Player Ratings: Federico Chiesa Shines in Liverpool’s Narrow Defeat to PSV | OneFootball

PSV 3 – 2 Liverpool: UEFA Champions League Player Ratings

The revamped Champions League group stage ended with a European bang with all match week eight games played simultaneously. The desire to finish top of the table was only partially on the agenda of Liverpool, as Arne Slot chose to rest many of his first team elite. PSV were the hosts who had places in the standings to play for which made for an intriguing encounter in the Netherlands.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 6.0

The brilliant backup Irishman was unlucky for both the first and second goals conceded, as well-struck efforts flew beyond him. The deputy should have done better for the third goal as the game descended into chaos.

Photo: IMAGO

After the restart, the academy graduate was more commanding and assured as the game state slowed. Produced a wonderful save late on to keep the result alive.

Conor Bradley – 6.0

Bradley started with a desire to be the right-sided outlet, however, he was too often complacent in his defensive third, especially for the third goal conceded.

In the second half, the young fullback was better defensively as he looked to be more proactive than reactive to the PSV breaks.

Kostas Tsimikas – 6.0

Tsimikas was a decent outlet, though he struggled to make a solid defensive contribution with his Scottish teammate struggling inside him.

Photo: IMAGO

After the halftime break, the popular backup was steady if unspectacular in an up-and-down display.

Jarell Quansah – 6.0

The England under-21 defender was the more established central defender and used his power to stay resolute, however, the chaotic nature of the game meant he was unable to command the backline like his usual partners.

In the second half, the strapping defender was a little rattled at times, until his Japanese teammate, Wataru Endō, dropped into the backline to add more assurance.

Andy Robertson – 6.0

The captain and leader of this rotated group were tasked into the centre of defence as the experienced member of the backline. The make-shift veteran was positionally suspect and he could do little to avert the oncoming attacks and goals in an open first half.

In the second period of the game, the former Hull man was better and more measured before departing the field.

Subbed – 64 mins

Wataru Endō – 6.0

The 32-year-old midfielder was combative and determined, though the disarray around him left the Japan skipper unable to shield a poorly organized rearguard.

After the break, the former Bundesliga man was far more controlled when dropping into the backline as he was able to repel and defend with more authority.

James McConnell – 6.0

McConnellwas steady at the start, though the pace and disorganised game state meant much of the first half drifted by him.

In the second half, the academy graduate was neat as his team looked for more control and less frenzy.

Harvey Elliott – 6.0

The England under-21 winger was unlucky not to be the opening scorer as his strike came whilst the referee blew for the penalty. The attacking midfielder did score a fine effort to cap a good offensive half.

Photo: IMAGO

In the second half of this game, the former Fulham man was less incisive from the right flank as he was often overpowered on the ball.

Federico Chiesa – 8.0

The Italian attacker started as the man with a desire to score and if not for an extra touch and slip, would have scored early on. Won the penalty with a surge of energy. The experienced attacker was on hand to assist Harvey Elliott in a vibrant first-half showing.

After the restart, the former Juve man was eager to get on the scoresheet and looked lively when switching flanks.

Man of the match

Cody Gakpo – 6.0

The Dutch forward started against his former side and slotted the opening goal from the penalty spot with conviction.

After the halftime break, the former PSV man was only on for a short while before leaving the field to rapturous applause.

Subbed – 50 mins

Jayden Danns – 6.0

The striker started with desire and pace as he led the line well and ran into good positions to create chances for his team.

After the intermission, the teenage prodigy was bullied and taken down at will, yet he never stopped running the channels and showed great heart.

Subbed – 83 mins

Substitutions;

Tyler Morton – 7.0 (on 45)

Came on to add control and made a great last-ditch challenge to keep his team in the game.

Trey Nyoni – 6.0 (on 64)

Came on to add a different dynamic to the middle ground area.

Amara Nallo – N/A (on 83)

Came on to gain a European experience and was promptly red-carded.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 6.0

The Dutch manager was keen to rotate and leave as many first-team players on Merseyside as possible. The starting cast was randomly selected and offered a suspect balance between experience and youth, however, the clear choice was to prepare for the weekend game against Bournemouth.

All the substitutions were pre-planned to get senior players away from the pitch.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

PSV 2 – 2 Liverpool