Liverpool player ratings in EFL Cup loss to Southampton: Duo 4/10

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Here’s how Liverpool’s players rated after their 1-0 EFL Cup Semi-Final first leg loss to Southampton.

GK: Loris Karius (7/10) – An important save to deny Southampton’s Nathan Redmond on 18 minutes, which would have done the recently under-fire goalkeeper’s confidence no harm whatsoever, was rendered redundant – as just one minute later Karius was beaten for the game’s decisive goal. However, the instinctive point blank save just before half-time was a stand out moment for Karius.

RB: Nathaniel Clyne (6/10) – Regardless of his poor tracking of Redmond for the goal, the England international roamed forward with his usual intent – albeit, Clyne’s delivery from wide areas and distribution in build up play was uncharacteristically sub-par. The Liverpool right back’s duel with former team mate Ryan Bertrand was a constant theme throughout the clash.

CB: Dejan Lovren (5/10) – Alongside Clyne and Adam Lallana, Lovren was facing his previous employers and looked unconvincing at the heart of Liverpool’s defensive line. Lovren’s decision making and positional awareness provided Southampton’s forwards with either too much space, or the Croatian international was guilty of being too tight and easily turned.

CB: Ragnar Klavan (5/10) – A poor headed clearance from the central defender led to the game’s differential goal after 19 minutes. Klavan ineffectually paired with Lovren whilst affording too much possession to Southampton’s forwards on more than one occasion. The 31-year-old’s distribution reverted to the inconsistent, although the Estonian’s covering challenges proved to be useful when denying Jay Rodriguez and Dusan Tadic a passage to goal.

LB: James Milner (6/10) – The long-term temporary left back – usually so dependable – appeared flustered when faced with his direct opponent, Southampton’s right back Cedric Soares. Milner gave several fouls away, most notably on Cedric and Dusan Tadic, but his ever present resilience was clear to see yet again.

CM: Lucas Leiva (4/10) – The long-serving midfielder looked off the pace, demonstrated by a number of late challenges, and slowed the game down when in possession – particularly after Liverpool conceded the first goal.

CM: Georginio Wijnaldum (4/10) – As with Lucas, Netherlands international Wijnaldum failed to make a forward impact on the game, preferring to remain behind the ball rather than making penetrating runs or passes. Subsequently, Wijnaldum’s disappointing display was ended on the hour mark, when the 26-year-old was replaced by the returning Philippe Coutinho (6/10), who looked far more creative, yet was equally unsuccessful.

CM: Emre Can (5/10) – Guilty of over-complication with regularity, Germany international Can did not show the quality with the ball that he is capable of producing. Moreover, the 22-year-old seemed to be second best in the midfield battle to the impressive showing of Southampton’s Jordy Clasie.

AM: Adam Lallana (6/10) – The twinkle-toed Lallana is currently riding the crest of the in-form wave, with some outstanding displays this season. However, despite an encouraging first ten minutes, the former Southampton man disappointed – typified by a poorly dragged shot well wide of the Southampton goal mid way through the second half.

AM: Roberto Firmino (6/10) – The forward had Liverpool’s best goal-scoring opportunity shortly before Redmond’s goal, but couldn’t direct his volley past Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster. Firmino struggled to break down a stubborn Southampton unit, particularly when defending their lead – but did manage to test Forster with a second half drive, to no avail. Firmino was withdrawn for Divock Origi for the final ten minutes.

FW: Daniel Sturridge (6/10) – The 27-year-old cut an isolated figure for the entirety of the first leg – due to a lack of service and, at times, a six or seven man Southampton defensive unit. Indeed, the home side’s tendency to sit deep and close spaces between the lines denied Liverpool’s forward-thinking players the space that their usually fluid movement craves.