Aug 2, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Liverpool team photo at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
In a game with several poor performances, here is a look at the ratings of Liverpool players against Hull City
Liverpool traveled to the KC Stadium to take on a Hull City side fighting to avoid relegation. In a contest between teams at opposite ends of the Barclays Premier League table, it was obvious that there was a large discrepancy in quality between the two squads. Surprisingly, Hull appeared to be the team with the massive edge in talent in this contest. ESPN FC took a close look at the disappointing performance by Liverpool. Here is a look at the player ratings for the Reds in the 1-0 loss to Hull.
GK Simon Mignolet- 7
The Belgian had a very solid performance against Hull. Simon Mignolet was called into action on several occasions and was up to the challenge. You cannot fault Mignolet for the one goal that was allowed, as an unorganized offside trap was punished by Michael Dawson, scoring the only goal of the contest.
D Glen Johnson- 7
Glen Johnson has been the subject of harsh criticism this season at Liverpool. The 30-year old has been on the outside looking in for most of the campaign. Without Alberto Moreno, Glen Johnson was given a start and was one of the better performers for Liverpool. Johnson created the best scoring chance of the game with a brilliant run at the end of the first half and delivered a tantalizing cross for the attackers. Unfortunately, nobody wearing a red shirt was in position to take advantage of the delivery.
D Dejan Lovren- 6
Another player that has been the subject of harsh criticism following a costly transfer move from Southampton. Dejan Lovren has been growing increasingly comfortable at the back for Liverpool. For a defender, Lovren had a pleasantly uneventful afternoon against Hull. The one moment involving Lovren was the incident that led to the goal. Lovren was seen repeatedly screaming at Mario Balotelli to step up and play the Hull players offside. Balotelli didn’t listen and it cost Liverpool a vital three points.
D Emre Can- 4
Emre Can has all the makings of a future star at Liverpool. The 21-year old German is calm in possession and solid defensively. However, Brendan Rodgers has struggled to find a position for Emre Can to get comfortable. The German was clearly uncomfortable against Hull and it showed. Can struggled defensively and was hesitant to move forward into the attack.
D Martin Skrtel- 5
Martin Skrtel is the most consistent defender for Liverpool. Another lackluster performance in the game against Hull. When you only give up one goal, it is hard to criticize the defense. Skrtel was average and his rating displays the mediocrity.
M Philippe Coutinho- 7
One of the few bright spots for the Reds, Coutinho to be one of the best players for Liverpool. Coutinho was consistently willing to make runs and was always available to take possession. His performance was not rewarded, as the rest of the squad struggled. The Brazilian created one of the few scoring chances, as he fed Jordan Henderson inside the box, but Henderson could not convert the opportunity.
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M Jordan Henderson- 6
Fresh off a new contract, it is clear that Jordan Henderson will lead Liverpool into the future following the departure of Steven Gerrard. Henderson put in a shift against Hull. One of the few players that was always looking to get involved, the England International worked hard for his team. The hard work was not rewarded as the team fell to a 1-0 defeat.
M Joe Allen- 4
Brendan Rodgers made the decision to rest Steven Gerrard and save the club legend for a weekend matchup against Queens Park Rangers. In his place, Joe Allen got the start. The Wales International was absent in the midfield for most of the contest. You can count on a player like Allen to work hard for the club, but effort isn’t always enough to make an impact.
F Raheem Sterling- 4
With a player that possesses the immense ability of Raheem Sterling, it should be hard to miss him while he is on the pitch. Sterling feels that he is an elite player and deserves to be paid like one. The England International found his way into promising attacking positions, but appeared hesitant to run at defenders and make his way into the box. Sterling is at his best when he puts pressure on defenses and constantly looks to attack. This did not happen against Hull.
F Jordan Ibe- 5
Jordan Ibe was allowed to take up a more attacking position against Hull. The winger consistently found his way into attacking areas of the pitch, but failed to come up with threatening crosses for his teammates to attack. Getting into attacking positions is half the battle. However, poor crosses from good positions do little to create goal scoring chances.
F Mario Balotelli- 2
Mario Balotelli has demonstrated the ability to score goals with some of the biggest clubs in the world. The Italian demonstrated his class in the Premier League during his time at Manchester City. His return to England has been frustrating to say the least for Liverpool. Without Daniel Sturridge for the remainder of the season, Balotelli will continue to get chances to start for the Reds.
Against Hull, Balotelli failed to demonstrate any of the qualities that are desired in a striker. Not only did Balotelli fail to create chances, he did not hold up the ball in possession or create a threat on set plays. If all else fails, a striker should be constantly looking to make runs and test the center of the defense. When a striker fails to do anything to help his squad and is a constant liability to lose his temper, his skills could be better utilized on the sideline.