Liverpool 0 – 2 PSG (0-4) Champions League, 2nd Leg Player Ratings
The Champions League saw the Reds emerge from a Premier League win over Fulham to face the reigning and defending champions of Europe.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Giorgi Mamardashvili – 7.0
The giant Georgian stopper was very smart and alert in the early stages, clearing some tricky balls into the box.
After the restart, the Reds’ keeper was keen to stay assured and could do nothing for the opening goal. The second goal was again a case of a great goal being scored.
Ibrahima Konat̩ Р8.0
The French international was a strong presence in the opening exchanges as the chess-like game played out under the Anfield lights. A superb covering block late in the half was critical.
When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga star was again the standout defender; however, the gaps opened and the hosts’ energy departed late on.
Man of the match
Milos Kerkez – 6.0
The Hungarian international was solid defensively and managed to offer the odd moment of offensive action in a cagey first half.
After the break, the excellent full-back was unable to offer too much as he remained more defensively aware.
Jeremie Frimpong – 5.0
The Dutch speed merchant was very limited in his attacking output as diligence and decision-making under Slot kept him grounded.
Subbed – 45 mins
Virgil van Dijk – 7.0
The captain and leader of this team was vocal and authority-driven as he tried to keep a tight rearguard and the attacking components did their job.
After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was able to cut the pitch in half and push his men forward, until the opening goal.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0
The Argentina international was unable to stamp his authority on the game as the game slowed and descended into a mundane battleground.
After the break, the former Brighton star was far more effective.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0
The Hungarian international was heavily restricted after an opening surge, as the visitors started to take control.
When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga star was powerfully charged and looked to create havoc.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0
The Dutch midfielder was keen and productive with ball-carrying moments, but he failed to offer a defensive presence in the middle of the park.
After the restart, the midfielder was far more effective going forward and looked to drive towards the box. Should have been better for the opening goal.
Florian Wirtz – 6.0
The German attacker was low-key and well marshalled as he seemed to lack the ball in key areas as well as support.
In the second half, the elite creator was able to link up a little more.
Alexander Isak – 6.0
The world-class striker was bright early on and then faded drastically as the gamble to start the Swede backfired.
Subbed – 45 mins
Hugo Ekitike – 6.0
The French attacker was probing before leaving the field with a potentially season-ending injury.
Subbed – 30 mins
Substitutions;
Mohamed Salah – 6.0 (on 30)
Came on to offer experience and more thrust from the right.
Cody Gakpo – 7.0 (on 45)
Came on to bring a spark at the start of the second half.
Joe Gomez – 6.0 (on 45)
Came on to offer more assurance at full back.
Subbed – 66 mins
Rio Ngumoha – 7.0 (on 77)
Came on to offer pace and unpredictable skill.
Curtis Jones – 6.0 (on 73)
Came on to offer homegrown energy.
The Manager;
Arne Slot – 7.0
The starting lineup was selected to try to get early goals, which backfired as Isak and Hugo both failed to make it to the second half.
The substitutes were forced upon the head coach and everyone made sense and impacted well.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;
Liverpool 1 – 2 PSG
