Player Ratings: Newcastle’s Resilience Denies Liverpool EFL Cup Glory | OneFootball

Liverpool 1 – 2 Newcastle – EFL Cup Final Player Ratings

Following the 0-1 loss against PSG in the midweek, Liverpool rolled into Wembley with a desire to eradicate hurt with EFL Cup silverware as Newcastle attempted to finally add a trophy to match their newfound ambitions.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 6.0

The backup Irish stopper was fairly relaxed until the first-half goal, which lowered beyond him and into the bottom corner.

In the second half, the academy graduate was unable to offer the world class performance of his Brazilian teammate, Ali.

Jarell Quansah – 6.0

The England international was nervy on the ball in the first half although he was solid in his defensive actions.

After the intermission, the academy graduate was unable to offer anything more than reliability.

Andy Robertson – 6.0

The Scotland international was committed and a good covering source in the rearguard as Newcastle tested the Reds continually in the opening 45 minutes.

After the halftime break, the former Hull fullback was willing but unable to make the grade.

Ibrahima Konaté – 6.0

The France international defender was solid enough away from set pieces, however, the lack of awareness was evident for the opening goal.

In the second half the former RB Leipzig man was removed to create a more attacking formation.

Subbed – 56 mins

Virgil van Dijk – 6.0

The captain and leader of this team looked unsure in his role as Dan Burn had his way from repeated corners before powering in the first goal.

After the restart, the former Celtic man was unable to stop the second goal as he seemed flat footed in the box.

Ryan Gravenberch – 4.0

The Duch midfielder was lacklustre and non-committal in the first half as he struggled to make any impact whatsoever.

After the break, the former Ajax prodigy was again tired and underwhelming.

Subbed – 74 mins

Dominik Szoboszlai – 5.0

The Hungarian skipper was energetic though wasted in transition as he struggled to intact in a poor first half.

After the intermission, the former RB Leipzig man was unable to turn the tide.

Alexis Mac Allister – 5.0

The Argentina World Cup winner was uncharacteristically poor in the first half as he struggled against a powerful Newcastle team. The controller was poor for the opening goal as he could not cope with the size of Dan Burn.

In the second 45 minutes, the former Brighton man was tired and underwhelming.

Subbed – 67 mins

Diogo Jota – 3.0

The Portuguese striker was wasteful once again as he made no impact in the first half, even blazing wide from close range as the death of the first half

In the second half the former Wolves man was ineffective before departing.

Subbed – 56 mins

Luis Díaz – 4.0

The Columbian forward started on the wing and looked to penetrate, however, he had little joy within a frustrating period.

In the second half the former Porto man was crowded out too often.

Subbed – 74 mins

Mohamed Salah – 4.0

The Egyptian King was limited to sporadic moments on the ball and not till first-half stoppage time did he produce a good cross which came to nothing.

After the break, the record-breaking scorer was unable to make the breakthrough.

Substitutions;

Darwin Núñez – 5.0 (on 56)

Can on to add power and pace.

Curtis Jones – 6.0 (on 56)

Came on to add fire and homegrown desire.

Cody Gakpo – 5.0 (on 67)

Came on to add variety.

Federico Chiesa – 6.0 (on 74)

Came on to score.

Harvey Elliott – 5.0 (on 74)

Came on to bring urgency.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 5.0

The Dutch manager picked a team that was most likely, however, the first half showing was poor and tired-looking.

The substitutions were reactionary but futile against a team which had more energy and more desire.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 1 Newcastle