Liverpool vs Middlesbrough: LFC Player Ratings

The fans that came to Anfield, to watch Liverpool take on Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup, expected a straight forward, if not wholly comfortable, win. What they were witness to instead, was record-breaking spot-kick drama, after the game ended at 2-2 after the 120 minutes. A whooping 30 penalties were taken, out of which 27 were converted as Liverpool won 14-13 on penalties, to advance to round 4.

The game, went to penalties, after a dramatic twist, wherein Liverpool conceded a penalty in the 120th minute having been 2-1 up at that point. Encouragingly for Liverpool, we managed to win despite resting almost half of the first team. Here are the LFC player ratings from that game.

Jul 30, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Liverpool FC goalkeeper Simon Mignolet (22) makes a save on Manchester City FC midfielder Jesus Navas (15) during penalty kicks of a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

GK: Simon Mignolet – 7/10

A fine performance by Mignolet in goal. Made a few good saves in the first half and wasn’t at fault for either goal. However, he still looks suspect during opposition set-pieces. Could do nothing during the shootout as he came up against some exemplary penalties. Did manage to convert one of his own.

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LB: Jose Enrique – 7/10

It was good to see Enrique starting after such a long time. He linked up well with Lallana on the left-side. Seemed prone to lapses in concentration on a couple of occasions but considering he hasn’t played in a while, that is forgiven. A dependable performance and can give good cover to Alberto Moreno.

CB: Mamadou Sakho – 5/10

As is always the case with Sakho, he seems to struggle to cope with not playing on a regular basis. Every time he’s brought into the side after being dropped for a game or more, he looks shambolic. Again today he was wasteful and nervous in possession. A horrendously misplaced pass, led to his handball and Middlesbrough’s first goal in this one. Not the kind of performance that will keep him in the team for long.

CB: Kolo Toure – 7.5/10

A surprisingly positive performance from Kolo Toure. Despite this being just his first game this season, Toure looked calm and composed. His experience showed, as the game wore on. While others were growing impatient, Toure remained solid and assured. Loses one mark though, for the careless tackle that conceded the penalty.

RB: Javier Manquillo – 6/10

It’s only been a few games but a pattern has emerged with Manquillo; solid defensively, but nothing much going forward. An attacking side like Liverpool needs an attacking full-back and if Manquillo doesn’t develop that side of his game, he may well be relegated to a bench role, being called upon to add some solidity at the back. Will face competition from Glen Johnson as well as Jon Flanagan in the future.

LM: Adam Lallana – 6/10

He played the full two hours and looked like he was settling in quite well. A few neat tricks and turns, as well as the link-up play with Enrique suggested that he was beginning to find some form. Still though, a lot to be desired and maybe needs to be shifted as he looks uncomfortable on the left.

CM: Lucas Leiva – 6.5/10

Lucas had a solid outing. He picked the ball off the opposition on numerous occasions and distributed the ball well enough. Hopefully, he’ll continue playing like this whenever called upon. Even converted two spot-kicks.

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Rossiter (46) celebrates after scoring a goal on his debut. Mandatory Credit: Liverpool FC Capital One Cup Gallery www.liverpoolfc.com

RM: Jordan Rossiter – 8/10

This was Rossiter’s chance and he delivered. He was comfortable in possession, distributed the ball well and showed good ability to close down opponents quickly. Still just 17, Rossiter is far from the finished product and still has a long way to go. His goal was well taken and his nice enough debut, reminded people of the Steven Gerrard of old.

LW: Raheem Sterling – 7.5/10

Easily the best player on the pitch, but loses points because of a shocking pass, that led to Middlesbrough’s 2nd equaliser. Also loses a point for failing to convert his penalty in the shootout. An otherwise Sterling classic, causing lots of problems for the defenders.

RW: Lazar Markovic – 4.5/10

Possibly the worst player on the pitch. The injury might have hampered his pace, but doesn’t look like a player worth the money we spent on him. Will have a lot of pressure on himself to deliver, otherwise we may have another Andy Carroll-type situation on our hands.

ST: Rickie Lambert – 5/10

Perhaps the pressure of his first start for Liverpool at Anfield got to him but a poor performance from Lambert. If these ratings were based on desire and effort, he would’ve gotten a 10, but sadly, these are performance based ratings and his performance rated badly. Hopefully, with the pressure gone he should play better.

Aug 2, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Liverpool midfielder Suso (30) celebrates with teammates after a goal against AC Milan in a friendly at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Substitutes:

Suso – 7.5/10

Brought on to replace Markovic at the start of extra time and immediately justified the decision. Did more in 20 minutes, than

Markovic accomplished in 90, including scoring what should’ve been the winner. Last season’s loan spell has certainly helped him and with performances like this, it will be hard for Rodgers to overlook Suso in the near future.

Jordan Williams – 6.5/10

Brought on to replace Rossiter after 75 minutes. A like for like swap, and Williams looked just as steady as Rossiter. Was solid in possession and didn’t let the pressure get to him. Even stepped up to convert a penalty during the intense shootout.