Well, that did not go according to plan, did it? Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side were hammered 3-0 by a brave and lively Atalanta side in the first leg of their Europa League Quarterfinal at Anfield.
Klopp fielded a lineup with 6 changes from Sunday and that backfired as there was never any cohesion in the side and things were tense from the very beginning.
Atalanta's pressing was something that we discussed here before the match and it came to fruition as the Reds could not handle it. Halftime changes came too late as the damage was done and things only got worse for Liverpool.
Let's see how Liverpool players rated on this rough night.
Caoimhin Kelleher - 6/10 - He was not helped out by his defense one bit and he did make a few nice saves or else this could have been even uglier. His ball distribution was poor on the day.
Joe Gomez - 4.5/10 - Gomez struggled to make an impact going forward at all in this one as he had his hands full with Scamacca and De Ketelaere. Caught out of possession more than once but tried his best to get forward.
Ibrahima Konate - 5/10 - It was not the best night for Konate as he was caught out of position on multiple occasions and he did use his physicality like I thought he would beforehand. Carried the ball forward a few times but to no end product.
Virgil van Dijk - 6/10- Van Dijk kept them onside for the 2nd goal and he was under constant duress in this one as the Atalanta high-press gave him fits. Put a few of his headers over goal but otherwise, not the best night for the Dutchman.
Kostas Tsimikas - 3.5/10 - Poor. So very poor from the Greek on the night. Caught out of position far too often and his inability to control passes slowed down a few counter chances. His service into the box was also lacking. Subbed.
Alexis Mac Allister - 5/10 - The first time in a long time that Macca looked average. He was not able to dictate and dominate the flow of the game like he has been. Again, the press pushed him back and it was a lot of side-to-side passing. Loose with his passing as well going forward.
Curtis Jones - 5.5/10 - Making his first start in two months it was clear he had some rust that needed to be shaken off. Even still, should have had an assist following a brilliant through ball to Darwin. Otherwise, largely floated out of the game. Subbed.
Wataru Endo - 4.5/10 - That is back-to-back pedestrian outings from the Japanese international. He was largely invisible in this game as he did not do a great job of breaking up many Atalanta moves. He looked lost at times. Subbed.
Harvey Elliott - 6/10 - He was one of the few bright spots in the side in this one. Unlucky to not score after hitting double woodwork with his brilliant strike. Made himself available often but was missed by his teammates. Subbed.
Darwin Nunez - 4.5/10 - Should have scored from the Jones pass and was otherwise largely out of the game and off the pace. Did not play with his usual enthusiasm and fell off the pace early and never recovered. Subbed.
Cody Gakpo - 6/10- Like Elliott, looked like he actually wanted to be there. Made some decent attacking moves and tried to create things but got little help. Moved to the middle in the 2nd half and was unable to elevate the attack.
Subs
Mohamed Salah - 5.5/10 - Created some half chances for himself but nothing surefire. Put the ball in the back of the net but was offside. Did little to create for others after his introduction.
Dominik Szoboszlai - 4.5/10 - Coming off the bench clearly did not help him get his mind right. He offered little going forward and was at fault for giving the ball away for their 3rd goal.
Andy Robertson - 6/10 - Tried his best to bring some confidence and attacking verve after coming on but the momentum was already gone.
Luis Diaz - 4/10 - Did very little after coming on for Endo and he probably could have just stayed on the bench in this one as he did little to threaten the Atalanta defense.
Diogo Jota - 5.5/10 - Came on and almost won a penalty and looked lively. Unfortunately time was not on his side with only 15 minutes remaining.