CL Preview: Liverpool - Standard Liege

Player Ratings: Liverpool 1-0 Standard Liege AET

A distinctly underwhelming display from Liverpool was rescued by the Dutch pairing of Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt in the death throes of this UEFA Champions League qualifier against the Belgian champions. Goal.com analyses the contributions of the participants...


Liverpool:

Pepe Reina: 9.0 - Invaluable to Liverpool with another string of game-saving stops. His contribution is worth as much as Kuyt’s. Two matches, two shut-outs - flawless.

Alvaro Arbeloa: 7.5 - Better going forward than defending but growing steadily into the role vacated by Steve Finnan. He offers more of an impetus than the Irishman and is a committed, effective performer. Witsel did not have it all his own way on the flank tonight.

Fabio Aurelio: 6.5 - His inclusion was perhaps a surprise but he coped well. Aurelio held the ball well and was efficient in possession. Dalmat gave both he and Dossena a tough time defensively.

Martin Skrtel: 8.0 - A tough customer - Gave Dieumerci Mbokani very little comfort on the ball. He tackled and headed well. He was perhaps out of position once or twice however.

Jamie Carragher: 7.5 - Par for the course from the committed Scouser. His heart is as big as Anfield and he demonstrated the kind of resilience and determination that typifies his Liverpool career.

Xabi Alonso: 6.0 - Looked assured when he was on the ball but did not chase possession enough. Tidy and efficient in his distribution, but the game passed him by for large chunks.

Steven Gerrard: 7.0 - Did not exert the type of influence expected of him at times but was nonetheless to the fore. Looked determined going in both directions. Perhaps he needs to invest in a new pair of shooting boots however.

Dirk Kuyt: 8.0 - His goal could be worth as much as £25million to the club. Flourished when Keane and Benayoun were withdrawn. He has a tendency to be ignored as an attacking entity when on the wing but forced his way into proceedings with a few shots. His contribution to Liverpool in Europe is vital to Rafa Benitez.

Yossi Benayoun: 6.0 - Easy to forget that he was playing. Not his type of game. Liverpool need urgency and pace on the flanks and all too often, the Israeli looked for a little pass or to run inside.

Robbie Keane: 6.0 - Needs a goal and needs one fast. The harder he tries the more desperate he looks. If he forgot about the elusive strike on target and played to his strengths, he would cut a far more relaxed figure. Links well with those around him but needs to calm himself.

Fernando Torres: 7.0 - Not the most effective evening from El Niño. He made some inspiring runs but was afforded little space by Sarr and Onyewu.

Subs:

Damien Plessis: n/a

Nabil El Zhar: 7.0 - Gave Dante a few frights and earned the Brazilian a booking. Has jet-heels but needs a final product. Perhaps should have had a penalty.

Ryan Babel: 6.5 - His cross was inch perfect but came very late. He made no considerable impact before the assist but that will all be forgotten now.

Standard Liege:

Rorys Aragon Espinoza - 8.0 - Had little chance with Kuyt’s goal but did well besides. Looked occasionally butter-fingered but offers a relatively secure last line of defence. Excellent shot-stopper.

Marco Camozzato: 6.5 - Looked tired as the game wore on and was slow to react to Babel’s cross. Had the game finished within 90 minutes, he would have registered an 8.

Dante Bonfim Costa: 6.0 - Jaded as the contest wore on and was forced into untidy errors during extra-time. The change in tack by Benitez meant he had to deal with faster and more mobile wingers in the added 30 minutes.

Oguchi Onyewu: 7.5 - A near flawless display from the big American. He and Sarr have a remarkable understanding as a partnership. He tackles well and competes honestly.

Mohamad Sarr: 7.5 - Like his partner, Sarr is a formidable prospect for attackers and he rarely gave Torres the opportunity to relax. A tight marker and decent challenger.

Steven Defour: 8.0 - A tireless midfielder with good ball usage. Epitomised the work ethic that makes this Liege side such an effective unit.

Maroune Fallaini: 6.0 - Not as prominent as he was in the first leg. Struggled at times to exert his considerable influence. Had one decent first-half opportunity.

Axel Witzel: 6.0 - He was given a tough ride by Arbeloa and Kuyt. He did not have the opportunity to force his way into the game high up the pitch. Nevertheless, he was always available.

Wilfried Dalmat: 7.5 - Expended all his energy over the two legs. A clinical crosser and accurate passer. He also proved tonight to be good all-rounder with some decent tracking-back and tackling.

Dieumerci Mbokani: 8.0 - Could be one of the biggest prospects in the African game. He is blessed with silky skill as well as pace and power.

Igor De Camargo: 6.5 - Wasteful with the half-chances that came his way. He has a tendency to be hurried in front of goal at this level. He could do with improving his awareness.

Subs:

Salim Toema: n/a - Struggled to have an influence and to adapt to the pace of the game.

Milan Jovanovic: 6.0 - Boloni would have wanted a bigger contribution from the Serb. Did not force Carragher or Skrtel into discomfort.