Last night Liverpool played their 400th game in UEFA competitions and their match against Benfica was thrilling. The stage is set for the Reds as they go on to the semi-finals taking on the current champions of the Europa League, Villareal.
Liverpool played a good game last night against Benfica, the game ended in a draw but Liverpool goes to the next round with an aggregate of 6-4. Let’s have a look at the player ratings.
Liverpool vs Benfica: player ratings
Goalkeepers and Defenders
Alisson Becker (GK) – 8/10
The Brazillian keeper played an important role last night by making some big saves for the team and keeping the pressure on for the Portuguese side.
At some moments of the match, he looked a little confused as there were shouts off offside. He made a huge save against Darwin Nunez in the second half when the scores were tied.
Joe Gomez (RB) – 7/10
Joe Gomez had a decent game last night, made some good runs in the game and gave a cross or Jota to head in before the referee’s whistle went for a foul by the Portuguese.
The 24-year-old also sent a shot straight to the Goalkeeper but Liverpool conceded a goal as Gomez kept the attacker onside which resulted in Yaremchuk scoring for the Portuguese side.
Joel Matip (CB) – 7/10
There is nothing much to say about Joel Matip. He had a quiet game last night but because Liverpool conceded 2 goals because of an offside trap, one would say that Liverpool might need Virgil Van Dijk.
Ibrahima Konate (CB) – 8.5/10
Ibrahima Konate managed to score goals in both the legs which helped Liverpool. Last night, Konate scored the 1st goal in the match which put the Portuguese side under pressure.
Kostas Tsimikas (RB) – 9/10
Kostas Tsimikas had a great night yesterday, the Greek national assisted 2 goals last night and played some beautiful crosses.
Therefore, for such a performance, he was presented with the man of the match award.
Midfielders
Jordan Henderson (CDM) – 7/10
The English National did not play the full match. He played a couple of decent passes in the first half but then in the second half, he did not do anything wrong but he had a very quiet game.
James Milner (CM) – 6.5/10
Usually, James Milner does not start games for Liverpool and he was not able to complete the match last night. He did not have a good game yesterday as Liverpool conceded a goal as the ball came in front of Ramos due to a deflection by him.
Naby Keita (CM) – 8/10
Naby Keita played a good game last night. Sent a couple of decent shot from distance and he completed the whole game. Also got an applause from the manager for the first shot.
In the second half, he had good stamina and helped the defenders and the forwards.
Forwards
Luis Diaz (LW) – 7.5/10
Luis Diaz had a good game last night. Having the skills and the pace for the match always makes him a threat to the opponent team.
But, he did not finish the game and came out in the second half.
Roberto Firmino (ST) – 9/10
Roberto Firmino made the most of it after getting back in the starting 11. Scored a brace for the Reds making pressure on the Portuguese side early.
Almost played the whole match, came out in the extra time after 90 minutes and got applause from the boss.
Diogo Jota (LW) – 7/10
Diogo Jota has played and scored some important games for the Reds. Last night was not his best night, although he assisted Firmino for the second goal.
However, he was not playing in his full potential last night and came out in the second half.
Substitutes
Mohamed Salah – 6.5/10
His first job after coming on was to sprint back and cover in the right-back position, dealing with Nunez’s break.
Had 2 good chances to score but he was not able to convert and also did not pass in those chances.
Fabinho – 6/10
Liverpool conceded 2 goals after this substitution as he was not completely in the game and left the center open for the Portuguese side.
Thiago – 6/10
Having such a good reputation, he should play more and good games for liverpool.
Sadio Mane – 7/10
Came in for Diogo Jota and tried playing ball to Salah and almost scored a goal himself.
Divock Origi – NA
Came in for Roberto Firmino but went unnoticed.
