Phil Smith's Sunderland player ratings as Liverpool win 4-2 in Nashville | OneFootball

Sunderland lost 4-2 to Liverpool in Nashville on Saturday night, though Régis Le Bris could still point to positives.

Sunderland Echo notes that Le Bris again used 22 players across the two halves, with a more experienced XI drawing the first 1-1.

Liverpool then took control after the interval against a youthful Sunderland side and closed out a 4-2 win. Timur Tutierov’s goal was among the encouraging moments.

On his return, Dan Ballard looked assured, stepping out confidently and handling his defensive work with minimal fuss. He was booked for a challenge on Rio Ngumoha and received a 7.

Luke O'Nien was steady and made one excellent late block, rating 6. Nordi Mukiele contributed purposeful runs without end product and was solid defensively, also 6.

Goalkeeper Melker Ellborg had little chance with the finishes, handled Liverpool’s press reasonably in possession and produced a good save before being replaced midway through the second half. He was given 6.

Source: Sunderland Echo