Galatasaray 1 – 0 Liverpool CL Last 16 – 1st Leg Player Ratings
The Champions League group stages closed and the latter stages brought a first-leg trip to Turkey, with Liverpool looking for revenge on an old foe.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Giorgi Mamardashvili – 8.0
The giant Georgian stopper was helpless for the first goal as his defence won neither the first nor the second ball.
After the restart, the Reds’ keeper made several good saves to keep his side in the contest.
Ibrahima Konaté – 5.0
The French international was reminiscent of his bad form earlier in the season and could not put a foot right.
When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga star was unsure and struggled with the hosts’ atmosphere and movement.
Milos Kerkez – 6.0
The Hungarian international was steady and unspectacular as he drifted through the half.
After the break, the excellent full-back was ineffective before leaving the pitch.
Subbed – 60 mins
Joe Gomez – 5.0
The England international was unsure positionally and failed to give that defensive shield that was needed.
In the second half, the former Charlton man was again lacking in most departments.
Virgil van Dijk – 6.0
The captain and leader of this team were not close to their best and failed to organise the team after a bright start.
After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was unsure where to place his troops and lacked real strength in his instructions.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5.0
The Argentine international was unable to take a real grip on the game as he failed to set the tempo after a bright start.
After the break, the former Brighton star was again unable to control the tempo in an intimidating stadium.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.0
The Hungarian international was sometimes too slow to release the ball though he gave glimpses of his power.
When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga star was unable to raise the tempo and take hold of the game.
Ryan Gravenberch – 5.0
The Dutch midfielder was decent at times yet lethargic at others. His loose pass led to the corner and the only goal of the match.
After the restart, the midfield star was bright and ineffective in equal measures.
Florian Wirtz – 6.0
The German attacker was eager to create and engage and after a bright start, the goal seemed to take away any momentum.
In the second half, the elite creator was lacking in pace and true creativity.
Subbed – 73 mins
Mohamed Salah – 5.0
The record-breaking attacker was always lacking that initial burst and seemed easy and predictable to play against.
After the break, the former Chelsea forward was unable to offer much before leaving the field.
Subbed – 60 mins
Hugo Ekitike – 6.0
The French attacker was always available and if anything lacked support in the box.
After the intermission, the former PSG star was the only true threat in a frustrating encounter.
Substitutions;
Jeremie Frimpong – 6.0 (on 60)
Came on to offer more pace.
Andy Robertson – 7.0 (on 60)
Came on to add experience and desire.
Cody Gakpo – 6.0 (on 73)
Came on to offer a good shot from distance.
The Manager;
Arne Slot – 7.0
The starting lineup was as expected and built to bring a controlled dynamic against a dangerous home side.
The substitutions were obvious and lacked real impact.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;
Galatasaray 1 – 1 Liverpool
