Rutwiz Kulkarni rates Liverpool’s players after a feisty but unentertaining clash with Manchester United.
It was a clash of two of the greatest teams in England but the performance from both sides was highly unimpressive. Liverpool will be disappointed to have settled for a 0-0 draw after a frustrating outing at Anfield. We take a look at how each of the Reds fared against Manchester United.
Loris Karius – 5
It was sort of a replication of his performances so far this season. Looked nervous throughout the game, misplaced a few passes and almost invited a dangerous situation. He was better with the distribution and made a few good catches. It’s too soon to make a judgement about him and he does look like someone who would adapt over time. Will be happy to have kept his and Liverpool’s first clean sheet of the season.
Nathaniel Clyne – 5.5
It was another solid but not unspectacular performance from Clyne. The fullback was up against Ashley Young on his flank and he dealt with most of the situations quite well. He also had a couple powerful shots blocked.
Joel Matip – 6.5
Had a job to deal with Zlatan Ibrahimović which he did pretty well. Kept him quiet most of the game, however, on some occasions, Zlatan did manage to get into dangerous positions without any outcome, though. Looked a bit shaky on the ball like most of his teammates but managed to get into the game as it progressed.
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Dejan Lovren – 6
Like his defensive partner, Lovren dealt with most of the United’s attacks quite well. The former Southampton defender was helped by the fact that Manchester United had more of a defensive mentality throughout the game. Lovren and Matip dealt with United’s crosses quite well.
James Milner – 6
Milner was operating as a left back and was up against Rashford who looked dangerous on several occasions. Millie was solid throughout the game and was linking up quite well with his teammates. It looked like he had picked up a knock and was eventually substituted.
Emre Can – 6.5
Came into the side for the injured Adam Lallana and was impressive if not outstanding. The German didn’t look 100% match fit but was still solid in the midfield and was good moving forward. Had a left foot shot saved thwarted by a magnificent save by David De Gea.
Jordan Henderson – 5.5
Hendon didn’t exactly look like the Henderson we’ve been watching this season but was influential throughout the game. The absence of Lallana and Wijnaldum was severely felt in the Liverpool midfield as there was not enough energy and the passing was not crisp. Kept giving up possession.
Philippe Coutinho – 6
Coutinho was forced to play deep in the midfield due to Wijnaldum’s absence. At times, he looked like the most lively player on the pitch. Was the closest to scoring a goal when he had his trademark rocket saved by a world-class save by De Gea. Coutinho was the best attacking Liverpool player on the pitch last night.
Sadio Mané – 5
Mané kept trying hard to pierce the United defence that was sitting so deep. The Senegal attacker ould have done better after a Blind slip gifted him the ball. Liverpool did enjoy possession most of the game but without any outcome. This wasn’t his best performance in a Liverpool shirt but he was hardworking as always.
Roberto Firmino – 5.5
Was almost put through on goal but was stopped by a terrific Valencia tackle. He also had Liverpool’s first shot on target after a disappointing start to the game. Like his teammates, he got better as the game progressed but will be disappointed to not be on the scoresheet.
Daniel Sturridge – 4.5
This was a disappointing performance from Daniel Sturridge and was substituted in the second half for Adam Lallana. He is a quality forward with fantastic abilities and a good attitude, but he’s just not able to adapt to the pressing game. He can, however, turn things around and it must happen as soon as possible.
Substitutes:
Adam Lallana – 6
Liverpool look like a different force when Adam Lallana is on the field. Immediately after his introduction, the Reds suddenly started to look lively in the attack and came very close to scoring on a couple of occasions. He was missed during the first half and his importance to this side was highlighted by his performance last night.
Divock Origi – n/a
Came on in the 86th-minute to replace Firmino and had no time to make an impact on the game.
Alberto Moreno – n/a
Replaced James Milner after it looked like he had taken a knock. Like Origi, he had little to do after coming on.