Real Madrid Vs Liverpool 2022: Player Ratings

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Real Madrid's victory over Liverpool in the 2022 Champions League final was a thrilling encounter, and individual performances played a crucial role in the outcome. In this article, we will delve into the player ratings for both teams, highlighting the standout performers and those who struggled to make an impact.

Real Madrid Player Ratings

Goalkeeper:

  • Thibaut Courtois: Undoubtedly the man of the match. Courtois put on an absolutely stunning display, making save after save to deny Liverpool's relentless attack. His performance was nothing short of heroic, earning him a well-deserved 10/10 rating. He was the backbone of Real Madrid's defense, frustrating Liverpool's forwards at every turn. His anticipation, reflexes, and command of the penalty area were all top-notch, making him an impenetrable wall. He not only stopped shots but also inspired confidence in his teammates, knowing they had such a reliable presence behind them. Courtois's performance will be remembered as one of the greatest goalkeeping displays in Champions League final history, solidifying his status as one of the world's best.

Defenders:

  • Dani Carvajal: Carvajal put in a solid performance at right-back, containing the threat of Luis Diaz and providing support in attack. His defensive work rate was commendable, and he made several crucial tackles and interceptions. He earns a rating of 7/10.
  • Eder Militao: Militao was a rock in the center of defense, making numerous clearances and interceptions. He formed a strong partnership with Alaba, keeping Liverpool's attackers at bay. His strong presence and aerial ability were vital in dealing with Liverpool's crosses and set-pieces. He receives an 8/10.
  • David Alaba: Alaba brought his experience and composure to the defense, organizing the backline and making vital interceptions. His ability to read the game was crucial in thwarting Liverpool's attacks. He earns a rating of 7.5/10.
  • Ferland Mendy: Mendy was solid defensively at left-back, limiting the impact of Mohamed Salah. His tackling was precise, and he provided a reliable outlet on the left flank. He receives a 7/10.

Midfielders:

  • Casemiro: Casemiro was the midfield enforcer, breaking up play and protecting the defense. His tireless work rate and tactical awareness were crucial in stifling Liverpool's midfield. He earns an 8/10.
  • Toni Kroos: Kroos provided his usual composure and creativity in midfield, dictating the tempo of the game and delivering pinpoint passes. His experience and vision were vital in controlling the flow of play. He receives a 7.5/10.
  • Luka Modric: Modric showcased his exceptional skill and vision, creating chances and controlling the midfield. His ability to glide past players and pick out a pass was a constant threat to Liverpool. He earns an 8/10.

Forwards:

  • Federico Valverde: Valverde's energy and versatility were crucial, providing a tireless presence on the right wing and delivering the assist for Vinicius's goal. His work rate and determination were vital in both attack and defense. He earns an 8.5/10.
  • Karim Benzema: While not at his absolute best, Benzema still led the line effectively, holding up the ball and linking up with his teammates. His presence was a constant threat to Liverpool's defense, and he played a crucial role in Real Madrid's attacking play. He receives a 7/10.
  • Vinicius Junior: Vinicius scored the decisive goal, capping off a lively performance on the left wing. His pace and trickery caused Liverpool's defense problems throughout the match, and he proved to be the match-winner. He earns a 9/10.

Substitutes:

  • Eduardo Camavinga: Camavinga brought fresh energy to the midfield, helping to see out the victory. He made important tackles and interceptions, contributing to Real Madrid's defensive solidity. He receives a 7/10.
  • Rodrygo: Rodrygo provided a threat on the counter-attack, stretching Liverpool's defense. He added pace and energy to the attack, helping to relieve pressure on the defense. He receives a 6.5/10.
  • Dani Ceballos: Ceballos helped to control the midfield in the closing stages, keeping possession and seeing out the game. His composure and passing accuracy were vital in maintaining Real Madrid's lead. He receives a 6/10.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Goalkeeper:

  • Alisson Becker: Alisson could do little about Vinicius's goal but made a few decent saves otherwise. His distribution was good, and he commanded his area well. However, he wasn't as tested as his counterpart, Courtois. He receives a 6.5/10.

Defenders:

  • Trent Alexander-Arnold: Alexander-Arnold struggled defensively, particularly against Vinicius Junior. While he provided some attacking threat, his defensive vulnerabilities were exposed. He receives a 5.5/10.
  • Ibrahima Konate: Konate was solid in the center of defense, making important tackles and interceptions. He dealt well with Benzema's threat and was arguably Liverpool's best defender on the night. He earns a 7/10.
  • Virgil van Dijk: Van Dijk was generally solid but was occasionally troubled by Real Madrid's attackers. His presence was still important, but he wasn't at his absolute best. He receives a 6.5/10.
  • Andrew Robertson: Robertson provided his usual energy and attacking threat from left-back but was kept busy defensively. His work rate was impressive, but he struggled to contain Valverde. He receives a 6/10.

Midfielders:

  • Fabinho: Fabinho struggled to control the midfield, often bypassed by Real Madrid's creative players. His passing was not as accurate as usual, and he failed to impose himself on the game. He receives a 5.5/10.
  • Jordan Henderson: Henderson worked tirelessly in midfield but struggled to make a significant impact. His energy and determination were commendable, but he lacked the creativity to unlock Real Madrid's defense. He receives a 6/10.
  • Thiago Alcantara: Thiago showed glimpses of his quality but was ultimately unable to dictate the game. His passing was good, but he was often crowded out by Real Madrid's midfield. He receives a 6/10.

Forwards:

  • Mohamed Salah: Salah was lively and created several chances but was repeatedly denied by Courtois. His finishing was uncharacteristically poor, and he was visibly frustrated by the Real Madrid goalkeeper's heroics. He receives a 7/10.
  • Sadio Mane: Mane was a threat but was also thwarted by Courtois. His pace and movement caused problems for Real Madrid's defense, but he couldn't find a way past the Belgian goalkeeper. He receives a 6.5/10.
  • Luis Diaz: Diaz was lively in the first half but faded in the second. His direct running and trickery caused Carvajal problems, but he was eventually substituted. He receives a 6/10.

Substitutes:

  • Diogo Jota: Jota provided a late attacking threat but couldn't find the equalizer. His energy and determination were evident, but he lacked the composure to score. He receives a 6/10.
  • Roberto Firmino: Firmino failed to make a significant impact after coming on. He struggled to get into the game and didn't create any clear-cut chances. He receives a 5.5/10.
  • Naby Keita: Keita added energy to the midfield but didn't have enough time to influence the game significantly. His passing was tidy, but he didn't offer enough creativity. He receives a 5.5/10.

Conclusion

Real Madrid's victory was built on a combination of defensive resilience and clinical finishing, with Courtois and Vinicius Junior the standout performers. Liverpool, on the other hand, were left to rue their missed chances and defensive vulnerabilities. The player ratings reflect the contrasting performances of the two teams, highlighting the key factors that decided the outcome of the match. This game will be remembered for Courtois's goalkeeping masterclass and Vinicius Junior's decisive goal, securing Real Madrid's 14th Champions League title.