Liverpool player ratings vs Thailand

Liverpool player ratings vs Thailand

espnstar.com rates the Reds’ performance after the first stop of their 2009 Asian tour.

By David Horsburgh

 

Liverpool FC

Diego Cavalieri - 5.0

Almost gave away a goal in the first minute hitting a poor clearance straight to one of the Thai players. Changed his boots soon after, and still looked shaky. Replaced at half-time.

Emiliano Insua - 6.0

Defended reasonably well and had the pace to match Thailand's wingers. However, he panicked a bit in the final third and wasted too much possession.

 Daniel Agger  - 6.5

Agger and fellow center back Jamie Carragher we rarely troubled in the first half despite the best efforts of the Thai attack and Liverpool's keeper Cavalieri. A key player if he can stay fit.  

Jamie Carragher - 8.5

The Liverpool-born skipper put in a captain's performance, relying on his experience to deal with the speedy Thai strikers. A great ball to set up the opener.

Philipp Degen - 6.5

Had a horrific time with injuries last season but is now finding his fitness. Should be the third choice right-back behind Johnson and Arbeloa.

Ryan Babel - 9.0

The 22 year old was a major disappointment last season but was brilliant in Bangkok. Used his pace and strength well to get in behind the Thai back-line and score the opener. Should be a constant figure on Liverpool's left wing if he carries this form into the new season.  

Lucas Leiva  - 6.5

A decent performance from the Brazilian although he faded as the heat and humidity took their toll.  Played a brilliant 40-yard pass that should have set up a second for Ryan Babel.

Damien Plessis - 7.0

Calm and composed on the ball, and with some crunching challenges off it. Could have a big season ahead of him if Xabi Alonso moves on.

Dirk Kuyt - 7.5

His usual tenacious self, Kuyt's work rate was fantastic and his final ball seems to be improving with every game. A good performance.  

Krisztian Nemeth - 6.0

Was slightly better than his first half strike partner N'Gog, but struggled to find space in and around the penalty box. Some quick feet led to an opportunity around the 20 minute mark, but the ball ended up in the keeper's arms.

David N'Gog - 5.5

Too slow to trouble the Thai defense and without the intelligence or skill to find any space. Was only useful as a decoy for the runs of Ryan Babel and will have to improve massively to make the first eleven next season.

 

Substitutes

Peter Gulacsi - 6.0

The young Hungarian didn't have much to do until the equalizer. Not much he could have done about the finish but would have liked to keep a clean sheet.

Glen Johnson - 7.0

Came on at half-time and looked like the quality player he is. Was unlucky to see a stoppage time effort curl just wide

Mikel San Jose - 6.0

Was the more solid of Liverpool's second half center-backs following Skrtel's substitution, but clearly still has a lot to learn before reaching the level of Carragher and Agger.

Martin Skrtel - 5.5  

Covered well for the inexperienced San Jose but came off suddenly early in the second half clutching his hamstring. Looks unlikely to be fit for Singapore.    

Martin Kelly - 5.5

Another of Liverpool's promising young defenders. However, he looked nervous today and was caught out of position for the Thai equalizer.  

Nabil El Zhar - 5.5

Was injured very early in the second half and had little time to make an impact.

Javier Mascherano - 7.0

The Argentine hard-man was solid if a little hot-headed at times. Was booked for a typical reckless challenge but controlled the midfield well.   

Jay Spearing - 7.0

One of Liverpool's most promising prospects, the diminutive 20-year-old's range of passing already has shades of Steven Gerrard about it. Played some great long balls tonight.  

Andriy Voronin - 6.0

Voronin is eager for a second chance at Liverpool, after returning for a loan spell in Germany, but looks to be the same ineffective player he was before. Dropped too deep when playing up front and somehow missed a clear one-on-one at the end of the match.  

Daniel Pacheco - 6.0

Was more effective than both Nemeth and N'Gog, and showed some great touches to wriggle between defenders. Could be a regular sub next season.

Andrea Dossena - 6.5

Came on for the injured El Zhar and raced up and down the left wing. Is a better player than he let on last season.  

Alvaro Arbeloa - 7.0

Clearly wanted to show Rafa that he deserves a starting sport in front of Johnson and played well tonight, especially when bringing the ball forward for counter-attacks.

Pepe Reina  - 5.0

Didn't even touch the ball. Still better than Cavalieri though.

Albert Riera - 7.0

Would have liked more time to make an impact but used the ball well and was one of the main creative forces towards the end of the game.

Fernando Torres - 9

Sparked the Liverpool players back into life after coming on. Looked like he could start the season tomorrow and was unlucky not to win a penalty after a tangle in Thailand's box.


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