CaughtOffside rates the Liverpool players for their performances against Middlesbrough…
Liverpool 2-2 Middlesbrough – Suso scored the winning penalty in an extraordinary shoot-out, as Liverpool won 14-13 on spot kicks after 15 penalties each. Albert Adomah was the unfortunate man to hit wide for the visitors.
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Despite missing in the shootout, Patrick Bamford scored a penalty in the 120th minute to take the game to penalties. His goal cancelled out Suso’s strike, which looked likely to be the winner. Earlier in the night, teenager Jordan Rossiter gave the Reds the lead, only for Adam Reach’s header to cancel it out.
Read the full Liverpool ratings below:
GK) Simon Mignolet – 4
Another demonstration of his frailties, with his weaknesses from crosses and commanding his area all too clear to see. He is running out of chances.
RB) Javi Manquillo – 6
A solid performance from the Spaniard who is getting an astonishing amount of game-time due to a variety of injuries.
LB) Jose Enrique – 5
Caught out a couple of times, and his rustiness was all to clear after a year out. Needs to time to work his way back.
CB) Kolo Toure – 4
A rare start for the Ivorian who will not be a Liverpool player come this time next year. Conceded the late penalty.
CB) Mamadou Sakho – 6
Still not the player Liverpool spent all that money on, but he did at least look slightly more assured this evening.
CM) Jordan Rossiter – 8
Excellent performance from the teenager, who took his goal well and worked his socks off for almost 80 minutes.
CM) Lucas – 6
A steady midfielder performance. You know exactly what you’re going to get from the Brazilian.
AM) Adam Lallana – 6
Was still giving the ball away needlessly, but it was another useful step back towards full match-fitness for the former Saints man, who came through 120 minutes unscathed.
RW) Raheem Sterling – 7
Did not light up the game as much as would have been expected in this game, but did grow into the match in the second-half. Gave the ball away as Boro’ earned a late penalty.
LW) Lazar Markovic – 6
Another quiet night from the Serbian, who was replaced mid-way through extra-time.
ST) Rickie Lambert – 6
Struggled to get involved again, this time against lower-league opposition. Captained the team for the night on his first start for the club.
Manager: Brendan Rodgers – 6
Learned more about his squad players and fringe players on a difficult night for the Reds.
Subs:
1) Mario Balotelli – 5 – The £16m Italian is still struggling to find his footing in the Liverpool team.
2) Jordan Williams – 6 – A decent debut from another Liverpool academy graduate.
3) Suso – 7 – Scored what looked likely to be Liverpool’s winning goal in extra time, deserves a first-team chance.
SEE ALSO: The Best Liverpool goals.