Liverpool player ratings v Exeter: Ojo comes off bench to bag beauty, but Ibe shines brightest

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Here’s how we rated Liverpool’s players from tonight’s 3-0 victory over Exeter City in the FA Cup.

SEE MORE:
Liverpool 3-0 Exeter: highlights & match report as young Reds ease to FA Cup win

GK) Simon Mignolet – 6/10

Never has a player had so little to do and still collected a 6/10! But a clean-sheet’s a clean-sheet!

DR) Connor Randall – 6/10 (Flanagan – 50′)

Solid if unspectacular. Largely untroubled, but with Flanagan back his chances of appearing too much more this season have diminished.

DL) Brad Smith – 7.5/10

Really good, again. Smith assisted our opener after a great one-two with Benteke, and showed he can deliver dangerous left-footed balls into the box throughout. If Exeter were not our opponents, he’d be really knocking on Klopp’s door to replace Alberto Moreno.

DC) Tiago Ilori – 6/10

Tidy at the back, but mostly unnoticed. An ageing Clinton Morrison wasn’t the sternest test though, it has to be said.

DC) Jose Enrique – 6/10

Captaining the side, rather bizarrely for us when Allen and Mignolet were on the field, Enrique benefited from rather weak opposition. He didn’t do too much wrong in fairness, but this is likely his last game of the season.

DMC) Kevin Stewart – 7/10

Read the game in the middle, and isn’t afraid to put his foot in. Misplaced a few passes, but gets the game moving quickly when we win possession, which is a trait Klopp will like.

MC) Joe Allen – 7/10 (Ojo – 65′)

Another goal at Anfield for Allen! The Welshman bagged from six-yards out early on, and was the tidiest player on the field – without really grabbing it by the horns. Replaced early in the second.

MC) Cameron Brannagan – 7/10

Took a few pop-shots from outside the area, Brannagan rarely gave the ball away and tonight’s performance will do him a world of good. Another youngster showing real promise.

AMR) Jordon Ibe – 8/10 (Chrivella – 80′)

Best player on the pitch tonight. Ibe took the mickey out of Exeter defenders and even midfielders on multiple occasions, but for all his good work – he wasn’t rewarded a goal. Still, he made Ojo’s and slammed an effort off the cross-bar. When the end product finally arrives, this kid’s going to be frightening.

AML) Joao Teixeira – 7/10

Delivered one beautiful cross for Benteke, and showed regular glimpses of his technical ability. Bagged late on when Benteke fed him through on goal. Importantly, never looks fazed in possession.

FC) Christian Benteke – 7/10

We’re giving him a 7/10 because he was involved in two of our goals, and brilliantly assisted the last – but his finishing was shoddy. Missed two easy headers and yet another one-on-one at the death!

SUBS:

Jon Flanagan – 7/10 – Didn’t put a foot wrong on his return. Great news.

Sheyi Ojo – 8/10 – Came on and became Liverpool’s youngest ever FA Cup goalscorer. Great stuff.

Pedro Chirivella – 6/10 – Helped run Exeter into the ground late one.

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