match_ratings_ident

THE match ratings from Liverpool’s 1-0 first leg defeat to Southampton in the League Cup semi-final.

Loris Karius: 8

Two really sharp stops and unlucky with the one that went in. Handling sharp and, one flap aside under heavy pressure (which averted a free header), a faultless performance from the young German. The readjustment (from a movement expecting a header) for the one-v-one save just before their goal was particularly impressive.

Hopefully take a lot of pressure, both internally and externally off his shoulders. Needs another few of those behind him to clear his head and challenge Simon Mignolet who’s having his best season at Liverpool so far.

Nathaniel Clyne: 6

The other side of being uber consistent is that you’ve not got much to pull out the bag when you need something else, would maybe like to see him commit a little more when we’re being stifled.

Dejan Lovren: 6

Had a few shaky games at St Mary’s and today was no better.

Rescued half a point late on with a header off the line, but not the most assured and played everyone onside for the goal after a horrific error from…

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Wednesday, January 11, 2017: Liverpool's Dejan Lovren looks dejected as his side lose 1-0 to Southampton during the Football League Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg match at St. Mary's Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Ragnar Klavan: 4

No idea, absolutely nothing at all as to what he thought he was doing to gift Southampton their goal.

So bad that an OK second half only gets him a four across the whole 90.

James Milner: 5

Suffers when we don’t move the ball as quickly as he’s a brilliant catalyst, too ploddy to dominate a game himself, especially from left-back.

Using his face to protect the ball was possibly the moment of the season, though.

Lucas Leiva: 6

At least tried to get things going and force the issue, looked goosed at the end. Can be a good option when he has decent performances around him but when he’s playing in such a pedestrian midfield he suffers.

Emre Can: 3

Slower off the mark than King Koopa.

Don’t like being mean, but everything was off tonight.

Has good technical ability and an eye for a pass but when this fails him, as it did tonight, you have a slow on the turn, cumbersome passenger in the midfield, whose only contribution is to break any meaningful possession down.

He knew he was stinking the place out which doesn’t help.

Still has time on his side but needs to step up massively.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Wednesday, January 11, 2017: Liverpool's Emre Can in action against Southampton during the Football League Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg match at St. Mary's Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Georginio Wijnaldum: 5

Anonymous.

Adam Lallana: 6.5

Tried to get things going, looked much better when Phil Coutinho came on but offered very little by others and seemed too far away from his partners in attack.

Daniel Sturridge: 5

Thought he started brightly but faded, no cohesion going forward and started looking for the ball too much.

Nothing sticking for him either, seems between a rock and a hard place but tonight must go down as a missed opportunity to stamp a place in the team for Sunday.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Wednesday, January 11, 2017: Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge looks dejected as his side lose 1-0 to Southampton during the Football League Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg match at St. Mary's Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Roberto Firmino: 5

Save the tricks for the box, mate. And bring the top knot back, Samson.

SUBS

Philippe Coutinho: 7

Class above everyone else. Touch, technique and awareness a cut above.

That we only looked remotely threatening once he came on tells you how important he is, and that’s with three man markers, too.

Divock Origi: N/A

Southampton 1 Liverpool 0: Match Review

Southampton 1 Liverpool 0: The Pink

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