Liverpool ended the Europa League group stage with a 2-1 loss to Union Saint Gilroy in Belgium.
The Reds brought a young team into the game but lost after first-half goals from Mohamed Amoura and Cameron Puertas. Jarell Quansa soon scored his first goal for the club.
Liverpool have already climbed to the top of Group E and will go straight into the last 16 in Monday’s draw. Paul Horst rated the Belgian players as follows:
Caoimhin Kelleher – 7
They made two big saves in a short amount of time to deny USG early and keep the score at 2-1 going into the second period. He couldn’t do anything about either goal, especially the first one when it was deadlocked.
He went to the next corner and tried to tie the score. Conor Bradley – 6The move to midfield to play the ‘Trent role’ looked odd at times, but a decent display given his lack of football in recent months. I would be happy to contribute again after suffering a back injury over the summer.
Jarrell Quansa-6
Scored his own goal like an experienced centre-forward, firing in confidently from Jones’ corner. But cutting and changing the backline didn’t help him.
Ibrahim Konate-6
Forceful measures have been taken several times, including a series of evacuations and blockades. He seems to coast sometimes. It is difficult to make too harsh a judgment on such a temporary quartet. It needs a few minutes more than anything. Gomes was substituted at half-time.
Cody Gakpo – 4
Hungry and mostly anonymous. Nederlands International has not forced Klopp to think about his forward line for Manchester United on Sunday. Could just not get into the game.
Darwin Nunez – 6
Perhaps a surprise introduction, NUNEZ could do little without the service, but always played on the last shoulder and tried to force a chance in his way.
Harvey Elliott – 5
Typically neat in possession, but without offering much in the last third part. Klopp called for more influence in his press conference, but progress has been slow.
Curtis Jones – 5
Good and clean, doesn’t give enough power in the final third with his passing. USG lost the ball on the first goal, but Quansa scored a corner kick to equalize. After being traded, Endo moved into an uncertain defensive role.
