Liverpool Player Ratings as Reds Run Riot in 4-0 Second Half Blitz | OneFootball

Liverpool 4-0 Bayer Leverkusen – Champions League Player Ratings

The Champions League schedule resumed with a strong line up for the hosts, in a game that was always going to produce a tactical battle between two fluid sides. Xabi Alonso and Arne Slot are primed to elevate the tactical landscape of European football, therefore, this contest would always make for a tremendous watch

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 8.0

The Irish backup stopper started this game once more, as the reds await the return of their Brazilian no.1, Alisson Becker. The handling and decision making of the highly rated stopper was on point throughout the opening 45-minutes, with Jeremie Frimpong’s goal disallowed due to a handball in the build-up.

After the intermission, the 25-year-old was far less busy as his teammates took control of the game. A brilliant save with his left boot was a second half highlight, following an initial low stop.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 8.0

The England superstar started with a licence to instigate attacks from deep. As a mature and conventional right back, the explosive playmaker was more diligently positioned (than normal) to ensure no damage was caused in his zone. A decent free kick was deflected over the bar late in the half, as the game threatened to produce its opening goal.

Following the half time break, the vice-captain was again solid and perhaps more energized to push on, with one fine strike flying over the bar.

Subbed – 79 mins

Kostas Tsimikas – 8.0

The Greek international appears to have fully ousted Andy Robertson from the first team elite and started once more. Jeremie Frimpong posed a constant threat to the lively fullback, as he battled to maintain the pressure of the jet heeled Dutchman.

In the second half of this game, the popular fullback was productive on and off the ball, as he seemed to quicken as the game progressed.

Subbed – 79 mins

Ibrahima Konaté – 8.0

The France international defender was called back into the side (after his hand injury) and was immediately aggressive in his approach. With a combative nature and front footed style, the towering defender was superb in limiting the chances for his opponents.

After the break, the former RB Leipzig man was athletic and carried out his work like the elite level he is.

Subbed – 87 mins

Virgil van Dijk – 8.0

The captain and leader of this team was commanding from the outset against a vibrant group of attackers. He clearly had an instruction to launch attacks with his long distance passing, as he remained measured in his first half duties.

After the break, the 33-year-old Anfield legend was vocal and demanding, as he strived to ensure no mistakes were made in his defensive third.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8.0

The Duch midfielder was the deepest midfielder of three and was keen to control his zone. With a limitation in his offensive output, he went largely under the radar in the opening half, as he looked to stay controlled off the ball.

As the encounter resumed, the 6ft 3inch midfielder was far more involved in the build-up play and was pushed ten yards higher up the pitch the influence play.

Alexis Mac Allister – 8.0

The Argentina World Cup winner started this game with gusto and energy, as he looked to battle the ball away from his Bundesliga counterparts.

After the halftime team talk the midfielder was again steadfast in his work as he drifted between the lines and looked to add something to his sides attacking element.

Photo: IMAGO

Curtis Jones – 9.0

The academy graduate started with a desire to control the game state and remain measured with his passing. His ability to control tempo and hold into the ball in tight areas was tremendous in a busy first half.

In the second period, the versatile midfielder was again superb and the assist for the game’s opening goal was sensational.

Subbed – 74 mins

Cody Gakpo – 8.0

The Dutch flyer was relentless early on to try and create an early goal. His power from the flank is truly flourishing and if not for a good save late in the half, his left footed strike would have opened the scoring.

As the game resumed, the output of the former PSV man was on point and his headed goal showed another uplift in his overall game.

Subbed – 79 mins

Luis Díaz – 9.0

The Columbian forward started through the middle and looked to drop into a false nine position when the game state demanded it. His energy and unpredictable nature were ideal for this cagey environment.

After the restart, the former Benfica man was keen to live around the final third and eventually his movement created the perfect pass opportunity from Curtis Jones, which was wonderfully finished to open the scoring. His second goal and Liverpool’s third, was a well-deserved moment after some good footwork and Bakst into the net. The hat trick earning third goal was a lovely result, one that was fully deserved.

Man of the Match

Mohamed Salah – 9.0

The Egyptian King was keen to try and get in behind the defence of the Bundesliga title holders, as the early stages of the encounter brimmed with expectation. The incisive nature of the record-breaking scorer nearly saw him score just prior to the break, only for his low shot to be smothered by the opposing keeper.

After the break, the former Chelsea man was again enticing and eventually he produced a wonderful pair of crosses for first Cody Gakpo, and then Luis Díaz, to score from close range.

Substitutions;

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0 (on 74) Came on to add power running.

Andy Robertson 6.0 (on 78) Came on to add experience.

Darwin Núñez – 6.0 (on 79) Came on to add a new element.

Conor Bradley – 6.0 (on 79) Came on to add energy.

Jarell Quansah – 6.0 (on 87) Came on.

Photo: IMAGO

The Manager

Arne Slot – 7.0

The Dutch manager was keen to get a controlled and attacking line up into the pitch, as he aimed to maintain the reds perfect start to the 2024/25 Champions League campaign.

All the substitutions were perfectly timed and again the half time team talk of the head coach created a second half mauling.

Pre-match Prediction; Liverpool 2 – 1 Bayer Leverkusen

Steven Smith