An abysmal Liverpool was humiliated 4-1 away to Napoli, with every player except Luis Diaz woefully below average.
Napoli 4-1 Liverpool
Champions League (1), Stadio Diego Armando MaradonaSeptember 7, 2022
Goals: Zielinski pen 5′ and 47′, Anguissa 31′, Simeone 45′; Diaz 49′
Alisson (of 10) – 6
Alisson has been a fairly unimpeachable figure so far this season, and even on such a bleak night, the same applies.
Except for an indecision in the first minute, the Brazilian did nothing wrong and even saved Victor Osimhen’s penalty in the first half.
He must wonder what is happening in front of him.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 2
I’m sorry, Trent, no, you can’t defend yourself with this evidence.
This was unacceptable of him, with his effort levels trying not to go anywhere to be seen at least four times, even for two goals.
He seems disinterested or broken, or both. Infuriating to watch.
Joe Gomez-2
Do you remember Dejan Lovren against Tottenham in 2017? See also: Joe Gomez against Napoli in 2022.
Gómez was again preferred to the return of Joel Matip, but he had his worst game in a Liverpool shirt.
He got away with a big mistake when Virgil van Dijk cleared the line, but was punished twice by more shocking defenses for the second and third goals, outplayed and slow.
Put out of his misery at half-time and replaced by Matip.
Virgil van Dijk – 3
Van Dijk has been a long way from being in top form this season; sadly, there seems to be no sign of that changing.
Of course, he made a great block on the line, but conceded a penalty and scored the third goal in embarrassing fashion.
What happened to one of the best centre-backs of all time?
Andy Robertson-4
Robertson returned in place of Kostas Tsimikas, but this was another lethargic performance, one we’ve seen all season so far.
Others were worse, to be sure, but that usual fight and quality going forward was non-existent.
Robertson has been one of Liverpool’s main creative outlets over the years, but assists have dried up alarmingly.
Fabinho – 5
There was no doubt that Fabinho would be deployed in the number 6 role against Napoli, but he was fighting a losing battle.
He felt like a one-man defensive midfielder for much of the game, and while he wasn’t without fault, he did his best to bite down on tackles and bring intensity.
In the end, I was running on molasses. I feel sorry for him playing in midfield alone.
Harvey Elliott-5
Elliott has been one of Liverpool’s best players this season, but his lack of defensive quality was left very exposed.
The 19-year-old showed flashes of class on the ball, proving to be one of the few forward-thinking players, but there are concerns about how he will affect Liverpool’s midfield tactically.
A reminder, however, that this is still a player learning his trade very much: he is not yet at the level to play for a team that dominates Napoli’s midfield away from home.
James Milner-2
After an awful cameo appearance at right-back at Everton, Milner started in midfield, a decision that may not have pleased many.
The reason Klopp started it was even more puzzling when he was somehow not replaced at half time after taking a penalty, he was booked and should have been booked again.
Miles off the beat, easily defeated, unable to back down. Put him out of his misery, and out of ours.
Mohammed Salah – 3
In search of his pre-AFCON brilliance, Salah is still a dead long way from him eight months later. He is cutting an increasingly frustrated figure.
The Egyptian is certainly not being served well, finding himself on the periphery of games, but he’s also not doing anything when he gets a chance to spark.
substituted
Luis Diaz – 8
The only positive player from a lousy team performance. He scored the consolation goal, his fourth of the season, in a lovely finish.
The only player who showed effort, drive or desire. The future, we need more like him.
Roberto Firmino – 3
Firmino has shown improved form of late, but returned to the long-legged, sloppy player we’ve seen so often in the last year or so.
From the start, his touch was poor, playing a part in the first goal, and every pass felt hit under or behind a teammate.
It’s just not the force it used to be.
substitutes
Joel Matip (on for Gomez, 46′) – 6
It was a noticeable upgrade on Gomez, shoring things up a bit in the back. However, he cooled down for the fourth goal, within a minute.
Thiago (replaces Milner, 62′) – 7
He kept things simple but immediately brought much more control and affective aggression than Milner. He seemed great, but it was against a team that he had stopped playing.
Darwin Núñez (instead of Firmino, 62′) – 5
He really struggled to get into the game. He hits a man and then spins right into the defender on the ground.
Diogo Jota (instead of Salah, 62′) – 5
Same as Nunez. Horrible heist game, got over it, did nothing positive.
Arthur (in place of Elliott, 77′) – n/a
Talk about a horrible game to debut! poor guy
Unused Subs: Adrian, Davies, Phillips, Tsimikas, Bajcetic
Jurgen Klopp – 4
It’s rare that Klopp is ever under any kind of pressure, but he’s feeling the heat right now.
The boss may not know why his team is so bad, but he also has to shoulder some of the blame, as all managers do.
Why does Milner continue to form? Is he doing enough to prepare his players after such a relentless 2021/22 season? Was he too happy with his team this summer?
It’s all a bit sad, isn’t it? I hope this is not the end of this great Liverpool team.
