Liverpool player ratings from their drab Champions League defeat to Galatasaray

Liverpool made their second trip to RAMS Park this season, with Galatasaray playing host again and coming out on top… again.

It was a case of déjà vu for LFC as a feeble display left a lot to be desired, especially in the attacking third.

However, it must be said, that the defensive side of the ball was also dreadful, mistakes from Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, gave Gala more than enough chances to double their lead.

It feels as though Arne Slot’s men are falling back into the early season form and the extremely tedious play style that affected the early parts of this season. How did Liverpool rate in the first leg defeat?

Giorgi Mamardashvili – 8

The Georgian shot stopper was probably the best player for LFC and kept the dangerous Gala attack limited to just one goal.

His saves from Sanchez’s header and Noa Lang’s cross-come-shot were the highlights of his performance and even his ball-playing was a positive from his game. 

The shot stopper has been a good backup in his first season on Merseyside and will likely be put back in the firing line at the weekend as Alisson missed Tuesday’s game. It will be an important game for Mamardashvili as the visit of Tottenham looms on Sunday.

Joe Gomez - 5

His second consecutive start saw him move back out to right back. Defensively, Gomez showed why he was preferred and he was okay in isolation but struggled when Galatasaray overloaded his side.

On the other side of the ball, he offered almost nothing going forward, with his crossing and final-ball decisions being especially poor.

It seemed as though Gomez was far too conservative when Liverpool needed width. When Salah drifted inside, Gomez needed to overlap more to stretch the defence.

Ibrahima Konaté — 4

Probably Liverpool’s worst player on the night, looked extremely uncomfortable and rushed all match. He lost track of runners multiple times on crosses and corners, causing more problems then he was fixing. Talking of déjà vu, it was the Ibou of the early season out there.

The Frenchman looked uncomfortable all night but when asked to deal with Osimhen’s physicality, he looked clunky, lethargic and uncontrolled.

Konate has looked sloppy in possession most of the season and today he played several passes that gave Galatasaray transitions, in which they created dangerous chances with, including their dubiously disallowed goal.

Virgil van Dijk - 5

It was a strange game from the captain. He had some strong aerial clearances and reading of danger, but there were moments where he looked slower than usual reacting to second balls.

The Dutchman’s leadership at set pieces wasn’t great and the defensive line often looked confused. He didn’t seem to have control of his defence and didn’t dominate like you would expect.

Milos Kerkez - 6

It was a bright start from the left back but he seemed to fade badly. His early runs forward were promising, but once Galatasaray settled, he struggled defensively.

As for his attacking play, his crossing lacked accuracy, when the ball was actually played to him, as on multiple occasions the Hungarian was free, bombing down the left flank, only to be ignored.

He was taken off after Liverpool needed more attacking threat from the fullback area.

Ryan Gravenberch - 6

Gravenberch, coming off the back of his new contract, put in a quiet but competent game. He kept the ball moving fairly well, although he did miss Kerkez on two occasions, when the full-back was sprinting into open space.

The Dutchman didn’t offer enough defensive protection when Galatasaray countered. His passive manner in the game did not suit the atmosphere and chaotic nature of the tie.

Unlike the usual Gravenberch, he rarely drove forward with the ball, getting his team up the pitch.

Alexis Mac Allister - 6

Macca showed some technically good moments but he and Gravenberch seemed to be overrun physically, at times.

The Argentine tried to control the match tempo, constantly looking to get on the ball. He played a couple of decent progressive passes, but Galatasaray pressed him aggressively and forced mistakes.

He looked isolated at times and was continuously the deepest midfielder.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.5

Again, like many times this season, he was one of Liverpool’s more energetic players. The Hungary captain pressed well and made several runs into the box. His energy was the source of a few transitions, giving his all, like the rest of the season

The midfielder created a couple of half chances, nonetheless, it was his decision-making in the final third that wasn’t great. Unlike his form this year, he lost possession a few times trying to force things.

Florian Wirtz -5.5

A mixed performance in his first game back from his knock. The maestro had the creativity in his mind but lacked a cutting edge that only comes from match sharpness.

His intelligent movement between the lines has been a constant factor of his debut season and it was on display at times Tuesday. Wirtz often found his pockets of space.

Before Gala scored their one and only goal, Wirtz missed a very good early chance. He went on to miss another big opportunity, hitting a teed up shot first time into the ground taking any form of speed and power off his shot.

Mohamed Salah - 4

Salah had a very, and I mean very, quiet game which is becoming the norm, worryingly. This isn’t a recent phenomenon either, as all season the Egyptian icon has been under-performing and it only comes as a concern.

His pressing intensity was noticeably lower than the rest of the front line.

On the ball, Mo rarely beat his defender, had multiple touches that were heavy at times and he looked to lack motivation to affect this match. Liverpool’s right side is built around him and when he doesn’t threaten the defence, the attack stalls

Hugo Ekitike - 7

Like the season as a whole, Hugo was probably Liverpool’s best outfield player.

The striker worked hard pressing the centre-backs and on the ball, held it up well, bringing in his teammates as much as he could. Having said all of this, he missed the best opportunity of the night for both teams.

In matches and seasons like these, you have to take every chance you get, and on multiple occasions this year, Ekitike has come up short in some huge moments. This is just one and who knows if this could affect LFC’s future in this year’s UCL.

Substitutes

Andy Robertson - 6

Robbo immediately added more intensity on the left and some better crossing than Kerkez.

Still, Liverpool didn’t create many clear chances after he came on.

Jeremie Frimpong - 6/10

Another one who injected pace into the game. Stretching out the shaky Galatasaray defence for the first time. 

Unlike Robbo, his final delivery was inconsistent and failed to create any chances apart from a scuffed left footed shot that rolled back to the keeper.

Cody Gakpo - 5

Not much to say on Cody. Had a couple of decent touches in the box and one dribble that started a little heart in mouth moment for the Gala defence.

Much like Ekitike, he didn’t get enough service to impact the match.