I usually don't do these and I'm not going to bother with ratings seeing as none of them really deserve any / it's hard to put a number on a performance, but here goes.
Mignolet: He's a nice guy, that's about the only positive thing I can say about him. I've been putting Karius in my own line-up since about the start of the season now. Karius needs a run of games until the end of the season, it's the only way to see where we really stand with him. Other than the Bournemouth game, I honestly don't even think he has been all that bad for us. He was brilliant in the Bundesliga and he fits our game so much better.
Gomez: He's just not a full back. Think he has everything to be a cracking CB though. He's strong, good passing, plenty of pace for a CB, ... His reading of the game has to improve a lot though, but that's something that will only come with playing games / by experience. Hopefully Clyne is back soon so him and TAA can rotate the RB position with Gomez being moved to CB.
Matip: Still think he's made to look a lot worse next to Lovren, kids playing at RB and #8's in front of him offering him close to no protection at all. Hard to blame him for the clearing header with the freekick. Wasn't easy to put it anywhere else in my opinion. He's not the defensive leader we need, but put a commanding CB next to him and offer him a bit more protection (in front and behind him) and I think he'll look a lot better.
Lovren: Diego said it really well during the game:"Lovren is a decent CB but he's too weak mentally, which means he's a liability that needs to be moved on." Physically he has everything to be a good CB, but if you're as weak mentally as he is, you'll never make it. Drop and move on.
Moreno: One of the very few who could leave the pitch with his head up high after today's game. He has been our best and most consistent defender so far this season.
Henderson: Nice assist for Salah's goal, but other than that, I'm really struggling to remember anything he did this game and I have a bloody good memory. Not good, although not helped by the two imposters in front of him in midfield. Would have really liked to see him step up and give the lads an earful, anything, some emotion, but nothing at all.
Milner: Loyal servant, good to fill some gaps here and there, but nothing more than that. Couldn't believe the amount of people having him in their line-ups instead of Wijnaldum. He isn't a PL quality midfielder. Too slow, not good on the ball at all.
Can: Been hacking into him for a good few weeks now. Complete liability in midfield, even more so this season now it's clear his head isn't here anymore. He can't play as an #8 in our system and he lacks awareness to play as a #6. Will probably end up doing well in a completely different set-up, but it won't be with us. Honestly not bothered at all with him leaving. Dirt poor again today, can't stress it enough.
Coutinho: Lost count of the times he lost possession. Tried to make things happen because the guys in midfield couldn't, but he can do so much better. Was denied a goal with a great shot at the end of the game. HscRed1 posted it in his player thread, I don't like him in midfield. Keep him up front.
Firmino: Thought he did well in the first half and won back the ball that led to our goal. Linked up play well on a few occasions, but nothing special other than that. It's hard to link up play with no runners (other than Salah) around you.
Salah: An ever present threat. This lad just doesn't give up, does he? Took his goal well, missed a big chance at the end of the game, but overall again one of the, if not the best, player(s) on the pitch.
Chamberlain: One of the very few bright spots. Thought he did relatively well when he came one. Showed his pace, a few good runs and crosses. I hope he gets up to speed with our play quickly so we can see him in midfield. Though looking at today's performance of our midfielders and Wijnaldum's injury, we might see him there sooner than expected.
« Last Edit: Oct 23, 2017 02:06:25 am by Danzel »
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