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Glasgow Live
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Ben Banks

Rangers player ratings v Liverpool as trio falter on big stage while McGregor prevents a thrashing

Rangers lost out 2-0 in their Champions League Group A clash with Liverpool at Anfield.

The dubbed 'Battle of Britain' was a big one for Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side after opening their account in the elite reaches of European group stage football with losses against Ajax and Napoli. Allan McGregor made outstanding save after outstanding save but Trent Alexander-Arnold's sumptuous free-kick was too much to handle as it nestled in the top corner.

Mo Salah then scored from the penalty spot to double his side's lead against a visiting party who hadn't laid a glove on them. It was only due to the heroics of McGregor and a lack of cutting edge from the 2022 finalists, now sitting rock bottom after three games and six points off second spot, qualification for the last 16, with three games to go. Here is how we rated the Rangers players at Anfield after their battle against Liverpool.

READ MORE: Michael Beale tipped for Rangers return as Giovanni van Bronckhorst successor question answered

Allan McGregor - 9

An outstanding night from the 40-year-old goalkeeper and single-handily kept his team in the game. Was only beaten from two excellent dead ball situations. A bright spark on a tough night.

James Tavernier - 4

Lost the ball far too often and looked to panic at times when on the ball. Caught out of position as the penalty was given away. Struggled with a world-class forward line and Luis Diaz won't be a player he'll want to remember in a hurry.

Connor Goldson - 7

Did his best to stem the tide of attacking pressure coming up against him. Defended his box well enough but ultimately pressure proved too much, despite his best efforts.

Ben Davies - 5

Came up against his former club in what would have been a fine moment. Unfortunately, he's still building fitness and you don't want to do that against Liverpool.

Leon King - 6

A baptism of fire for the youngster and handed a penalty to his opposition. Outside that he joined Goldson in doing all he could to defend the box.

Borna Barisic - 4

Kept showing Salah inside which is what the Egyptian tends to thrive on. Kept backing off when he really had to be bold and engage. Struggled with his defensive duties.

John Lundstram - 4

A real enforcer for Rangers in Europe last season but this was a shadow of the performances that took the Light Blues to Seville. Looked timid as he struggled on his hometown return.

Steven Davis - 5

Did what he could on the ball but the high-pressing style of Liverpool was too much for the 37-year-old to keep up with.

Malik Tillman - 4

Not a night for lots of attacking potential which meant he had to get grafting. And his ability in doing so didn't come off with work-rate not quite matching what was required.

Ryan Kent - 5

Another playing against his former club but again, didn't get involved often enough and lacked cutting edge.

Alfredo Morelos- 5

A big throw of the dice to choose him over in-form Colak but in the end it didn't matter as the Colombian didn't get a sniff of the ball.

Ryan Jack - 4

Brought on to try and steady the ship but by the point he came on, the game was well done.

Fashion Sakala - 5

Says a lot about Rangers' attacking threat that he was the most menacing in his 30 minutes on the park. Tried to use his pace wisely.

Antonio Colak - 3

Brought on for a miracle salvage mission but the club's top scorer ran into similar problems that Morelos found.

Rabbi Matondo - 4

Almost got a goal after coming off the bench in an impressive cameo from the sidelines.

Glen Kamara - 2

Came on as a late sub but faded out the game as quickly as he came into it.

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