Liverpool 4-1 Leicester City: Player ratings for both sides
By Tom Bogert
GK Simon Mignolet: 7
Mignolet’s face deserves its own match rating and trainer. The beleaguered Belgian took a head butt from Huth that drew a lot of blood from his nose and mouth, then an elbow from Vardy that drew more blood, this time from his eyebrow.
But that showed a side of Mignolet that wasn’t before shed light upon: constant bravery and confidence. It was great to see, but it’s too little too late.
More than likely whenever Loris Karius is fully fit, it’ll be the German in net.
RB Nathaniel Clyne: 6
Can someone teach Clyne how to pass the ball forward while moving? Please?
He did good defensive work but he wasn’t asked to do much. In position in the final third he was shaky and didn’t accomplish much. That’s fine, Liverpool have enough attacking option, they only need his defensive prowess.
CB Joel Matip: 8
This Matip fella is pretty good, ain’t he?
Matip is the center back that Liverpool have been craving for years. He’s hard-nosed like Jamie Carragher, but much bigger and commanding. He’s big and can handle the ball like Daniel Agger, but he’s much better physically. He can attack a set piece and generally be painfully annoying to a striker like Martin Skrtel, but he understands where a center back *should* be positioned.
CB Lucas Leiva: 5
This is tough and this is probably a harsh rating based on the body of work. Usually, mistakes can be forgiven. But this one– unforgivable on the day.
Lucas received the ball as Liverpool were dominating 2-0 with instructions from Mignolet to pump it forward. He did not, he had a bad touch. Instead of then shielding the ball, or kicking it out for a corner, or trying ANYTHING other than what he did, he passed it straight to Vardy for a tap in.
Liverpool are lucky that Leicester didn’t capitalize on that and take momentum and get back into the game.
Outside of that, he was good, but it’s more than enough to drag him down.
LB James Milner: 7
Milner was terrific, he was staid and safe. Mahrez didn’t do a thing on his flank and Milner joined the attack willingly and in good balance.
Next: Liverpool midfield