Hoffenheim v Liverpool: Player ratings – Aug 15 2017

Liverpool worked their way to a vital 2-1 win against Hoffenheim in Germany. We have our player ratings here:

After the disappointing draw with Watford on Saturday in the Premier League attention turned to tonight; Liverpool’s return to the Champions League. Qualifying for the group stages is so important. Both for finances and morale. What a waste it would be to lose all last season’s effort by failing at the play off stage.

Hoffenheim are a tough opponent with a great track record. They have an imperious home record. It was not the draw we wanted, but it is the one we got. If we have any hopes of making a dent in this competition this year then beating Hoffenheim is the least of our worries. It is, however, the first worry.

Jurgen Klopp named an unchanged side despite calls to give Robertson and/or Gomez a chance. They rode the early exchanges before taking the lead through Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free kick. A deflected James Milner shot gave us a two goal advantage but Hoffenheim grabbed a late goal through, you guessed it, sloppy defending.

Here are our player rankings for Hoffenheim v Liverpool:

Simon Mignolet – 7

A wonderful first half for the Belgian stopper. It started with a good penalty save and he was then alert on three more occasions as our defense gave up golden chances. Those saves and stops gave Liverpool the half time lead. He had a quieter second half with Liverpool taking control of the game but had one more great save in the 81st minute to preserve the two goal advantage. Not really at fault for the Hoffenheim goal.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8

The young Scouser’s star isn’t just rising, it is soaring. A beautiful free kick late in the first half gave Liverpool a crucial lead. While many of the Reds started nervy and mistake ridden, Alexander-Arnold showed no fear. Composed in defense and showed the clever decision making of a seasoned pro. Came out to close down at the right times and was always aware of covering his center backs. A yellow card from frustration shows he still has a little to learn. The edge was taken off his performance  by mis-reading the offside for the Hoffenheim goal.  However he still had a Man-of-the-Match performance. (Sorry Nathaniel.)

Joel Matip – 5

None of the catastrophic errors that his partner committed but failed to organize the back four when we conceded.  He still does not look the imperious presence of last season which has to be a worry for Jurgen Klopp. He is helping Alexander-Arnold with positioning but unfortunately we need him to do that for Lovren and Moreno too.

Dejan Lovren – 3

An awful start to the game for the Croatian. He gave away two early chances before getting nutmegged for penalty. Late on in the first half he got out-muscled in the air which set up another great chance for Hoffenheim that Mignolet managed to keep out. He owes Migs a beer (or four). He was asleep for the Hoffenheim goal and remains a liability.

Alberto Moreno – 5.5

I want to give him 4 for his defending but 7 for his attacking so I’m cheating with a 5.5. he continues to have brainless moments as he is tracking back. Either getting sold easily by wingers or leaping into a tackle where he just needs to stay on his feet. Continues to link up well with Sadio Mane going forward and is able to push the opposition back with his forward runs. If only he had a brain.

Jordan Henderson – 5

Better shape and positioning than Saturday but failed again to impose himself on the game. He came off for James Milner in the second half with what looks like an injury niggle. Liverpool can’t afford to lose any more midfielders with Crystal Palace on Saturday and the second leg next week.

Gini Wijnaldum – 6

More disciplined but, again, largely anonymous. The midfield blend of Wijnaldum and Henderson does not gel yet. Too many similar traits and instincts makes the midfield very predictable. We are much slower at getting the attack going without Coutinho or Lallana in the side. Hopefully he can regain his ‘Anfield’ form at the weekend.

Emre Can – 7

Again the strongest and most confident of the midfield three. Never caught in possession and was the only midfield player making runs to draw defenders and create space. If he could be paired slightly deeper with one of the other two midfielders – with Coutinho further forward – then that would give us the balance that we need in the middle of the park.

Mohamed Salah – 6

Missed a golden chance in the first half after he broke away one on one. He couldn’t quite shake the tracking defender. For some reason he shifted the ball on to his right foot before putting it wide of the post. Lacked a little of the pace we have seen in preseason. He clearly misses the connection with Philippe Coutinho. They were certainly on the same wave length in the friendlies and he must be hoping that the Brazilian stays.

Roberto Firmino – 7

These games suit Roberto Firmino. His movement, defensive efforts and tactical positioning are just so clever; they often go unseen by the casual fans. Jurgen Klopp loves it every bit of it though. Missed a short-range, point-blank chance early in the second half. Subbed late on for Dominic Solanke and his smart work was missed during the late exchanges.

Sadio Mane – 6

Still looks a yard off his full pace. I wonder if he is also adapting to the left hand side role. I expect we will see him dominate again over the next few weeks and month. He still looks like the Liverpool player who is most likely to make something happen out of nothing. Created a good chance for himself in the second half.

Subs

James Milner – 6

Brought on for Henderson who appeared to have an injury. He went about his business well and grabbed a key goal through a deflection. Trustworthy and professional.

Dominic Solanke – 5

Had no chance to influence the game as we we’re on the back foot for his duration on the pitch.

Grujic – 5

Came on late for Sadio Mane and gave away a very silly free kick which resulted in a chance. A good effort in the 93rd minute redeemed him slightly.

Next: Liverpool fight off rivals for 20-year-old star