Phil Smith's Sunderland AFC player ratings v Liverpool as 8/10 duo stand out again | OneFootball

Sunderland were beaten 4-2 by Liverpool in Nashville, though Régis Le Bris could still point to positives, including a goal for Timur Tutierov.

According to Sunderland Echo, Le Bris again used 22 players, with a more experienced side earning a 1-1 first-half draw before a youthful XI were overpowered after the break.

Goalkeeper Melker Ellborg was given 6, with little he could do about either goal. He handled Liverpool’s press reasonably well and produced a smart stop before going off midway through the second half.

Nordi Mukiele earned 6 after some purposeful forward runs that did not translate into chances. He was solid defensively and rarely erred.

Dan Ballard impressed on his return, rated 7. He was booked for a challenge on Rio Ngumoha, stepped forward confidently with the ball and dealt with his defensive work calmly.

Luke O’Nien received 6. He was tidy in possession, had limited defending to do and made one excellent block late in the half.

Source: Sunderland Echo