Player Ratings for Liverpool as the Reds go on to Wembley after aggregate win
Liverpool made four changes to the lineup that won 4-0 against Bournemouth as Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo replaced Alisson, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota to face Fulham in the EFL Cup SF second-leg at Craven Cottage. 1-1 draw in the game and 2-1 in the tie was good enough to see the Reds secure a spot in the finals against Chelsea.
The lineup with Kelleher remained somewhat expected but after his top-class performance against the Cherries, Diogo Jota could have made for himself a case to start against Marco Silva’s side as well. In any case, we have a very potent frontline and a well-thought-of process for selecting the final XI, so no complaints on that front.
Gravenberch coming in for Curtis was also somewhat expected, as both play similar roles, and Jones was on a run of starts for a while now and some rotation here and there will surely not hurt the Reds’ cause. Quansah has stepped up brilliantly whenever the opportunity has come his way, and his performance training over the past week would have surely had a great say in his selection. The highlight of the game was Andy Robertson seeing himself in a Liverpool matchday squad for the first time since October 8th 2023 in a 2-2 draw against Brighton.
An interesting stat from Opta brings to notice that Liverpool have made 191 changes to their starting XI in all competitions this season, 56 more than any other Premier League side. From having no depth last season to so much rotation, wow. Of the match in itself, Jurgen Klopp’s men started well and ended the game well. Here are the player ratings for the Reds.
Caoimhin Kelleher – 7/10
Made two very good saves as early as the seventh minute and the tenth of the game as he parried away a good ball into the box from the Fulham right-back on the first occasion, and one from the left-back on another. Crucially saved a Raul Jimenez shot as the game headed towards the end of the first half. Harry Wilson troubled him in the 80th minute, but it was a great save from Caoimh.
Conor Bradley – 7/10
Great both in and out of possession in the opening few moments of the game and pressed very well like the rest of the team for most parts of the game. Could have done better in restricting Wilson from playing it in for Issa Diop to score.
Virgil van Dijk © – 8/10
Usual Virgil van Dijk performance but he couldn’t have done much to avoid Fulham’s goal.
Jarell Quansah – 8/10
To Fulham’s dismay, took the sting out of the game with a wonderful diagonal for Lucho to score the opener. A defensive rock on top of that, mirrored the prowess of having two Virgil van Dijks in central defence. Stat: No player has provided more assists (three) in the Carabao Cup this season than Jarell Quansah. In terms of his defending, could and should have done a bit better to avoid Diop running into the box like that.
Joe Gomez – 7/10
Strong and resolute in defence and carried the ball forward on numerous occasions. Came close to scoring as well. It is coming soon.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8/10
As versatile as a Swiss Army knife. Pinged the ball, tackled here and there, strong in midfield in an unnatural role. Dom might be getting the shouts of the new Stevie G, but is he playing defensive mid to help out the side? Macca brought his form over to London from Bournemouth and put in a spotless performance.
Harvey Elliott – 7/10
Workhorse. Running around the midfield while being subject to so much booing from the home fans is a great testament to his mental strength. Played great crosses into the box as well. Top-class pressing from the young lad.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7/10
Professional shift from the Dutchman. Did nothing wrong. Mostly did right by linking up play pretty well. Came close to scoring as well, but his shot went just a tad bit wide off the post.
Luis Diaz – 8/10
Scored the opener in the game with a finish Kylian Mbappe would be proud of. Cut inside on multiple occasions early in the game and was a live wire. Took his goal very well with a diagonal from Quansah. Cut inside to beat the full-back and hit the near post with his eyes at the far post which put Bernd Leno in goal off. Scored a ruled-out goal in the 28th minute too; if only Darwin was onside.
Cody Gakpo – 6/10
Can’t blame him for being largely uninvolved for most parts of the game as he played an unnatural position on the right wing. His streak of scoring in every game of the Carabao Cup this season unfortunately came to an end.
Darwin Nunez – 8/10
Should have been much more selfish and he would have gotten a chance to get his name on the scoresheet pretty early. He should name himself Live Wire or Constant Threat because he’s that. Need a study on the way he has transformed himself into an able playmaker alongside constantly posing a threat in terms of scoring as well. To be honest, these are not the only reasons why we might need to study Darwin. Absolute freak.
Substitutes:
Ibrahima Konate – 6/10
Came on with 10 minutes to go and replaced Cody Gakpo to form a back three alongside VVD and Quansah in the dying embers of the game.
Curtis Jones – 6/10
Came on for Macca with just more than 20 minutes to go. Not much to complain about from his performance. Did what was expected of him.
Diogo Jota – 6/10
Came on for Nunez with just more than 20 minutes to go. Diop won’t have a lot of fans on Merseyside after what happened with Jota, apart from him scoring the goal.
Bobby Clark – 6/10
Came on with 10 minutes to go and replaced Ryan Gravenberch.
