Here’s Liverpool player ratings v Exeter City from tonight’s FA Cup 3rd Round draw. Our young team battled back to level twice against the League Two opponents – with the academy stars impressing far more than the experienced pros…
GK) Adam Bogdan – 4/10
Another game, another shocker. Beaten by a corner, Bogdan has proven once again that he’s simply not good enough to back up Simon Mignolet as Liverpool’s no.1.
DR) Connor Randall – 5/10
Let far too many crosses get delivered in and was sloppy on the ball too. Had one rasping drive/cross which impressed, but it wasn’t enough to earn him a higher rating.
DL) Brad Smith – 6.5/10
Like Randall on the other side, Smith allowed far too many wide balls into the area. He was involved in the conceding of our first goal and his own offensive delivery was mostly non-existent. However, late on Smith vastly improved – slamming a loose ball into the net and offering more going forward as the 90 approached.
DC) Jose Enrique – 5/10
Absolutely all over the shop positionally. Shouldn’t be anywhere near this Liverpool side and proved today why he hasn’t been selected in a year.
DC) Tiago Ilori – 5.5/10 (Maguire – 77′)
Making his first appearance for Liverpool since signing two and a half years ago, Ilori looked very out of match practice. Physically weak and lacking fight, he played some simple passes but was so physically exhausted Ilori was hauled off late on.
MC) Cameron Brannagan – 7/10
One of the few players to emerge from the game with proper credit. Some tidy play in central midfield and one particularly excellent cross which Benteke should have converted. At 19, he showed promise.
MC) Kevin Stewart – 6/10
Recalled from Swindon just in time, Stewart was largely invisible in holding midfield. He did play the ball simply and smartly though and displayed some necessary steel and grit too.
AMR) Ryan Kent – 7/10 (Chirivella – 60′)
Making his debut having been recalled from Coventry, Kent wanted the ball and was our best attacking threat. Took some shots on goal and wanted to cut in from the right and get close to the opposition area. Pulled off after the hour, but you’d have to suggest it was to save him for more minutes later in the month. What does that say about our current injury crisis…?
AMC) Joao Teixeira – 6/10
Technically good, but tactically weak. Tried some silly turns and skills in areas where he needed to keep it simple, but the talent is there in bundles. Didn’t produce enough in the final third.
AML) Jerome Sinclair – 6/10 (Ojo 71′)
Largely anonymous but finished well to score our first goal when the ball broke to him in space in the box. The striker is out of contract in the summer, and this may well be his only ever strike for Liverpool.
FC) Christian Benteke – 4/10
The only first-teamer in the side, Benteke skippered Liverpool but played absolutely appallingly. Despite costing £32.5m, he didn’t look a cut above his teenage team-mates or his League Two opponents. Doesn’t get in the box when the ball’s in wide areas. Why?!
SUBS:
Maguire – n/a
Chirivella – 6/10 – Composed on the ball, involved in our second.
Ojo – 7/10 – Injected pace, power and ideas for the Reds upon his late arrival.