Liverpool drew 1-1 with Bordeaux in Thursday’s Europa League clash, and Henry Jackson is in the player ratings hot-seat.
Bordeaux 1–1 Liverpool
Europa League – Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux – Thursday 17th September 2015
Goals: Lallana (65); Jussie (81)
Simon Mignolet – 6
The Belgian was largely untroubled on the night, although he didn’t always look convincing from crosses. He clattered Kolo Toure in the first-half, leading to the Ivorian’s withdrawal.
The 27-year-old could do nothing about Bordeaux’s well-struck equaliser, and made one terrific stop in the second-half.
Joe Gomez – 6.5
Gomez was used in a back-three against the Ligue 1 outfit, and equitted himself well on the whole.
The 18-year-old looked accomplished on the ball and read the game well, although he will be disappointed in the part he played for the hosts’ goal.
Kolo Toure – 6
Toure had enjoyed a solid start to proceedings before colliding with Mignolet, and his night came to a premature end before the half hour mark.
Mamadou Sakho – 8
Sakho was fantastic from start to finish, playing endless incisive balls into midfield, winning countless aerial battles and generally giving the defence a far more resolute look.
If he doesn’t start against Norwich City it will be absolutely unacceptable. Man of the Match.
https://twitter.com/MelissaReddy_/status/644591892576010240
Jordon Ibe – 5
A poor evening for the 19-year-old, who is really struggling to kick on so far this season.
He was used as a right wing-back in fairness, which is far from his best position, but he lacked a spark in attacking areas and continually switched off defensively.
Still very much a work in progress.
Emre Can – 5.5
Can is another who is searching for top form at the moment, and there are times when he seems to be playing a completely different game to everyone else.
The young German did adequately in both midfield and defence, but more has to be expected of him now. Didn’t cover himself in glory for the equaliser.
Jordan Rossiter- 7.5
A mature performance from Rossiter, who will be delighted with his European debut for the Reds.
He looked a dependable, cultured member of the midfield, and added fighting spirit that has been depressingly lacking in the side at times so far in 2015/16.
Alberto Moreno – 7
The Spaniard was another who did well, and is one of those who Brendan Rodgers must be considering starting against Norwich.
The 23-year-old was often an attacking outlet down the left-hand side, but it was defensively where he was much improved. Although caught out of position a few times, but his pace and timing of tackles made up for it.
Far from a performance but I'd love to see Moreno and Sakho back in the team. Gomez very calm at CB. Clyne would complete a decent back 4!
— Andy LFCDT (@AYPrivateEye) September 17, 2015
By Coutinho’s standards this was a bit of an off night, but he still looked one of the few players on either side who might create some magic.
His thunderous first-half shot hit the post, but his passing was a little wayward and he lacked his usual influence on the team.
Adam Lallana – 6
Lallana took his goal brilliantly, having nutmegged a Bordeaux defender, but it was an otherwise below-par display from the England international.
Too often the 27-year-old’s decision-making let him down, and his ability to hold onto the ball for too long can really frustrate. Liverpool still need a lot more from him on a consistent basis.
Divock Origi – 5
To describe Origi as raw would be an understatement, but there is only so long that you can keep using his age as an excuse.
The Belgian’s touch was poor throughout, and although there was the odd nice piece of hold-up play and clever bit of movement, he was not at all impressive.
Substitutes
Pedro Chirivella (on for Toure ’27) – 7
The 18-year-old will be pleased with his Reds debut, having come on for Toure before half-time. The Spaniard was neat and tidy on the ball, following a nervy start, and put in a good shift defensively too.
Danny Ings (on for Origi ’73) – 6.5
Ings had little time to make an impression, but he almost scored after a Dennis Bergkamp-esque bit of footwork seconds after coming on. The Englishman will be an effective substitute for Liverpool this season.
Cameron Brannagan (on for Rossiter ’80) – n/a
Brannagan was another to make his first Liverpool appearance, but he had no time to really get into the game.
Brendan Rodgers – 6
The switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation should probably be classified as a decent move by Rodgers, although it still looked flaws in certain areas.
Ibe looked out of place as a wing-back, and Origi was too isolated at times, but the inclusion of Sakho made a big difference and the decision to make him captain was an astute move.
It will be very interesting to see if the likes of Sakho, Moreno and Rossiter keep their place for Sunday’s game. The knives could be out if not.
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[statsfc-player-rater key=2dCG2IPndnJBm4GL141AFJQnx7Wsl6gT3JGGW02u team=Liverpool date=2015-09-17 default_css=false]
