Blackburn Rovers player ratings with 9/10 in impressive performance

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19-07-2025

Blackburn Rovers made it back-to-back wins in pre-season as Dion De Neve's first goal gave them a 1-0 win over Everton.
Valerien Ismael's side were impressive in the first half. They showed good intensity off the ball and looked a threat when they had it.
De Neve scored the winner after just eight minutes, rounding off a brilliant team move. Ryan Hedges played the pass which sprung Callum Brittain in-behind and he crossed for the new arrival to finish at the back post.
Both goalkeepers made good saves to prevent any more goals. Balazs Toth denied Iliman Ndiaye whilst Mark Travers impressively picked Harry Pickering's free-kick out of the top corner.
Here's how The Lancashire Telegraph scored the players' performances, with a six representing par for the course. (Remember, they're just friendlies!)
Balazs Toth - 8
A quiet opening half but a string of saves after the break. The most notable was to deny Ndiaye, low down to his left. Strong in commanding his area.
Callum Brittain - 8
No sign of downing tools this week. A really strong performance from the right-back against Premier League talent. Set up De Neve's goal with a great burst down the flank.
Dom Hyam - 7
Rock-solid as ever at the back. Kept the ball well and defended strongly.
Scott Wharton - 9
Didn't put a foot wrong on his first start of pre-season. Gave Beto very little change and was clever with his distribution. Looked very sharp.
Yuri Ribeiro - 6
A few misplaced passes but that's what pre-season is for.
Lewis Travis - 7
A little bit of afters in the middle, ensuring there was still some bite to this friendly clash. Strong and competitive in the middle.
Sondre Tronstad - 6
Still finding his sharpness in some moments but a good showing in the middle.
Ryan Hedges - 7
Really bright in the first half. Played the decisive pass to spring Brittain, which created the goal. Looks far more comfortable on the right.
Todd Cantwell - 8
First of all, the work rate and intensity was most notable. Really bought in to the pressing and harrying. Some nice touches on the ball too, including the dummy for the goal.
Dion De Neve - 7
Took his goal nicely at the back post, making sure he was in the right position to take advantage.
Yuki Ohashi - 7
Must be a nightmare to play against; constantly buzzing around. Some nice link-up play but no real sight of goal.
Substitutions (Made on the hour unless stated otherwise)
Nick Michalski - 6
Quick of his line and alert to a few situations but not tested in the final half hour.
Harry Pickering - 7
Beautiful free-kick looked destined for the top corner but for a brilliant save from Travers.
Kristi Montgomery - 6
Started at right-back and then moved into midfield after 10 minutes. Looked comfortable in the middle which is where he's played most recently in the 21s.
George Pratt - 7
Did well with a few situations where he read the danger early and snuffed it out.
Lorenze Mullarkey-Matthews - 6
Worked hard but didn't see much of the ball.
Augustus Kargbo - 6
As direct as ever, running at players whenever he got the chance. That final ball just needs some refinement.
Igor Tyjon - 6
Picked up some nice positions playing off the front but didn't have the final action.
Makhtar Gueye - 6
Battled with the centre-backs and put himself about.
Tom Atcheson (71') - 6
Solid when he came on after looking a little shaky at Accrington.
Matty Litherland (71') - 6
Slotted in at right-back with little issue.
John Buckley (71)' - 6
One of the most senior heads on the pitch by the time he was on. Controlled an increasingly stretched game.
Unused substitutes: Goddard, Batty.
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