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

Sunderland AFC lost 4-2 to Liverpool in Nashville on Saturday night, yet there were clear positives for Régis Le Bris and his squad.

Sunderland Echo notes that Le Bris again used 22 players across the two halves. A more experienced side drew the first period 1-1 before Liverpool took charge against a youthful XI after the break, with Timur Tutierov on the scoresheet.

Melker Ellborg, goalkeeper, six. Little he could do about either goal, his work in possession coped with the press and he produced a smart stop before going off midway through the second half.

Nordi Mukiele, right-back, six. Made several positive runs that did not quite open Liverpool up, defended reliably and kept errors to a minimum.

Dan Ballard, centre-back, seven. Strong and assured on his return, booked for a challenge on Rio Ngumoha, and stepped out confidently with the ball.

Luke O'Nien, centre-back, six. Calm in possession with little defending required, and he made one excellent block late in the half.

Source: Sunderland Echo