CaughtOffside rates the Liverpool players for their performances against Bournemouth…
Bournemouth 1-3 Liverpool – In contrast to their weekend defeat against Manchester United, the Reds’ clinical finishing was the difference tonight against their Championship opponents.
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Raheem Sterling struck twice, while Lazar Markovic scored his first goal for Brendan Rodgers’ side since his summer move to Benfica to give Liverpool a commanding 3-0 lead. Former Everton midfielder Dan Gosling pulled a goal back, but it proved to be only a consolation.
Read the full Liverpool ratings below:
GK) Brad Jones – 5
It’s hard to see how the Australian inspires any more confidence in his teammates than Simon Mignolet. He certainly should have done better with the Bournemouth goal.
RCB) Kolo Toure – 6
Liverpool’s player of the month for November had another decent night, but was perhaps guilty of contributing towards the Bournemouth goal, with his presence leaving Jones unsighted.
LCB) Dejan Lovren – 5
Looked okay in the first-half, but was withdrawn at the break after suffering a groin injury, which will be a source of worry for manager Brendan Rodgers.
CB) Martin Skrtel – 5
Struggled at times against the Bournemouth attack, who certainly created plenty of chances against Liverpool’s new-look back three, but were guilty of wasting their opportunities.
DM) Lucas Leiva – 6
A couple of sloppy moments for the Brazilian, who otherwise did his usual industrious job at the heart of the Liverpool midfield. A decent night.
CM) Steven Gerrard – 6
His presence showed Liverpool’s intent of getting the right result, and he patrolled the midfield to good effect before being replaced late on by Fabio Borini.
RM)Jordan Henderson – 5
A difficult night for Henderson, who was clearly out of position at right wing back. Did get forward well at times, but struggled to do his defensive duties as well.
LM) Lazar Markovic – 8
He was good before being sent-off against Basel, and impressed again tonight, scoring his first goal for the club and playing a role in Sterling’s opener.
AM) Philippe Coutinho – 7
An improved performance from the Brazilian tonight, despite being outshone by those around him. He linked up well with Sterling, Markovic and co.
AM) Adam Lallana – 8
An excellent performance, as the former Southampton man shone despite not getting his name on the scoresheet. His link-up play was fantastic throughout, and Reds’ fans will be pleased with what they saw.
ST) Raheem Sterling – 8
Scored twice, but missed several other good chances that could have put the game beyond all doubt. An improvement on his recent form, but needs to continue impressing.
Manager: Brendan Rodgers – 7
An interesting idea with the formation tonight, but the important thing was that Liverpool got the win and are through to the semi-finals.
Subs:
1) Mamadou Sakho – 6 – Looked decent on his first significant chunk of game-time since his injury.
2) Emre Can – 6 – Replaced Coutinho and did a good job of securing the midfield.
3) Fabio Borini – 5 – Had little time to make an impact.
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