Brighton 2 – 1 Liverpool PL Player Ratings
The Champions League last 16 closed with the Reds advancing, with Liverpool looking for revenge on an old foe on the south coast.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Giorgi Mamardashvili – 6.0
The giant Georgian stopper was caught in two minds in the buildup to the opening goal, as instead of directing the ball forward he delivered a tricky pass into his defender which eventually led to the opening goal. He was steady thereafter with his hands and feet.
After the restart, the Reds’ keeper made a good save before being well beaten for the second goal conceded. His defence let him down for that goal.
Ibrahima Konaté – 5.0
The French international was a little clumsy at times and overzealous in his defensive work, and he failed to deal with the header that opened the scoring.
When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga star was caught out of position for the second goal conceded and seemed to drift back into inconsistency.
Subbed – 77 mins
Milos Kerkez – 7.0
The Hungarian international was given freedom to get forward with this new four-man box midfield allowing him license to roam. The energetic left back levelled the scores with a beautifully taken goal as he gambled on Brighton making a mistake. The opening goal was not well defended.
After the break, the excellent full-back was unable to offer the same quality as the game drifted away from the visitors.
Subbed – 77 mins
Jeremie Frimpong – 6.0
The Holland international was always willing to drive forward and give opportunities on the right flank. Playing almost as a wing-back he was a constant menace in a half filled with pace.
In the second half, the former Charlton man was less effective and avenues lessened as the energy levels dipped.
Subbed – 63 mins
Virgil van Dijk – 5.0
The captain and leader of this team was able to reorganise this team, however, the opening goal perhaps should’ve seen him drift to the far post and clear the first ball.
After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was caught out for the second goal conceded as he failed to deal with the first or second ball.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0
The Argentine international was enjoying a good half of Football despite the goal conceded. He was able to control periods of the half and offensively offered that little bit more going forward with Jones helping to occupy the middle ground.
After the break, the former Brighton star was outrun and outworked as the game started to drift away.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.0
The Hungarian international was a little bit hamstrung at times as the shape of the team altered with the injury departure of their centre forward, Hugo Ekitike. A solid enough half but way below the form shown so often this season.
When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga star was lively if unequalled by his own players in a frustrating half.
Ryan Gravenberch – 5.0
The Dutch midfielder was clever enough positionally and seemed more comfortable with a crowd of midfielders around him. An understated half where he was neither good nor bad.
After the restart, the midfield star was poor for the second goal conceded and lacked positional awareness in transition.
Florian Wirtz – 6.0
The German attacker was industrious on the ball, however, you could see that he did not have an underlying link with Cody Gakpo who very quickly became the focal point of the attack. Good opportunities to create came and went without too much fruition.
In the second half, the elite creator was subdued as the energy seemed to drift away from the visitors.
Cody Gakpo – 4.0
The attacker was able to create avenues and make some good runs, and to be honest, looks even less comfortable in that central position, where he is equally predictable. A half that was built around adjustment as he lost his strike partner earlier on.
After the break, the former PSV forward was unable to link with those around him as the game became somewhat chaotic.
Hugo Ekitike – N/A
The French attacker was unlucky to catch a dead leg early on and needed to depart the field soon after.
Subbed – 8 mins
Substitutions;
Curtis Jones – 6.0 (on 60)
Came on to replace Liverpool‘s injured Striker. He clearly added more solidity to the team, however, all it did was Takeaway the strategy in the game plan.
Rio Ngumoha – 7.0 (on 62)
Came on to off more pace in attacking areas.
Andy Robertson – 6.0 (on 77)
Came on to offer more experience.
Federico Chiesa – 6.0 (on 77)
Came on to offer more experience.
The Manager:
Arne Slot – 1.0
The starting lineup was expected with a box midfield allowing a two-man attack.
The substitutions were poor. Losing Hugo Ekitike after eight minutes and replacing the man with a midfielder showed a lack of confidence and bravery.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;
Brighton 2 – 2 Liverpool
