Europa League - Liverpool 3-0 Villarreal: Player Ratings
Liverpool came back from one goal down in the second leg of their semi-final clash with Villarreal in the Europa League at Anfield to progress to the finals. The game ended 3-0 in favor of the Reds and Liverpool progressed with the score line 3-1 on aggregate.
An own goal from Bruno Soriano set the ball rolling in the first half, followed by goals from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana in the second which sealed the game.
Here’s a look at the player ratings for the game.
Liverpool:
Simon Mignolet – 6/10
Simon Mignolet looked fairly in control of his defensive area on the night and honestly had little to do all game after an initial save.
Alberto Moreno – 6/10
Alberto Moreno had a reasonable game but nearly gave away a penalty after pushing a Villarreal player in the box. The referee didn’t notice though.
Dejan Lovren – 8/10
Dejan Lovren was majestic on the night as he made a couple of last-ditch tackles that saved Liverpool a lot of trouble. He was solid all through the game and his imperious defensive effort set the tone of the game.
Kolo Toure – 7/10
Kolo Toure was impressive as he put his body on the line and used his experience to keep the Villarreal forwards in check.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7/10
Nathaniel Clyne was good at the back and made a few marauding runs forward. He seemed to be in complete control of his side of the pitch.
Emre Can - 8/10
Emre Can was fantastic in midfield. His driving runs from deep and switching play around made it easier for the Reds going forward. He was heavily involved in the first goal where his driving run started the move off.
Philippe Coutinho - 7/10
Phillipe Coutinho looked sharp for much of the game and caused the Villarreal backline a few headaches.
Adam Lallana – 7/10
Adam Lallana did miss an early chance as he miskicked the ball. He would’ve put Daniel Sturridge through on goal but for a poor pass. Eventually, when the chance came, he took it well and secured the match for the Reds by scoring the third.
James Milner – 7/10
James Milner’s drive and energy was the tone setter for the Reds’ forward line. He delivered in some really good set pieces and defended well too.
Roberto Firmino - 9/10
Roberto Firmino played a part in all three goals. He kept troubling Villarreal all evening and even produced moments of magic to leave Roberto Soldado and Mateo Musacchio completely befuddled with the whole world watching.
Daniel Sturridge – 8/10
He was everywhere. Daniel Sturridge may have scored one but his movement terrorized Villarreal all evening and he played a major role in all three goals even after miskicking the ball twice.
Substitutes
Lucas Leiva – N/A
Lucas came on for Daniel Sturridge in the 90th minute of the game.
Christian Benteke– N/A
Benteke came on for Firmino in the 89th minute of the game.
Joe Allen - N/A
Allen came on for Coutinho in the 82nd minute of the game.