UCL semifinal 2nd Leg – Villarreal 2-3 Liverpool: Player ratings
In a game of two halves, Liverpool came back strong in the second half to win against Villarreal, let’s have a look at the player ratings.
In a fascinating game, Liverpool fought hard in the second half to register a 3-2 win at Estadio de la Ceramica. Liverpool through to the final with an aggregate scoreline of 5-2 against Villarreal in the semifinal of the Champions League.
The Merseyside giants will be playing their 10th European final and will either face Man City or Real Madrid in the final.
What a time to be alive as a Liverpool fan. Liverpool becomes the first English club to reach three finals in a single season.
Simply incredible, what a team Jurgen Klopp has built. It’s now three Champions League finals in the last five seasons.
Villarreal vs Liverpool: Player ratings
Goalkeepers & Defenders
Alisson Becker (GK) – 6/10
The Brazilian conceded two goals in the first half, as the defense in front of him was completely disorganized.
Meanwhile, his ball contribution was not of the usual standards. Had little to do in the second half.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) – 6/10
A poor first-half performance for the England international. Villarreal’s midfield didn’t allow Trent to roam with freedom in the first half.
Moreover, he was under complete pressure in his own half, as result he was also at fault for Villarreal’s second goal.
Much better after the break showed his class and assisted Luis Diaz for the vital second goal for Liverpool.
Ibrahima Konate (CB) – 6/10
Konate again was preferred ahead of Joel Matip in the Champions League game. The Frenchman was under constant pressure from Villarreal’s threats forwards.
With the home putting more and more men forward, the young defender was put under a lot of tests. he gave away the ball easily.
And like others, he was much better in the second half and won many physical battles.
Virgil van Dijk (CB) – 6/10
The Dutchman had an off day at the office, he was seen constantly shouting and screaming at his disorganized defense backline.
But as the game went on, he brought calmness and made sure, that not more than two goals being conceded.
Andrew Robertson (LB) – 6/10
Scotsman was at fault for the home side’s quick goal in the third minute. He was caught cold by Capoue’s run for the goal.
Typically energetic but too often saw his passes find a yellow shirt as wasn’t effective in attacking thrust. More composed as Liverpool put their foot down in the second half.
Midfielders
Fabinho (CDM) – 7/10
Unai Emery’s men didn’t allow the time and space for the Brazilian to detect the game. Had a poor opening 45 minutes, but came back strong to score the important first goal for Liverpool.
The goal completely shifted the tie.
Naby Keita (CM)- 6/10
Naby Keita is so unpredictable. He had the worst first half, as he was completely wasteful.
The Guinea international almost led Alisson to concede a penalty in the first half. But in the second half, Keita turnaround his game and showed why Klopp still trust him in the midfield.
Deserves credit for his second-half performance
Thiago Alcantara (CM)- 6/10
Thiago has been praised by many for recent performances. Some even consider him the best passing midfielder in the Premier League.
But on an important night in his Liverpool career, he lost his magic touch in the opening 45 minutes. It took time for him to get his passes correct.
Forwards
Mohamed Salah (RW) – 6/10
Salah struggled to mark his presence, and couldn’t provide any threat in the first half. But in the second half, he looked different and provided assist for Fabinho for the vital opening goal.
Diogo Jota (LW) – 5/10
Jota is a peculiar player who scores a lot but gives up far too much in his all-around game, and this was one of those times.
During his 45 minutes on the field, he was haphazard, bringing no hold-up play and contributing almost nothing that could be considered positive.
Sadio Mane (ST) – 6.5/10
Mane started on the left after spending so much time in the middle of the field recently, and it was a mistake.
When he was sent back to the midfield at halftime, he exploded into life, causing even more havoc and putting Liverpool 3-2 ahead to send them to Paris.
Substitutes
Luis Diaz – 9/10
What do you have to say about this young man? What a fantastic signing.
Diaz immediately outperformed Jota, scoring the equaliser and generally posing a threat – he has been a season-changing signing.
Jordan Henderson (CM)- 6/10
In for Naby Keita at the 80th-minute mark. Full of energy and a solid 10 minutes on the turf for the captain.
Curtis Jones (CM) – N/A
In for Thiago at the 80th-minute mark. Soon after his introduction on the pitch Jones saw an effort saved he could have scored.
James Milner (CM) – N/A
In for Fabinho at the 84th-minute mark. Solid performance and experienced display to hold on the ball.
Kostas Tsimikas (LB) – N/A
In for Robertson at the 80th-minute mark. Decent job done.
This sums up the player ratings for Liverpool against Villarreal.
