The young centre back was quietly impressive against Exeter tonight
GK/Defence
Simon Mignolet – Let’s be honest, he had nothing to do. But the young Reds came through a potentially tricky replay comfortably and Mignolet helped organize from the back. Rating – 6
Connor Randall – A solid, if unspectacular, game from the young full-back. Was replaced by Flanagan 6 minutes into the second half. Rating – 6
Jose Enrique – For all the complaints prior to the match about Enrique starting at centre back – again – and being named captain, the Spaniard didn’t do too badly. Much improved from the first leg, but that wasn’t too hard to do. Rating – 6
Tiago Ilori – The 22 year old Portuguese defender came through tonight with plenty of positives. Confident, comfortable in possession and strong. He also throws in a fair bit of pace too, something the Reds’ defence sorely needs at present. It’s baffling how he didn’t get a game on loan at Aston Villa, considering their current issues, but he may well see some more action for Liverpool from hereon in. Rating – 7
Brad Smith – Whilst Ilori was defensively sound and quietly impressive, Smith was once again a standout for Liverpool. He looks a much different player to the one that seemed like his Anfield career was all but over. Smith attacked with real urgency and provided some excellent balls into the box. His movement and intelligence to set up Allen for the Reds’ first was superb. Rating – 7
