After the totally abject display against West Ham at the weekend, this was the perfect response by the Redmen. Right from the first minute, you could tell Klopp’s words had made an impact on the players. The pressing, the intensity and the movement of our play was superb, whilst the spirit and determination in defence was a hugely pleasing aspect of this gritty away victory. It came at a cost, with further hamstring injuries to Coutinho and Lovren adding to the already loaded Liverpool injury list, whilst the sight of Kolo Toure hobbling at the end leaves Klopp with virtually no first choice centre backs available, which surely forces him to delve into the transfer market. Nonetheless, Liverpool carry a slender but vital 1-0 lead into the second leg at Anfield, leaving Klopp and his players within touching distance of the final at Wembley. Here’s how I rated our players on the night.
Simon Mignolet- 7.5/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Klopp remains completely adamant in his support of Mignolet, and the Belgian keeper played an important part in this victory. His superb stop from Glen Johnson’s powerful first half strike was a vital intervention, whilst he was alert and dominant throughout the half, coping well with Stoke’s aerial bombardment.
Nathaniel Clyne- 7/10
Liverpool’s Mr Reliable put in yet another strong performance, recovering well from a torrid afternoon at Upton Park at the weekend. Hardly ever dribbled past or caught out of position, Clyne was a rock at the back, making countless important tackles and interceptions to help contain the dangerous Marko Arnautovic. Could have contributed more in an attacking sense, but Clyne’s priority is to defend and he did that superbly well.
Kolo Toure- 9/10
The sight of a 34 year-old Kolo Toure starting in defence is not usually cause for confidence among Liverpool fans, but I make no exaggeration when I say this was one of the best centre back performances I’ve seen from a Liverpool player for a long time. The veteran Ivorian was imperious at the back, throwing himself in front of the ball to make crucial blocks, and reading the play intelligently to intercept and stop counter attacks. His experience in marshalling the backline was invaluable. The sight of him hobbling around, barely able to walk for the final few minutes was reflective of Toure’s character and determination to soldier on for his club. What a hero.
Dejan Lovren- 8/10
The big Croatian has become something of a fan’s favourite in recent weeks, against the odds. He was terrific in the first half, constantly alert to danger and making several well timed tackles. Always on the front foot, he was aggressive in his pursuit of the ball. After 34 minutes, he became the latest victim to be struck down by the a hamstring injury. He will be sorely missed- that tells you everything about his importance to this Liverpool team.
Alberto Moreno- 6.5/10
As usual, Moreno provided a constant outlet on the left, bombing forward with great pace and energy. His tacking and pressing were aggressive, and he covered his defensive duties well, although on a couple of occasions he should have done more to close down some dangerous crosses, which has been the prime cause of conceding goals in recent weeks.
Lucas Leiva- 9/10
This was without a doubt my favourite performance by Lucas in a Liverpool shirt. He was absolutely outstanding, starting in defensive midfield where he broke up the play to great effect, before dropping in alongside Kolo Toure as a centre half following Lovren’s injury. He coped extraordinarily well, especially against much taller and more physical opponents. His perfectly timed, crunching tackle on Bojan actually burst the ball, such was the passion and intensity with which Lucas performed. In the words of Brendan Rodgers, his ‘character’ was fantastic. It really was.
Emre Can- 7.5/10
It speaks volumes about the importance of Can’s role in midfield these days that Klopp sacrificed Lucas as a centre back, rather than Can who has experience playing there before. His energy, physicality and sensible use of the ball allowed Liverpool to dominate the midfield. His powerful, surging forward runs helped drive the team forward time and time again.
Joe Allen- 8.5/10
Quite comfortably one of, if not his best ever performance for Liverpool. Allen was absolutely outstanding in midfield, winning tackles, pressing, making interceptions and playing some sublime forward passes. His assist for Ibe’s goal was quite clearly intended as he looked over his shoulder twice before feinting to slide a pass into Ibe’s path- an exquisite piece of skill. Allen often gets much stick from Liverpool fans. He’s something of a relict from the Brendan Rodgers era, and has never quite fulfilled his £15 million price tag. However, he demonstrated his worth on this occasion, and he is the ideal squad player. Whether he will still be part of Klopp’s plans next season remains unclear, but on this evidence he is certainly not one to let go for the time being.
Philippe Coutinho- 6/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Coutinho only lasted 18 minutes before succumbing to a painful-looking hamstring injury. Up until this point, his movement and linkup play with Firmino was promising, although he perhaps could have made more of a direct one-on-one with Shawcross. Fingers crossed he’ll be back before too long.
Adam Lallana- 7/10
As always, Lallana ran himself into the ground for 90 minutes, proving his importance in Klopp’s demand of high-intensity pressing to win possession back for his team. On this occasion, his obsession with the Cruyff-turn actually came off to good effect several times, and his direct running and precise cut back played a key part in the build up to the goal.
Roberto Firmino- 6/10
A strange performance by Firmino, who seemed to play well in most aspects except for shooting. His movement and linkup play provided a much more fluid and mobile option than Benteke, and the Brazilian looks best suited to this advanced forward role. Created some excellent chances for his team mates and pressed the ball well, but his touch let himself down on multiple occasions and he still looks well short of confidence and quality in front of goal. Promising signs, nonetheless.
Substitutes
Jordon Ibe- 7/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Replacing the injured Coutinho early on, Ibe helped maintain Liverpool’s attacking impetus and ensured that Liverpool could cope well without the Brazilian’s presence. He controlled Allen’s pass well before slotting away the winning goal and provided reliable cover tracking back to help Moreno minimise Shaqiri’s influence on the game. Could have been bolder in his running against Johnson. You get the sense he underestimates his own ability to go past players.
James Milner- 6.5/10
Stepping in for the injured Lovren towards the end of the first half, Milner himself was returning from injury but slotted in smoothly and put in the typically committed and hard-working performance you’d expect, forming a strong partnership in the midfield triumvirate alongside Can and Allen.
Christian Benteke- N/A
On for just the final 15 minutes in place of Allen, it looked like a brave call by Klopp. Benteke provided a more direct attacking outlet and won several headers, holding the ball up well to help see the game out.
Red Regista
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