Player Ratings: Liverpool vs Leicester City player comments: Dutch duo Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo fantastic as Dominik Szoboszlai seals Carabao Cup comeback for the Reds
The Dutch internationals teamed up to help overcome an early deficit against the league leaders at Anfield
Ryan Gravenberch and international teammate Cody Gakpo combined to score a vital goal for Liverpool as the Red Devils came from behind to beat Leicester City in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Gakpo equalized early in the second half, when Dominik Szoboszlai’s thunderous strike and Diogo Jota’s deft strike lifted the Red Devils to a comfortable 3-1 aggregate victory.
Liverpool continued their recent trend of conceding early goals when Kasey McAteer beat Caoimhin Kelleher after a good counter-attack in the third minute. However, the Red Devils’ response was strong as Ben Doak hit the woodwork, Gakpo saw an effort smartly denied by Jakub Stolarczyk, Jota wasted a chance from 2m out with about away from goal and Conor Coady headed the ball past Gakpo right on the line.
The Red Devils eventually equalised, with Gravenberch setting up Gakpo, who turned and fired to level the scores shortly after the break. Gakpo should have added a second goal a few minutes later, but his lob went over the crossbar.
Szoboszlai came off the bench to finally turn the game around, firing a shot over the bar from 25 yards. And Jota sealed it all, heading Jarell Quansah’s cross into the far corner with a smart backheel.
GOAL evaluates Liverpool’s Anfield players…
Goalkeeper and defense
Caoimhin Kelleher (June 10):
There wasn’t much I could do about McAteer’s goal. Otherwise he’s mostly just a spectator.
Curtis Jones (6/10):
The inverted full-back had good possession but his defensive weaknesses were exposed when Leicester attacked on the break.
Ibrahima Konaté (October 7):
He covered for Jones a lot and handled things in the background. A mature performance.
Jarell Quansah (8/10):
He could have been closer to his man when Leicester scored, but he made some important tackles and distributed well. A promising performance from the youngster who has impressed so far.
Kostas Tsimikas (7/10):
Was caught in Leicester’s first game – although he felt he had been fouled. The latter has improved much and is dangerous in the forward areas.
Midfielder
Harvey Elliott (May 10):
Starts bright but then fades. It is still unclear whether he is a midfielder or a winger.
Wataru Endo (6/10):
Put in some tackles, won some headers, and covered a lot of ground. Wasn’t always particularly tidy on the ball, though.
Ryan Gravenberch (8/10):
Some of his marauding runs were wonderful, and he was a real threat in the final third. Assisted Gakpo after a lovely piece of skill. Looked tired when removed from the game.
Attack
Ben Doak (6/10):
He offers pace and trickery on the wing, but his end product is lacking. He is an interesting prospect and will take time.
Cody Gakpo (August 10):
Packs balance with a sharp finish. I might have added one or two more. Finished the game at midfield, where he looked more comfortable.
Diogo Jota (7/10):
I should have scored in the first half. Causing problems with his energy and directness during breaks. A stunning heel lift added an exclamation point to the result.
Sub and manager
Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10):
Scored a world goal to put his team in the lead.
Darwin Nunez (July 10):
Full of energy when coming on the field and causing problems for Leicester’s defense. Stefan Bajcetic (N/A):
A convenient cameo gives Jones a break.
Jurgen Klopp (7/10):
Rotated heavily with one eye on Saturday’s clash with Spurs. Liverpool conceded early — again — but created chances in spades. Five or six wouldn’t have flattered them.
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Manchester United11 months ago
