Liverpool Player Ratings vs Stoke

After facing a frustrating loss to West Ham in their first fixture of 2016, Liverpool needed to respond well and they did exactly that. Liverpool had no time to cry over their loss to Hammers, because they had to return to action after just two days against Stoke in Capital One Cup semi finals. Jordan Ibe’s first half goal gave the reds a 1-0 victory over the Potters and they now have a one goal advantage. Each and every Liverpool player stepped up and put their heart and soul into it. And that’s why they got the result they wanted. Here are Liverpool’s player ratings:

Simon Mignolet – 7.5

A great and confident display by the Belgian. He did not have to make world class saves, but did well when called upon. He made some fine punches and was confident in collecting crosses.

Nathaniel Clyne – 7.5

Clyne did his defensive responsibilities well. The Stoke attackers are in good form recently and he did extremely well to handle them. He also was active in Liverpool’s attacking moves.

Kolo Toure – 8.5

It was a spectacular performance by Kolo against Stoke. He was very active throughout and handled the Stoke attackers well.

Dejan Lovren – 7.5

Lovren was having a good game. He made some very well timed and amazing tackled, but unfortunately was subbed off due to an injury in the first half. It is not clear how long he will be out, but Klopp will be forced to bring in a new centre back soon.

Alberto Moreno – 7

The young Spaniard was quiet against Stoke. He is a player who often attacks but at Britannia he concentrated more on his defensive display. He made sure that he did not give space the Stoke attackers.

Lucas Leiva – 8

Lucas out up an amazing performance. He had a very bad game against West Ham but the Brazilian bounced back. He was forced to play as centre back after Lovren’s injury, but still he did very good.

Emre Can – 7

His passing was poor at times and he did not contribute much to Liverpool’s attack, but did well his defensive responsibilities. He had move to More of a defensive role after Lucas moved to the centre back position and he adapted well.

Joe Allen – 9

The Welsh Xavi took his chance against the Potters. There were rumours that he might leave in January, but he looked like he was not bothered about all that. He put up a fine performance. He was pressing hard and got the assist for Ibe’s goal. Whether it was a mistimed shot or a no look pass? This is the debate going on social media.

Adam Lallana – 7.5

His work rate was seen in the ground. Lallana was the ‘assist the assister’ for Ibe’s goal. He did well to accept Milner’s pass and cut back the ball to Allen. His fine shot was saved well by Stoke keeper, Jack Butland.

Philippe Coutinho – 7

He is on a poor form lately but he looked much better against Stoke. He was active in the midfield but unfortunately was subbed off due to an injury in the first half.

Roberto Firmino – 7.5

The Brazilian is slowly getting to his full form. He was once again a key player for Liverpool. He pressed hard and his work rate was seen whole over the pitch.

Substitutes:

Jordon Ibe – 7.5

He took his goal well and he put up another confident performance. He was ambitious to try some curlers from here and there.

James Milner – 7

Reds Vice Captain returned from injury as a substitute. His presence was a great boost for Liverpool. It was his pass to Lallana that led to Liverpool’s goal.

Christian Benteke – N/A

He was present on the pitch for about 15 minutes but was not able to make any impact.

Match Highlights (with English Commentary)

Match reactions