Jurgen Klopp finally won his first game as Liverpool boss in tonight’s League Cup clash with Bournemouth.
There were a number of promising performances in the 1-0 victory, and here’s how we’ve rated the players:
GK) Adam Bogdan – 7/10
A really solid no.2, is our Hungarian. Faultless between the sticks. Will hopefully start all League Cup games. He deserves it.
DR) Connor Randall – 5/10
We don’t want to patronise the debutant, but he’s not yet ready for the Liverpool first-team. Very nervous in possession and made Danny Pugh look like a top winger.
DL) Nathaniel Clyne – 7.5/10
Excellent down the left. Marauding runs, clever passes and the winning goal. Clyne gambled at the far post in the first half and finished well at the far post.
DC) Kolo Toure – 6/10 (Skrtel – 33′)
Done his hamstring early on. At least it wasn’t a striker, we suppose.
DC) Dejan Lovren – 6/10
A traditionally shaky start from the blunder merchant, but he grew into the game. Often passed backwards though instead of stepping into space.
MC) Joe Allen – 6.5/10
Sat deep in midfield and found clever pockets of space, before distributing it simply. Better than he’s been so far this term, although that isn’t saying too much.
MC) Cameron Brannagan – 6/10 (Lucas 65′)
Tidy and not overawed by the occasion, but didn’t stamp any authority on it either.
AMC) Roberto Firmino – 8/10 (Lallana – 87′)
Roberto Firmino has arrived, Ladies and Gents! Looked effortlessly classy in the no.10 role, linking up with Jordon Ibe especially. He had some decent long strikes and played a nice through-ball for the goal. A nutmeg following by a curling shot to the far post was the highlight. Let’s hope the goals and assists come soon.
AML) Joao Teixeira – 7.5/10
This guy looked a player! Almost scored with a ludicrous back-heel but Clyne gobbled up the rebound, and looked utterly composed in possession. Was happy to pass and run with the ball, and did his chances of appearing in upcoming Premier League fixtures no harm whatsoever.
AMR) Jordon Ibe – 7.5/10
Much better from Ibe who’s been awful so far this term. Showed serious pace and had the beating of his fullback. End product could’ve been better but there were moments of real class.
FC) Divock Origi – 5.5/10
Barged through a defender in the lead up to our goal, but otherwise – was very poor again. Made some purely unforgivable passes straight to the opposition.
