Liverpool vs Southampton: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

Striker and Substitutes

Che Adams, Striker – 6

Hard to fault him for not finishing his touch around Alisson, because the keeper made a great save.  Yes, Ings would have scored.  The problem here is Adams just doesn’t possess the finesse required at this level.  A highlight reel of his goals will show every one is pinged into the net.  The miss on the Alisson mistake was the epitome of a striker who needs to shoot without thinking.  What will go missed in these key moments was some very good hold up play and moving the ball horizontally which has developed dramatically.

Nathan Tella, Striker – 7

Tella nearly broke fee, but was tripped 1v1, except Kevin Friend saw nothing in it.  Also flashed a header from a Redmond cross directly at Alisson to cap a first half.  His pace is exciting and he brings an element of surprise to the attack.  Decision-making in the final third will need to improve to bag the goals, but he is one for the future.

Michael Obafemi, Substitute Striker – 7

Few could have predicted this man would be first off the bench, and he put in a mature performance which looked like he belonged.  He made a few darting runs into the box and if not for good Liverpool defending, he was in good position to have finished off a goal.  Maybe he can bring something to the table in the final four games, and Southampton need it.

Ibrahima Diallo, Substitute Attacking-Midfielder – 7

Diallo entered and everyone thought Armstrong would move forward, but Ibrahima stayed up on the wing.  He was more lively than we could have expected and combined nicely with KWP.  His left-footed volley was on frame, but straight at Alisson.  Ralph did say he wanted more versatile players and maybe this is in the long term plans.

Moussa Djenepo, Substitute Striker – N/A

Moussa entered late on and paired with Obafemi up top for the rarest of striker pairings.  He is dangerous around the box, but only if we get him the ball there, which his teammates never did.