Liverpool player ratings vs Galatasaray: 1/10 horror show and Van Dijk barely better | Football | Sport

Arne Slot’s Liverpool suffered a bruising first-leg defeat away to Galatasaray on a night when it could’ve – and probably should’ve – been much worse for the six-time winners. The Merseysiders will head into next week’s second leg with work to do if they want to extend their Champions League campaign beyond the last-16.

Looking to banish memories of the defeat to Galatasaray from earlier in the season, Liverpool‘s night got off to the worst possible start when the hosts took the lead after just seven minutes. Ghost defending would prove a theme of the first half, with Mario Lemina afforded time and space in the penalty area to tuck home a nod down from a Galatasaray corner. The only surprise at the break was Liverpool weren’t behind by more than one goal, as a combination of poor finishing and Giorgi Mamardashvili saves kept the score at 1-0.

Both sides managed to find the back of the net in the second half, but neither goal counted. A marginal offside saw a Victor Osimhen strike ruled out, while an equally controversial decision overturned an Ibrahima Konate, with the VAR assistant deeming the final touch to have come off the defender’s arm. Express Sport hands out players ratings after a chastening night in Istanbul…

Giorgi Mamardashvili – 6/10

The only part of that Liverpool defence who can leave with his head held high. It could’ve been much worse had Liverpool’s back-up goalkeeper not brought his A-game. Pulled out a couple of important saves towards the end of the first half when Galatasaray were ramping up the pressure.

Given a tough task against Noa Lang and did struggle to keep up with the tricky winger throughout the match. Offered very little from an offensive point of view and would often be at fault for attacks breaking down.

A disastarous showing from the usually reliable Frenchman. Looked lost as the ball looped over his head for the opener, and failed to recover from that point on. Bailed out by the offside flag for what might’ve been the most clownish error leading to a goal this season, while his night went from bad to worse when his handball led to an equaliser being ruled out.

By no means as bad as his centre-back partner, but it wasn’t an outing to remember for the Liverpool skipper. Shaky, disjointed and unusually fallible. His night was summed up by a late tackle midway through the second half that earned the Dutchman a yellow card. It will raise alarm bells for the Reds’ hierarchy, as the day he’ll have to be replaced is getting closer and closer.

Andy Robertson must be asking what he has to do to earn a start in this Liverpool team. It was another dissapointing showing from the Hungarian, who was hooked in the second half for the much-more experienced Scot.

Was certainly made to earn his money in the cauldron that is Rams Park. Found himself chasing shadows at times, but by no means was he the main culprit. Did well to cover as much ground as he did and threatened the Galatasaray goal with a couple of flashed efforts.

Alexis Mac Allister – 4/10

However, Gravenberch’s partner at the base of midfield left plenty to be desired. Careless in possesion and offering nothing out of it, the Argentine continues to look a shadow of the player who bossed midfields for Liverpool en route to the final last season.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 5/10

Way off his usual lofty standards, but one of the only Liverpool players who looked like making something happen. Was opening spaces with some nice passes in the first half, and had a couple of half-chances that went awry.

One step forward, two steps back for the big-money signing. It was a performance that summed up his career at Liverpool so far: tidy touches and a chance to make an impact, but that final action went missing at the most crucial time. Fluffed his lines early in the first half with an effort from 12 yards out and went missing thereafter.

Talk about eras coming to an end. A tricky Champions League tie away from home with Liverpool in need of a goal from and the Egyptian is subbed off at half-time. It was a gutsy call from Slot, but a justified one, as the forward barely laid a finger on the Galatasaray backline during the opening 45 minutes.

Always looking for the space in behind the Galatasaray defence and wasn’t found nearly enough by his team-mates. However, as the lone striker, when chances come your way, you’ve got to stick them in the back of the net and the Frenchman failed to do so.

Added a more direct threat on the right after Salah’s lame showing.

Sturdied up the left-hand side and ought to have been brought on earlier.

Almost netted a late equaliser and did make a difference after coming on late in the game.