins

Subs;

Dominik Szoboszlai – 3.0 (on 45)

Came on to little effect.

Mohamed Salah – 3.0 (on 45)

Came on to bring slightly better movement.

Andy Robertson – 4.0 (on 45)

Came on to offer a little more width.

Luis Díaz – 3.0 (on 60)

Came on.

Diogo Jota – 5.0 (on 76)

Came on to add a goal scoring threat.

The Manager

Jürgen Klopp – 2.0

The German manager went with a rotated side, after the immensely disappointing 2-2 draw with Manchester United this past Sunday. The former Dortmund boss would have been worried with the team’s shape and endeavour through the first half, with a lack of a killer instinct was once again on show.

The first half deficit meant that three changes were made at half time, as an angry Klopp used alterations to try and positively impact the game. The alterations did not come off and Luis Díaz was the next man onto the pitch, just moments before the reds went 0-2 behind. Diogo Jota was the next roll off the dice as Liverpool continued to look disjointed and unthreatening. As the scores moved to 0-3, the tie seemed over, with a beleaguered German manager unable to alter the outcome.

Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 4 – 1 Atalanta

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