Liverpool player ratings v Atalanta – Konate shines, 4/10 drops another stinker
Liverpool were unable to complete an unlikely comeback in their Europa League quarter-final second leg away at Atalanta on Thursday (18 April) – only sealing a 1-0 victory.
The Reds lost 3-1 on aggregate after collapsing at Anfield last week, with Mohamed Salah scoring an early penalty in Bergamo.
Atalanta move on and set up a semi-final with Marseille next month.
Liverpool enjoyed 70% of the ball but could only manage five shots on target, with Mohamed Salah missing a golden chance to crank up the pressure on the Italian side in the first half.
Football Insider has analysed the Reds’ performance against Atalanta.
PLAYER RATINGS
Alisson [7]
Pulled off an incredible first-half save, one of two in 90 minutes. Was confident with the ball at his feet and when coming out to head off Atalanta’s attacks.
Trent Alexander-Arnold [7]
Made most of the first-half running for Liverpool and won their penalty with his cross inside seven minutes. The defender was only accurate with seven of his 18 long balls but will want a lot more from his teammates going forward.
Ibrahima Konate [8]
Solid. Attoned for last week’s stinker and had the most touches of any Liverpool player. Won 13 of his 18 duels and kept Gianluca Scamacca quiet, also recording 11 defensive actions.
Virgil van Dijk [7]
Combined well with Konate, even if he didn’t have nearly as much defending to do. Will be disappointed with the Liverpool attack after marshalling his defence well as captain.
Andy Robertson [6]
Failed to attempt a dribble and lost possession 19 times. He was only accurate with three of his 12 crosses and long balls, but with Liverpool’s attacking display – there’s no telling whether anyone would have been there to finish.
Alexis Mac Allister [7]
Once again returned to a deep-lying midfield role and saw plenty of the ball, while also chipping in with valuable defensive work. He won six of his 10 duels and recorded 10 defensive actions.
Curtis Jones [6]
An anonymous display after being named in the starting lineup. He completed 90% of his passes and recorded two successful dribbles – but wasn’t a real attacking threat.
Dominik Szoboszlai [5]
Poor performance from the midfielder, who is enduring a concerning run of recent form. The 23-year-old is now without a goal or assist in seven appearances. His dazzling performances of the autumn seem a distant memory.
Mohamed Salah [4]
Liverpool fans will be seriously concerned after another stinker from their talisman. He scored an early penalty, but don’t be fooled by that. He completed just 69% of his 29 passes and missed one big chance in the first half with a wayward lob, before being hooked on 66 minutes.
Cody Gakpo [6]
Gakpo was the best attacker wearing a Liverpool shirt, but failed to take his big chance to cement his role in Klopp’s starting eleven. He failed to record a shot despite playing as a number nine and lost possession 17 times.
Luis Diaz [5]
Plenty of huff and puff from the Colombia international, but was kept at arm’s length by the Atalanta defence.
SUBSTITUTES
Diogo Jota [5]
Didn’t get a chance after coming on for Diaz on 66 minutes, but didn’t effectively transform their front line.
Harvey Elliott [5]
Couldn’t provide Liverpool with the spark they needed after coming on in the 66th minute, but will nonetheless be wondering when he will be chosen ahead of Jones or the lacklustre Szoboszlai.
Darwin Nunez [4]
Replaced Salah on 66 minutes and was equally as bad as the 31-year-old. The forward could now lose his place in Klopp’s first-choice starting lineup for good.
Joe Gomez [N/A]
Came on at right-back to replace Alexander-Arnold with 20 minutes left as he continues his recovery.
Jayden Danns [N/A]
Replaced Robertson with around 10 minutes remaining to make his European debut.
In other news, Liverpool star asks agent to find him new club as exit nears.
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