Joe Cole watch: Did Liverpool midfielder seize chance to impress against Sparta Prague?

25 February 2011 00:55
BODY LANGUAGE - spoke volumes for him. Couldn't have been more eager to impress and vented his anger on Liverpool teammate Christian Poulsen for failing to play him in on the edge of the area. Still chuntering at him a couple of minutes later.[LNB] Missing out: Liverpool's Joe Cole can't find a way past Marek Matejovsky[LNB] COURAGE - found wanting, it has to be said. Showed little relish for a 50-50 ball with Jaromir Blazek, after a David Ngog shot was spilled, and turned it into an 80-20 in favour of the keeper by backing away, much to the crowd's disgust.[LNB] ROLE - not exactly his favourite, on the left of midfield, and often looked isolated. Did his best to counter that by going in search of the ball and occasionally tracking back, even at the cost of a painful kick from striker Leony Kweuke.[LNB] Pulling out: Cole beaten to the ball by goalkeeper Jaromir Blazek[LNB] OVERALL - hard work for Liverpool and for Cole, a peripheral figure for much of his first start under Kenny Dalglish. Tried to convince the Liverpool manager he might be worth another but could make little headway and missed a sitter in injury time. [LNB] Liverpool 1 Sparta Prague 0 (agg 1-0): Dirk Kuyt ends the frustration and heads Reds into last 16 of Europa LeagueFormer director Christian Purslow exits Anfield, leaving Liverpool in 'excellent shape'All the latest Liverpool news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:People: Joe Cole, Christian Poulsen Places: Liverpool, Prague

Source: Daily_Mail