Liverpool lost 2-0 at Leicester City on Tuesday night, the eighth league defeat of the season – here’s how we rated the Reds at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester City 2-0 Liverpool
Premier League – King Power Stadium – Tuesday 2nd February 2016
Goals: Vardy 60′ & 71′
Simon Mignolet (out of 10) – 6.5
The Belgian had a typical night – showing just what an excellent shot-stopper with two excellent saves to deny both Okazaki and Mahrez in the first-half, but was perhaps out of position for Vardy’s first goal.
Speaking after the match, the Leicester forward said: “I was looking all game, he (Mignolet) was quite far off his line so I thought I’d have a go.”
Nathaniel Clyne – 7
This was, as often seems to be the case, a typical Clyne performance.
The 24-year-old was reliable defensively when called upon, and neat and tidy on the ball, at least attempting to be an attacking outlet.
Dejan Lovren – 5.5
Lovren endured a tough evening, with man-of-the-moment Vardy causing him real problems.
A lack of pace was evident on a number of occasions and he was, as ever, guilty of jumping in needlessly a few times. Still not 100 per cent fit, possibly.
Mamadou Sakho – 6
We have yet to see Sakho even close to his best since returning from injury, and he produced a mixed performance against a dangerous Leicester attack.
The Frenchman made a nervy start, losing Okazaki at the back post in the lead-up to Mignolet making a great save, but he grew into the game.
Some good interceptions and blocks, but far from his best.
Alberto Moreno – 6
Moreno has come in for plenty of criticism in recent weeks, and had his fair share of brainless moments again here.
The 23-year-old looked a little more reliable defensively, despite Mahrez having a field day, but his end product was lacking in attack and switched off on occasion typically.
Still has plenty to learn, and is incredibly infuriating to watch at times.
Lucas Leiva – 5
A poor night for the Brazilian, whose form in recent months has been very mediocre.
His lack of legs in the middle of the park was evident all evening, and his creativity and general influence was just not up to scratch.
Nights like these make you have major doubts over his Liverpool future.
Emre Can – 5
Can has been one of Liverpool’s better performers this season, even if he is far from perfect, but he was really disappointing against the Foxes.
Too often his decision-making in key areas was put into question, and he was part of a Reds midfield that offered very little.
Jordan Henderson – 5
There is definitely something wrong with Henderson. The captain’s influence was nowhere what it can be once again, and even his endless energy didn’t quite seem to be there.
His ongoing heel injury feels like a major issue, and he was again substituted early. Needs more creative players around him, otherwise he looks limited.
James Milner – 5.5
Milner was almost anonymous from start to finish, and it is games likes these that make you realise how limited he is as a footballer.
There was just nowhere near enough guile from the England international, considering he was in an attacking role, and playing the speedier, less predictable Jordon Ibe would have been a better move from Klopp.
Adam Lallana – 5
Like so many Liverpool players on the night, it was easy to forget that Lallana was even playing at times.
There were the usual nice touches here and there, but a complete lack of substance was desperately plain to see. Much more required.
Roberto Firmino – 5
Firmino has been in good form of late, but he returned to being the player who struggled in English football earlier on in the season.
The 24-year-old lacked a spark throughout and never really threatened to open up Leicester‘s defence at any point. He received dreadful service, to be fair.
Substitutes
Christian Benteke (on for Henderson 66′) – 5.5
Did nothing wrong, but didn’t add a thing.
Joe Allen (on for Can 74′) – 5.5
The game was dead by the time the Welshman came on, and he failed to alter Liverpool’s fortunes.
Joao Teixeira (on for Firmino 87′) – n/a
Jurgen Klopp – 6
Without making Klopp out to be completely blameless in all of this, he really can only work with the personnel on offer.
Liverpool looked solid for large parts, but the midfield and attack just did not offer enough quality. Liverpool, as often is the case, were simply woeful in the final third.
Klopp’s selection looked good enough on paper, but he could certainly have started Allen, and possibly Ibe too. A forgettable night for the German.
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