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Liverpool logo
Champions League | Group Stage
Dec 9, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
Basel

1-1

Gerrard (81')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Frei (25')

Player Ratings: Liverpool 1-1 Basel

Sports Mole rates the best and worst players in the Champions League Group B match between Liverpool and Basel at Anfield.

Liverpool failed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League after drawing 1-1 against Basel this evening.

Fabian Frei gave the visitors the lead in the first half, before Lazar Markovic was sent off for the Reds.

Steven Gerrard curled in a late free kick to give Liverpool hope, but they were unable to claim the three points as Basel progressed at their expense.

Here, Sports Mole has rated the performances of each of the players on show at Anfield.


Dejected Liverpool players Rickie Lambert and Steven Gerrard look on after conceding the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League group B match against Basel on December 9, 2014© Getty Images

LIVERPOOL:

Goal

Simon Mignolet: The goalkeeper has received plenty of stick recently, but he could not have done much about Frei's goal. He made a couple of good saves to keep his side in the game and handled everything that came into box with confidence. (7/10)

Defence

Glen Johnson: Was not able to get forward too often, due to a dangerous Basel attack. He defended well enough, but was caught in behind on a couple of occasions. (6/10)

Martin Skrtel: Not the greatest of displays at the back and will be disappointed that he wasn't able to close down Frei for the opener. Almost grabbed a late equaliser, but poked Sterling's cross just wide at the front post. (6/10)

Dejan Lovren: Another who struggled at the back. Gave the ball away cheaply and had a few nervous moments in the first half. (6/10)

Jose Enrique: Basel's forward players never got in behind him down his flank, but he struggled to support his team in the attack and was replaced at half time. (6/10)

Midfield

Lucas Leiva: The Brazilian struggled against Basel's midfield and failed to have a real impact on the match. (5/10)

Jordan Henderson: Had a quiet game in the first half, but improved after the break. Always looked for the ball and came close to scoring a winner late on with a powerful drive that was beaten away by Vaclik. (7/10)

Joe Allen: Failed to keep hold of possession and could have used the ball far better. (6/10)

Steven Gerrard: Scored a wonderful free kick to raise his side's hopes a late comeback. He had not been involved too much up until that point, but it was another inspirational moment from the captain. (7/10)

Raheem Sterling: Energetic display from the winger, but he was rarely able to get in behind the defence and trouble the keeper. (6/10)

Attack

Rickie Lambert: Was left stranded in the attack and hardly received any service before going off at half time. (5/10)

Substitutes

Lazar Markovic: Made a lively impact after coming on at the break, but was sent off for flailing an arm at Safari. (5/10)

Philippe Coutinho: Hardly made any impact after his late arrival. (6/10)

Alberto Moreno: Slotted in well after coming on at the break, but did not get too involved in supporting the attack. (5/10)


Mohamed Elneny of FC Basel and Joe Allen of Liverpool compete for a header during the UEFA Champions League group B match on December 9, 2014© Getty Images

BASEL:

Goal

Tomas Vaclik: Had no chance at saving Gerrard's brilliant free kick. He did make some decent stops towards the end that helped his side hold on for the draw. (7/10)

Defence

Taulant Xhaka: Energetic and positive display from the full-back. Got down his flank well all evening and was strong at the back. (7/10)

Fabian Schar: Commanding performance from the Swiss international. He made a number of vital challenges and his opponents were never able to get in behind him. (8/10)

Marek Suchy: Another towering display from a Basel centre-back. He won everything in the air and was one of the reasons why Lambert struggled. (8/10)

Behrang Safari: Decent performance from the full-back but he got Markovic sent off, after it appeared that there was very little contact between himself and the winger. (5/10)

Midfield

Fabian Frei: The midfielder scored a fine goal to set Basel on their way. He was a reliable presence in the midfield and barely misplaced a pass. (8/10)

Luca Zuffi: Set up the first goal following a neat exchange of passes with Frei on the edge of the box. Looked dangerous coming forward and used the ball well. (7/10)

Mohamed Elneny: Decent showing from the Egyptian. Kept his side ticking over nicely and helped out in front of the defence. (7/10)

Attack

Marco Streller: The Basel captain led the line well and was a strong focal point for his team. Although he did not have many chances to score, he brought others into the game and caused Liverpool's defence plenty of problems. (7/10)

Shkelzen Gashi: The Albanian was another bright spark in the Basel attack. Had a couple of chances to find the net and always looked a threat. (7/10)

Derlis Gonzalez: Showed good pace down the wing and got forward well to support the Basel attack. (6/10)

Substitutes

Breel Embolo: The 17-year-old replaced Streller and almost scored in the closing minutes when his near-post effort was saved by Mignolet. (6/10)

Marcelo Diaz: Came on for the final seven minutes and helped his side to see out the game. (6/10)

Walter Samuel: The experienced defender was only on for the final couple of minutes and helped Basel to cling on for a point. (6/10)


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Mohamed Elneny of FC Basel and Joe Allen of Liverpool compete for a header during the UEFA Champions League group B match on December 9, 2014
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Match Analysis: Liverpool 1-1 Basel
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