Match Reaction: Liverpool Player Ratings

Another week, another hat-full of goals. Check below for our player ratings:

Simon Mignolet – 5

Not necessarily at fault for any of the goals but the Belgian ‘keeper is still not convincing between the sticks. Constant indecisiveness in his box and a lack of willingness to come off his line or command the men ahead of him can only be contributing to Liverpool’s defensive frailties.

Glen Johnson – 8

The full-back’s best game since his return from injury and perhaps even his best this season. Not at fault for any of Cardiff’s goals but very much key in many of Liverpool’s best moves and a constant thorn for the home side’s defense; Johnson will be a key aspect in the final 8 games for the Reds.

Daniel Agger – 4

After a couple of clean-sheets and more assured performances, Agger was once again constantly losing concentration and allowing Cardiff too much time and space in the box. Agger is still a top defender and should be allowed time to recapture his best form but with Sakho’s return it may be time for him to sit a few games out.

Martin Skrtel – 9

Despite being constantly maligned by many Liverpool fans, Skrtel has been the only constant – and only consistent – defender in the squad this season. He, as have his counterparts, has been guilty of mistakes at the back but without his commanding presence and combative abilities, Liverpool’s ‘goals against’ column would look a lot more unhealthy. His 2 goals also add to a growing reputation as a goal-scoring centre-back, something Liverpool have missed since Sami Hyypia.

Jon Flanagan – 6

One of Flanagan’s less convincing games in a Red shirt but he wasn’t the only one and can hardly be blamed for the fact that he was rarely given much support from those in front of him. He may be given a ‘rest’ on Wednesday against Sunderland, as his first ‘full’ season starts to catch up with him but his withdrawal should not be taken as a slight on a young man that has emerged as a future star.

Steven Gerrard – 6

A quiet game from the captain after last weekend’s match-winning turn but, at his age, he is likely to have games like this – he can’t be expected to change games the way he used to and that isn’t his role anymore. However, in his new role he was far from convincing and often looked too happy to let his younger midfield partners do his running for him. The goals Liverpool conceded were collective errors (which makes a change) but Gerrard needs to be more intelligent defensively when playing in front of the defense.

Jordan Henderson – 7

Again full of running and energy, and this was a key element in Liverpool’s second half turn around as Henderson simply refused to allow the game to fizzle out into a score draw. If Liverpool are to make history this season then the team’s new ‘Duracell Bunny’ is going to need to be on this kind of form in all of the remaining eight games.

Joe Allen – 6

After such a great showing against United last week Allen looked a little off the pace against Cardiff in the first half, but he wasn’t the only one. Sadly, his performance will again raise doubts amongst many fans but he did show some real steel in the midfield once he got going, something his game had lacked up until his return against Arsenal a few weeks ago.

Philippe Coutinho – 6

Another quiet game for the brilliant Brazilian but, as with Allen and Sterling, it’s easy to forget how young he is. Players of Coutinho’s type rarely hit their stride until their mid-20’s so it’s hard to be too hard on him. However, given Sterling’s performance last weekend and his brief cameo on Saturday afternoon, Coutinho will really have to up his game in the coming weeks if Brendan is to start choosing one or the other in his currently preferred ‘diamond’ midfield system.

Daniel Sturridge – 8

Many people’s man-of-the-match, Sturridge was – along with Suarez – one of the few bright lights in Liverpool’s poor first half. His running and ability to hold up the ball allowed Liverpool to regain a foot-hold in the game and his second-half goal was his just reward for a game of tireless running and not least of all for that back-heel.

Luis Suarez – 10

The master was at it again in Cardiff on Saturday afternoon and, at times, he seems able to single-handedly beat teams just by his sheer presence. His goals again demonstrated that he is a mystery for defenders up and down the country, as no matter how you try to contain him, he scores goals of all kinds and his desire and ability to do things probably only 2 others players in the world can sets him apart as the stand-out player in the league.

Subs:

Aly Cissokho – 6

His first touch of the ball went straight past his team-mate and out of play. What more can you say? The French defender seems to be a decent chap and gets on well with his team-mates, but being nice and trying on the pitch just isn’t enough.

Raheem Sterling – 7

Following the introduction of the winger, Liverpool looked far more likely to score. In fact, at times they looked likely to score at will. Sterling adds an extra dimension of pace and shows surprising strength on the ball, something in evidence once Liverpool looked to try to close out the game at 5:2. Should start against Sunderland at Anfield on Wednesday.

Mamadou Sakho – 6

Barely enough time to make an impact, Sakho was thrown on to counter-act the threats of Kenwyne Jones and Cardiff’s attempts at winning set-pieces late on. His physical and aerial presence are a great asset to Liverpool and he’s likely to win his place back should Agger continue to perform like he did on Saturday afternoon.

 The Manager:

Brendan Rodgers – 8

Understandable choice in starting Coutinho over Sterling at the ‘tip’ of the diamond, given that Cardiff were less likely to come on to Liverpool in the way United were last week. However, it soon became obvious that that’s exactly what they did and Coutinho was unable to get into the game.

Rodgers though is anything if not willing to admit his mistakes and made a few tweaks in the second-half which saw Liverpool crush Cardiff in the way many opposing sides have been since January. Top marks, Brendan – long may this continue.