Kent scores in superb display as 11 Reds feature – Liverpool FC Loan Watch

October 8, 2018
Ben Twelves

It was a busy weekend of action for Liverpool’s loanees and Ryan Kent was the star performer as he scored his second goal for Rangers.

Individual performances didn’t quite hit the levels we have come to expect this weekend, but it was still a productive spell.

11 loanees featured with only three fit and eligible Reds going without action – those being, Ben Woodburn, who was left out completely at Sheffield United, Anderson Arroyo and Shamal George.

Here’s the full lowdown on all the action, starting with the goal-scorer.

Kent struck his second of the season for Rangers…

Kent followed an excellent display in a 3-1 Europa League win over Rapid Vienna with a Man-of-the-Match showing and a goal in a victory by the same score against Hearts.

It was the 21-year-old who ensured a big afternoon at Ibrox against the league leaders got off to a flying start as he opened the scoring after just three minutes.

Kent took full advantage of Hearts’ offside trap failing as he rolled into an empty net under no pressure after being teed-up unselfishly by Alfredo Morelos.

https://twitter.com/RangersGoaIs/status/1048972791314370561

There was more to Kent’s display than his goal though, with his ability to dribble and speed past opponents earning plaudits, including from Gerrard:

“He deserved man of the match today, he deserved his goal and I’m pleased for him, but we have to credit Rangers for giving Ryan the opportunity and also thank Liverpool for letting us use him, because at the moment it’s working for both of us.”

Kent has become a vital part of Gerrard’s side and he now needs to maintain this form while adding more goals (two) and assists (one) to his game.

10 more Reds featured, experiencing contrasting fortunes…

There were four loanees in action across Europe and, disappointingly, none enjoyed much individual or collective success.

Loris Karius responded to a night to forget in Besiktas’ 2-0 Europa League loss at Malmo with a better display in his side’s 2-2 draw at Konyaspor on Sunday.

But the German wasn’t as assured as he was before his European howler, and he should have done better with Konyaspor’s second goal which came after Karius failed to read a cross or command his area.

In Germany, Allan Rodrigues missed Eintracht Frankfurt’s Europa League tie with Lazio but was recalled for the Bundesliga return against Hoffenheim on Sunday.

The Brazilian made his second start but it didn’t go as well as his first as he was subbed at half-time of a 2-1 win, with the reason speculated as due to him being on a booking.

In France, Sheyi Ojo had to settle for another cameo role at Reims, featuring as a late sub in which he produced a bright performance in a 0-0 draw against Nimes on Saturday.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoUJlOBjetG/?hl=en&taken-by=sheyiojo

The worst outing came for Taiwo Awoniyi at KAA Gent, who were thrashed 5-1 by Genk—with the Nigerian turning in an ineffective display on a horror night.

The remaining action came across the English and Scottish leagues.

Liverpool’s only Premier League loanee, Danny Ings, couldn’t follow his goal-scoring display at Everton with a second in a row as Southampton lost 3-0 to Chelsea on Sunday.

The striker should have netted though, as he missed a sitter, somehow shooting over from almost under the bar—but Ings was undoubtedly Saints’ brightest performer and a constant threat.

In the Championship, Harry Wilson was limited to a sub appearance in a 1-1 draw at QPR on Saturday; it was his second result by that scoreline this week, with the first coming against Norwich.

Kent grabbed the headlines for his form but the remaining two Reds in Scotland also impressed.

Ovie Ejaria shone in Rangers’ win over Rapid Vienna and the midfielder also impressed against Hearts, even if he didn’t quite hit the same levels as on the European stage.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BomTbiGBQ63/?hl=en&taken-by=bogdanadamofficial

Adam Bogdan maintained his own excellent recent form at Hibernian as he kept a fourth successive clean sheet in a 6-0 demolition of Hamilton on Saturday.

Two youngsters were played in the lower leagues.

Herbie Kane was unable to prevent League One Doncaster suffering a second straight loss on Saturday, featuring in a heavy 4-0 defeat to Joey Barton’s Fleetwood.

?MOTM | With 62% of the voting you have chosen @herbiekane as your Twitter Man of the Match for his performance against @ftfc. #DRFC #DONFLE pic.twitter.com/zUt8ApF8Ed

— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) October 7, 2018

However, there was a positive on an individual level for the academy midfielder who was voted Man of the Match in the defeat.

Finally, Corey Whelan was unable to follow his first Crewe win in midweek with a second on Saturday, as he played all 90 minutes of a 1-0 loss to League Two leaders Lincoln.