Liverpool player ratings Europa final: 8/10 veteran MOTM, 5/10 Brazilians fail to show on big stage

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A disappointing second-half collapse cost Liverpool Europa League glory tonight as Sevilla won 3-1 in Basel to lift the trophy for the third season in a row.

Daniel Sturridge’s superb outside-of-the-foot strike had earned us a deserved half-time lead, which may have been extended had we been given one of several penalty shouts.

But it all started going wrong 17 seconds after the restart as Kevin Gameiro capitalised on some poor defending, and a double from Coke took the game beyond us.

Here, Empire of the Kop rates how Liverpool’s players performed at St Jakob-Park…

GK: Simon Mignolet – 6/10

Made one excellent save from Gameiro but arguably could have done better with the third goal.

RB: Nathaniel Clyne – 7/10

A good attacking outlet in the first half, and few of our problems came down his right flank.

CB: Dejan Lovren – 6/10

Showed bite and aggression in the tackle, although he was booked for a needless off-the-ball kick. Unfortunate to have header disallowed when an offside Sturridge interfered with play.

CB: Kolo Toure – 8/10

Made one or two brilliant cover tackles, including one when he made up several yards on Gameiro, and defended strongly throughout. Won 100% of his tackles, made 18 clearances and five blocks.

LB: Alberto Moreno – 4/10

His sloppiness was our downfall. The Spaniard’s double mistake at the start of the second half gifted Sevilla their equaliser, and he was out of position for goal three.

SEE MORE: Video: Double Moreno error gifts Sevilla equaliser 20 seconds after half time

CM: Emre Can – 5/10

Started very brightly, making a few crunching tackles. But his trademark drive was missing in the second half – perhaps an indication that he is not yet fully fit after his recent injury.

CM: James Milner – 7/10

Our captain recorded the most passes and covered the most ground, displaying a superb work ethic as you would expect. Produced little from an attacking perspective, but not the only culprit here.

AMR: Adam Lallana – 6/10

The England international went on a few good dribbles, but not in dangerous areas.

AMC: Roberto Firmino – 5/10

The Brazilian has been outstanding in Europe for us this season, but barely turned up tonight.

AML: Philippe Coutinho – 5/10

One of Coutinho’s quietest games in recent memory. You can win all of the individual end-of-season awards you want, but if you don’t turn up in big games, you don’t win the trophies that matter.

ST: Daniel Sturridge – 7/10

Scored a truly outstanding goal with the outside of his left foot – such a difficult skill which Sturridge made look so easy. Faded badly in the last 20 minutes. Might be a sign of his fitness issues.

SEE MORE: Video: Daniel Sturridge saves one of best Liverpool goals for when it really matters

Substitutes

Divock Origi – 5/10

Came on to play alongside Sturridge. Could not get in the game.

Joe Allen – 5/10

Has been our hero several times this season, but never seemed likely tonight.

Christian Benteke – N/a

The 83rd-minute substitute did not have enough time to make an impact.

SEE ALSO:
Pictures & videos: ‘The best of the Basel streets’ – Liverpool fans take over Swiss city
Liverpool fans admonish the worst half of football they’ve ever seen after final heartbreak
Fan Opinion: Does the Europa League final define the Reds’ season?

More Stories Adam Lallana Alberto Moreno Christian Benteke Daniel Sturridge Dejan Lovren Divock Origi Emre Can James Milner Joe Allen Kolo Toure Nathaniel Clyne Philippe Coutinho Roberto Firmino Simon Mignolet