Liverpool’s Defensive Midfield Problem Exposed in 2-2 Newcastle Draw | OneFootball

Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool – Premier League Player Ratings

The Premier League return saw the historical rivals meet on a day when Kevin Keegan was rapturously remembered.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Alisson Becker – 5.0

The giant Brazilian stopper was caught too close to his near post as the opening goal flew across him to the far post.

After the restart, the Reds’ keeper was helpless for the second goal as the counter-attacking voodoo struck again.

Jeremie Frimpong – 4.0

The Dutch international was a little unsure where to be, when to pass and needs to understand his role in this side.

When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga star was more effective in the final third. Was caught for the second goal conceded as he struggled to get goal side.

Milos Kerkez – 4.0

The Hungarian international was unable to track the opening scorer and showed inexperience when blocking the counter was what was needed.

After the break, the exciting full-back was more assertive and tried to impact further up the field, yet his final delivery was at times painful.

Photo: IMAGO

Jérémy Jacquet – 5.0

The France under-21 international was aware of his defensive duties but offered little on the ball. A steady presence and half from the youngster.

In the second half, the exciting prodigy was a little apprehensive about the second goal conceded, as hesitation led to indecision.

Subbed – 70 mins

Virgil van Dijk – 5.0

The captain and leader of this team was guilty of allowing too much room for the opening goal scorer as yet another break cost an all too familiar goal. A controlled performance ensued with aerial dominance assured.

After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was a little lacklustre for the second goal conceded.

Ryan Gravenberch – 5.0

The Dutch international was guilty of not shorting when set free early on, which allowed the break and opening goal. Was unsure positionally as he could not figure out with Dom who was the shield and who would travel bpc to box.

After the intermission, the midfield man was evidently far more effective going forward and saw a curling effort edge just over the bar. Assisted the equaliser well.

Subbed – 77 mins

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.0

The Hungarian international was guilty of giving himself too much freedom when one of him or Gravenberch needed to be more defensive.

When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga star was unable to make the defensive tackle needed to stop the second goal conceded. Looked far happier when moved up one. A wonderful penalty at the death.

Florian Wirtz – 3.0

The attacking midfielder was bright early on as the game increased in energy from the outset. The diminutive creator was unable to equalise with a left-footed snap shot.

After the restart, the former Bayer Leverkusen man was too anonymous and too slow to react as the game drifted by for the record-breaking signing.

Subbed – 62 mins

Photo: IMAGO

Alexander Isak – 4.0

The Sweden international was returning to a hostile former home and cast as the central striker. The world-class goal scorer was well marshalled and struggled to make anything telling in the opening half.

In the second half, the former Newcastle attacker was starved of service and you could see the frustration.

Rio Ngumoha – 4.0

The teenage prodigy was the right wing option for the season opener as he tried to replace the brilliance of the recently departed legend, Mohamed Salah. Apart from a few bright runs and driven crosses, the output was controlled.

After the break, the former Chelsea academy graduate was ineffective and struggled with simple interactions as his game drifted.

Subbed – 62 mins

Cody Gakpo – 5.0

The Dutch player was very peripheral in the first half and offered nothing explosive or offensive.

After the intermission, the former PSV man was the explosive player that was missing and he briefly levelled the scores with a superb long-range effort.

Subbed – 74 mins

Substitutions;

Alexis Mac Allister – 5.0 (on 62)

Came on to add control.

Víctor Muñoz – 7.0 (on 62)

Came on to add more directness in running. Won the penalty.

Man of the Match

Ronald Araújo – 6.0 (on 70)

Came on to add power.

Lewis Koumas – 5.0 (on 77)

Came on with more desire.

The Manager:

Andoni Iraola – 5.0

Photo: IMAGO

The starting lineup was as expected, though the lack of a defensive midfielder was worrying.

The second-half substitutes were needed and neither good nor bad. The system and components need attention and the desire to okay without a defensive midfielder and with a winger at right back is strange.

Much work to be done.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

Newcastle 1-3 Liverpool