MX23RW : Friday, December 13 14:57:10| >> :120:74669:74669:

Team GB: Player ratings

Team GB: Player ratings
© PA Photos
Sports Mole dissects each player's performance for Team GB at the Olympic Games.

Team GB were eliminated from the men's Olympic football quarter-finals after losing 5-4 in a penalty shootout against South Korea on Saturday.

It was a cruel ending for Stuart Pearce's side after a solid campaign which saw them top Group A with wins over the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay.

However, their journey came to an end against the Asian outfit who have progressed to the semi-finals.

With that in mind, Sports Mole dissects each player's performance from the tournament.

Goalkeeper:

Jack Butland (Birmingham City) 8/10

It was four starts for the Birmingham City goalkeeper, and bar a clanger against South Korea, he proved that he has all the credentials to be a top stopper at international level. He kept his side in the ties against UAE and Uruguay, but his distribution certainly needs to improve.

Defenders:

Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea) 6/10

Fresh from his Champions League success with Chelsea, the 23-year-old made three starts for Team GB this summer. He did not get forward as much as he does with his club side, but it was a solid tournament for the youngster.

Steven Caulker (Tottenham Hotspur) 7/10

It was four starts for the Tottenham Hotspur defender, and he did not let anyone down. The 20-year-old was commanding in the air, although his work on the deck certainly has room for improvement.

Craig Dawson (West Bromwich Albion) 5/10

We did not see much from the West Bromwich Albion defender this summer, but he showed his composure when slotting home a penalty against South Korea. Solid, yet unspectacular in his one appearance as a substitute.

Micah Richards (Manchester City) 6/10

The 24-year-old was picked as one of the over-age players in the squad, but he struggled when selected in the centre of defence. He was impressive on the right, as ever, but he did not look entirely fit after a summer of rest.

Neil Taylor (Swansea City) 7/10

Nice and steady from the Swansea City defender as he was rewarded for a fine campaign with the Welsh club. He will never technically be the best defender in the world, but he ran all tournament, and played his fair share of tidy passes.

James Tomkins (West Ham United) 5/10

Just the one start for the West Ham United defender, and he looked slightly uncomfortable in the heart of the defence. He was caught out of position at times, but was steady enough.

Midfielders

Joe Allen (Swansea City) 7/10

Nice and tidy from the Swansea City man who has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool. The 22-year-old was a key member of the midfield, and impressed with his ability to manoeuvre possession. He does, however, leave you wanting just a little bit more.

Tom Cleverley (Manchester United) 7/10

The Manchester United midfielder certainly improved as the tournament progressed. He buzzed about in the quarter-final against Korea and showed his ability on the ball. He has a huge season ahead of him at club level.

Jack Cork (Southampton) 6/10

Just the two substitute performances for the Southampton man, but when called upon he did let anyone down. Nice and bright when introduced late on, and showed tidy feet on the ball.

Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) 7/10

Finally the most decorated player in Premier League history has been given the chance to play in an international tournament. He got his goal against UAE, but dropped out of the side in the latter stages. His experience was vital.

Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) 7/10

Bit of a mixed bag from the Arsenal man who was given licence to roam in the tournament. At times he almost played as a striker, and his passing ability allowed him to excel. He also showed composure in the shootout against Korea having missed a penalty (and scored one) earlier in the game.

Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur) 5/10

A start and a substitute appearance for the Tottenham Hotspur utility man, and he wasn't ever really given the chance to impress. He provided lightening pace down the left, but too often his final ball lacked.

Scott Sinclair (Swansea City) 6/10

The Swansea City forward came off the bench to score against UAE, but he never really took his chances against Uruguay and South Korea. He didn't seem to want to attack the full-back, and looked a little one-dimensional.

Craig Bellamy (Liverpool) 9/10

The pick of the players for me. You could tell that he just loved every minute of it. He was up and down the line and provided a host of dangerous crosses throughout the competition. Liverpool want rid, any takers?

Forwards:

Marvin Sordell (Bolton Wanderers) 6/10

If nothing else, the Bolton Wanderers man will take the experience away with him. He didn't really get a chance to impress but led the line impressively against UAE.

Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea) 7/10

It must be remembered that the Chelsea man was laid low with illness weeks before the tournament, and the fact he took part was a success in itself. He managed two goals, but was often left isolated in attack. He is nowhere near the finished article, but he is improving.

ID:38788: cacheID:38788:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:6591:
Written by
Matt Law
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Stuart Pearce
Read Next:
Pearce: 'Olympics will help Sturridge and Cleverley'
>
Read more about Stuart Pearce Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Rams
@
49ers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!