Player Ratings: Ajax vs LFC 0-1
Just a real quick player ratings as I’m filling in for our Scottish Birthday boy.
Well it wasn’t pretty, but it was a very gritty performance from the boys where they managed to keep a clean sheet and more importantly a road win. This should go a long way in helping the team moral after the events of the Merseyside Derby
Adrian (5) – Plain and simply Adrian terrifies me anytime the ball is anywhere near him. He looked nervous from the get go when he almost steamrolled Gomez in the opening minutes. Made a nice foot save, but I think that would have been called offside anyways. Flapped on a ball late in the game and was lucky not to gift Ajax the late equalizer.
TAA (6) – I felt he was caught out of position a few too many times for my liking. Couple of nice cross field balls, but no killer balls into the box that we have gotten accustom to.
Fabinho (8.5) – Got stuck in early and often, and also made quite a few interceptions as his positioning was very good. Considering this was his first game at CB without VVD as a partner, I thought he did brilliantly. Saved a goal with a great goal line clearance and overall play was brilliant and as such he gets the MSMotm award (Maple Syrup).
Gomez (7) – Considering the new partnership and the fact he played on the left side in VVD’s position instead of his accustomed right side, I thought he had a solid game. Couple of good headed clearance and some good recoveries when the ball went in behind him. Should improve once Alisson returns because he looks completely out of sync with Adrian and out of all the players he looks like to one that trust him the least (for good reason).
Robbo (7.5) – Robbo provided his usual energy on the left side and with a little bit of luck he could of had an assist or two. Did his job defensively and kept the Ajax defenders on their toes. Sadly I can’t complain about his performance today and I must admit that he’s had a better start to the season then TAA.
Gini (6.5) – Quiet first half, but was better once Hendo came on and he was allowed to move forward more. One really nice surging run late in the game. Covered a lot of hard yards as he always does.
Milly (6.5) – One thing you know you’ll always get from Milly, is 100% effort, some physicality and hard nosed tackling. Booked and subbed just after he took a knock on the back of the head.
Jones (5.5) – Seemed a little off the pace and he didn’t influence the game much before being subbed off at halftime. First of hopefully many CL starts.
Salah (6) – Used his speed to keep the Ajax defence on their toes, but didn’t really influence the game. What frustrates the crap out of me is that Salah fails to see the easy play so often, and one example was when LFC had a chance for a quick counter. Salah did a great job bringing the ball forward and holding the ball, but failed to lay off the easy pass to TAA who was making a surging run, instead he tried to go cross field and his pass was cut off. Just wish he sometimes would see the easy ball.
Bobby (6) – Another game where Bobby just couldn’t get anything going, even his pressing seemed to be slower and less ruthless tonight. I honestly think Bobby needs a bit of a break, he just seems burnt out at the moment and he doesn’t have his usual energy. Again he’s played a ton under Klopp and then gets called up to the Brazil team which only leads to more fatigue in my opinion. Wouldn’t mind Jota getting a start on the weekend in Bobby’s place.
Mane (7) – Somewhat of an off night for Mane by his usual high standards, still managed to play a key part for the winner. The sight of Mane coming down the left wing must be a nightmare for any defender.
Hendo (8) – Instantly stabilized the midfield and made our play more fluid. Another captains performance from the captain.
Jota (7.5) – Great energy coming off the bench and definitely proved a much needed spark, unlucky not to score. You just have this feeling that goals are gonna starting coming in bunches for Jota. Needs more minutes IMHO
Mini (6.5) – Also provided energy that was missing from the front three. Some good touches and he works hard. My only concern with Mini is he seems lightweight and can’t hold up the ball like Bobby can play that false 9 role.
Shaq (6) – Worked hard to make a difference but couldn’t really make an impact. Seems to be getting rounder. 😉
Williams (6.5) – Couple of strong challenges in the air in the last couple of minutes to help see out the game.
Final Thought: Well like I said it wasn’t pretty by any means, but it’s a good solid win for the team and a good first step in getting us out of the group in top spot. Another important point is that the win will keep our birthday boy in a good mood on his special day.
Full Disclosure: Here’s a little known fact but Jock’s real name is Clint and as such I decided to bake him a cake. 😉
Happy Birthday Clint..
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