Florian Wirtz didn’t have a night to remember in Paris (Image: Getty)
Arne Slot’s Liverpool slipped to a fourth consecutive away defeat as the Reds’ Champions League hopes are left hanging by a thread. Slot rolled the dice and set up with a three at the back formation, with two wingbacks, but it was another night where Liverpool flattered to deceive.
After switching up his side’s tactical set-up, it looked as if it was going to be a long night for a shaky Liverpool when PSG took the lead after 11 minutes. On initial viewing, Desire Doue’s strike appeared a Goal of the Season contender, but replays suggested the effort took a hefty deflection, leaving Giorgi Mamardashvili with no chance of making a save.
Liverpool had solidified as the first half went on, but their efforts were undone midway through the second when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia danced his way through the Reds’ defence to net a stylish second. PSG were denied a third on several occasions, but none more so when Ibrahima Konate’s last-ditch tackle was initially given as a penalty on pitch, only for a VAR check to save their blushes.
Initially slated on commentary for his part in the opener, but those comments were retracted after the deflection became clear. Overall, it wasn’t quite Alisson vs PSG from last year, but the Georgian did pop up with a number of important saves to keep the score down, but was left bamboozled by Kvaratskhelia’s dazzling feet for the second.
Completely ineffective on the right flank, even while playing a more comfortable position at wing-back. Picked up some promising positions in the final third, but his execution on the ball let the Dutchman down entirely.
Looked as if he’d dropped a clanger by giving away a penalty, which could’ve put the tie to bed. But, having been given on the pitch, the referee rightly overturned his decision on review. Wasn’t perfect in the new look back three, but did at least defend well on occasion.
Took a while to settle into the game and got dragged out of position at times in the first half. Got to grips with the unusual set-up as the game went on, and was key to stopping PSG running riot.
Had the unenviable test of playing as the furthest left centre back, but held his own against one of the best attacks in European football.
Granted more attacking freedom as a wing-back, but again, didn’t impress at all. The Hungarian does has credit in the bank, given it’s his first season with the Merseysiders. Things have to get better though.
Probably had the hardest task on the pitch, given the way PSG’s midfield knock the ball about with such ease. All things considered, did well.
Virgil van Djik was part of the Liverpool back three (Image: Getty)
What’s he there to do? Genuinely? That’s not a slight on the player, but rather a dig at the manager. We’re into April now, and it still doesn’t look as if Slot knows what he wants from the playmaker. Xabi Alonso’s arrival probably can’t come soon enough for the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man.
Liverpool’s only outlet at the top of the pitch, but kept running into blind alleys far too often. Careless in possession at times and when chances did present themselves, the Frenchman lacked the composure in front of goal. Poor.
Didn’t do anything during his 20 minutes or so on the pitch, but his return will be welcomed by Liverpool.
