Fenerbahce 3 – 2 Liverpool – Champions League Player Ratings
The Reds returned to the Champions League, heading to Turkey for a tough European away contest.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Alisson Becker – 5.0
The giant Brazilian stopper produced great moments but should have been more steadfast in coming for balls and could have been blamed for the third and a potential fourth.
Joe Gomez – 5.0
The England international was steady and unspectacular, despite one superb delivery. A handy allotment of minutes for the versatile defender.
Subbed – 66 mins
Kostas Tsimikas – 5.0
The Greek international was unable to make a case for a regular start in an underwhelming game. Lacks pace and is far too limited for the biggest stage.
Subbed – 76 mins
Jérémy Jacquet – 5.0
The France international was allowed this poor showing and perhaps pointed to a need to take him out more often, as he was at fault for two goals and struggled to reach his recent superb levels.
Virgil van Dijk – 6.0
The captain and leader of this team was unable to galvanise his troops and again should not be overplayed to this extent. Did well but not close to what we expect.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5.0
The Argentina international was tired and needed help with this continuing need to start. A January reinforcement is needed as the toll is being taken on the World Cup winner.
Trey Nyoni – 8.0
The future England international was again very good and the Reds’ best player. As a conduit and shield, he did what he could when other senior professionals around him could not.
Subbed – 85 mins
Man of the Match
Dominik Szoboszlai – 5.0
The attacking midfielder was without clear direction and seemed to wander aimlessly looking for moments rather than creating them. Needs to be more impactful and find a role that suits him.
Rio Ngumoha – 7.0
The England international was another young bright spark who brought desire and passion to this game. Those ahead of him in the front line should take note.
Subbed – 66 mins
Bradley Barcola – 6.0
The French attacker was a duck out of water through the middle, and though his talent is undeniable, he cannot seem to settle into a role in this team.
Víctor Muñoz – 5.0
The Spanish player was limited and too predictable. The sporadic bursts did not result in anything significant and he looks destined to be the insurgent who impacts late in games.
Subbed – 66 mins
Substitutions;
Florian Wirtz – 4.0 (on 66)
Came on to offer very little.
Cody Gakpo – 4.0 (on 66)
Came on to offer very little also. Was at fault late on.
Alexander Isak – 6.0 (on 66)
Came on and should have won the game.
Lewis Koumas – 6.0 (on 76)
Came on to run about more than others.
Milos Kerkez – N/A (on 85)
Came on.
The Manager;
Andoni Iraola – 5.0
The starting lineup was strong and designed to get the game won and players off the field.
The second-half substitutes were reactionary and apart from Isak, offered little. A tired performance from Al but a couple of young Englishmen.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;
Fenerbahce 2 – 2 Liverpool
