Baller League Legends ratings: John Arne Riise and Balotelli shine but Arsenal cult hero gets a 1/10

MOUSSA DEMBELE is perhaps best known for being the toughest opponent your favourite player has ever faced – or the player who was the best any ex-Spurs star has ever seen.

So when he was announced to be playing at the O2 Arena alongside Mario Balotelli, Ravel Morrison and John Arne Riise, fans came flocking.

Mario Ballotelli was a star performer on and off the pitchCredit: Getty

Ex-Arsenal and Prem-winning keeper Jens Lehmann had a tough timeCredit: Getty

Imagine the combined silverware cupboard of these Ballers Legends!Credit: GettyThe former pros lined up against KSI, Chunkz, George Clarkey and more in what was a spectacular Legends vs Influencers match that ended in an 7-6 win for the legends when Niko Omilana missed a crucial penalty.

SunSport’s LLOYD CANFIELD rated the legendary players performances…

JENS LEHMANN – 1Unfortunately age catches up with all of us, and it seems to have done so with once-invincible goalkeeper.

Failed to stop a number of shots that he got a hand to, but the 55-year-old was simply too slow to react to most of them – though one admittedly was a screamer from EmanSV2.

PASCAL CHIMBONDA – 5Didn’t blow any minds with his performance, but wasn’t really poor either.

Pretty standard showing from the Barclaysman defender who would’ve been a blast from the past for most watching.

John Arne Riise still has the power to impressCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

JOHN ARNE RIISE – 10Wow! He’s still got that left foot rocket in his locker, let’s just say that.

Hit the crossbar with a thunderbolt from range which alerted the keeper, before crashing home a screamer in the dying moments to level the scoring and send the game to penalties.

Textbook Riise – Liverpool can save themselves a pretty penny on signing Milos Kerkez and just bring this beast back instead.

LUKE CHAMBERS – 5Much the same as Pascal Chimbonda, Chambers didn’t really stand out what so ever and was largely overshadowed by the bigger names on the pitch.

Mostly forgettable.

JAY-JAY OKOCHA – 7Scored a classy header that was unfortunately ruled out by the referee, it was the same Okocha we saw against Arsenal all those years ago – just much older.

A legend of the game who still gave it his all and tried to entertain the crowd with a few silky touches and delicate passes.

Didn’t have the pace or engine he once possessed, but still impressed overall.

MOUSSA DEMBELE – 9The man of the moment looked like he still had it, running the show in the middle of the park for his time.

You could still see echoes of the player he once was, impossible to get the ball away from and such a powerful presence with the ball at his feet.

Dominated for large parts of the game and still had the silky feet and ability to pick a pass that he always had.

Hollywood A-lister Will Smith was a big presence on the sidelinesCredit: GettyRAVEL MORRISON – 5The ex-Manchester United wonderkid probably would’ve had a better rating were it not for the brilliance either side of him.

Good on the ball and came close with a header that was flicked towards goal.

Didn’t blow anyone’s socks off, but it was a solid performance from the former Red Devil.

LEE TRUNDLE – 4The highlight of his showing was sending KSI tumbling to the floor after a collision, but it must be said he gave it his all pulling off some of his trademark skills.

The Football League cult hero was an entertaining watch, but didn’t seem to have the end product or cutting edge he needed to get the better of the Influencer defenders all that often.

MARIO BALOTELLI – 8The man that most were excited to see, it was just a pleasure to see Super Mario back on the pitch with a ball at his feet.

The ex-Liverpool and Manchester City striker still had a bit too, with some silky touches and passes, and a goal to boot!

There was no trademark celebration or boasting from a man who has clearly matured since his playing days – but a showing more reminiscent of a classy Italian midfielder.

Stuck around and took pictures with fans and players alike, which was lovely to see.

Mario Balotelli is still only 34 and played for Genoa in 2024-225Credit: Getty