As UEFA Champions League football returned to Anfield after a three-year absence, Liverpool fell short in a game that they controlled for large parts against Sevilla. The 2-2 scoreline didn’t reflect the balance of the game as Jürgen Klopp’s side had the best of the chances, including a missed penalty.
The match further highlighted the gulf in class between their fantastic front line and their clumsy defensive line. We look at how the Liverpool players performed under the brights lights of elite European football.
Starting XI
Loris Karius – GK – 6/10
The backup goalkeeper couldn’t do anything about both goals his side conceded after being let down by his defence. Other than the goals, he only faced one other shot all night which wasn’t even on target.
Joe Gomez – RB – 5/10
The young English full-back struggled against a strong side and picked up two silly yellow cards leading to a 94th-minute dismissal. The positioning of the 20-year-old was questionable, to say the least, he looked well out of his depth.
Dejan Lovren – CB – 4/10
A perfect example of why Liverpool’s defence is so poor. The Croatian was completely at fault for the first goal as he couldn’t clear a simple ball across the box and his passing put Liverpool in danger on a number of occasions. A night to forget for Lovren.
Joël Matip – CB – 5/10
Like the rest of the defence, he looked well out of his depth despite being rarely troubled at the back. The passing was awful and when he had time on the ball, it was often wasted. Invited a lot of pressure and couldn’t cope with the faster attackers.
Alberto Moreno – LB – 6/10
Far too attack-minded which was his downfall for his performance especially the first goal as he failed to get goal-side of the goal scorer. Picked up a needless yellow card and could have been sent off late on with a reckless slide. The Spaniard got a decent assist and was the Reds’ best defender.
Jordan Henderson – DM – 6/10
Looked desperate to create chances but with little quality from the players directly around him, it was always hard. He played some incisive passes to the attacking trio but on many occasions, the attacks were wasted.
Emre Can – CM – 5/10
Like Henderson, he kept trying to get involved in the action but failed with some dodgy passes and a few missed long shots. The German’s lack of influence on the game saw him substituted for Phillipe Coutinho with 15 minutes left.
Georginio Wijnaldum – CM – 6/10
The best midfielder for Liverpool with some very good attacking play. Created several openings for teammates as well as getting himself into some good positions going forward. However, ultimately failed to light up the match.
Mohamed Salah – RW – 7/10 (Man of the Match)
Best player on the pitch for Liverpool. He looked to go forward at every opportunity whether he was slipping in teammates or going alone. Although it took a huge deflection, his goal was thoroughly deserved especially after his hard work to win the ball back. Came off for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the closing minutes.
Roberto Firmino – ST – 6/10
A bittersweet evening for the Brazilian after scoring the opening goal and then missing a penalty to make it 3-1. Played well until missing the spot kick, which seemed to knock the confidence out of his game. He offered very little in the second half after a good first half.
Sadio Mane – LW – 7/10
Great attacking performance from the winger but lacked final product on too many occasions. He looked brilliant when faced one-on-one with the Sevilla defenders and a goal or assist would have made it a great performance. His evening was cut short as he was replaced by Daniel Sturridge in the 84th minute.
Sub: Phillipe Coutinho – 5/10
Looked to create something when coming on but failed. Didn’t have long to impose himself but he was lacklustre he did have the ball at his feet.
Sub: Daniel Sturridge – N/A
Substituted for Mane in the 84th minute so he didn’t have long enough to get involved in the match.
Sub: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – N/A
After coming on in the 89th minute for Salah, he couldn’t get into the game at all.
