Liverpool 1-3 Sevilla: Reds legends bash Alberto Moreno after defensive horror show in Basel

Former Liverpool players have criticised Alberto Moreno's performance at left-back in the Reds' Europa League final defeat against Sevilla in Basel.

Sevilla's Brazilian right-back Mariano nutmegged Moreno in the opening seconds of the second half before crossing for Kevin Gameiro to score the equaliser, after Daniel Sturridge had given Liverpool the lead in the first half.

Jurgen Klopp's side never recovered from that blow as Coke scored twice more to give the Spanish club a comfortable 3-1 win at St Jakob-Park.

Moreno was also culpable in the build up to Sevilla's equaliser as he headed clear an opportunistic left-wing cross straight to Mariano.

"At this level, when you're playing against top sides in Europe, you can't be carrying anyone, you can't have anybody making any little mistakes, let alone three or four in one half, and Moreno cost Liverpool tonight," former Liverpool striker Michael Owen was quoted as saying by Goal.

"No dressing it up, he cost them the game."

Ex-Reds midfielder Steven McManaman added: "[Moreno showed] Just a real lack of judgement, incredibly sloppy play who had an awful second half.

"He just went wandering at times. He wants to go forward which is great, but he's a left back. His principal job is to defend. Get the ball, defend, defend well, clear your lines, communicate and be in the right position."

Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher, who was at St Jakob-Park to watch the match, made his feelings clear in a tweet that said: "Jurgen, transfer committee, anyone sign a f****** left-back."

It was later deleted but not before it was re-tweeted more than 12,000 times.

Meanwhile, Sevilla boss Unai Emery leapt to Moreno's defence, saying that the Spaniard had enjoyed a fine season at Liverpool.

"He's had a very good season at Liverpool and has given a lot. He looked at the level to return to the national team," Emery was reported as saying by Football Espana.