Cody Gakpo stars as 3/10 flops – Liverpool player ratings vs Eintracht Frankfurt
Liverpool came from behind to emphatically return to winning ways with an important Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Arne Slot’s side had lost their past four matches in all competitions after Liverpool slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Man United in the Premier League last time out.
Liverpool could have made unwanted history with defeat at Frankfurt, and Rasmus Kristensen did give the hosts the lead.
However, Liverpool responded with two goals from set-pieces and a Hugo Ekitike strike in the first half and further goals from Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai to seal all three points.
Jeremie Frimpong concern for Arne Slot
Giorgi Mamardashvili – 6
Smart save down low to deny Jean-Matteo Bahoya an early goal, and the goalkeeper, in for the Alisson who got injured against Galatasaray, had little else to do.
Jeremie Frimpong (Off for Bradley 19′) – 3
Forced off due to injury after only 18 minutes so had no impact on the game.
Ibrahima Konate (Off for Gomez 74′) – 7
Powered home a free header unmarked in the penalty to extend Liverpool’s lead in the first half. Dominant at the back.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
A trademark Virgil van Dijk header to head home Gakpo’s corner. Had little defensive duties to carry out as the Reds controlled the contest for large parts.
Andy Robertson – 6
The left-back could have gotten tighter to Frankfurt’s goal scorer Rasmus Kristensen. Superb pass to send Ekitike away to score the equaliser, but failed to win any of his three duels and committed two fouls.
Alexander Isak shows positive signs as Hugo Ekitike stars
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7
Perfect delivery into the penalty area for Konate to head home before scoring with a fine low strike. Excellent display.
Curtis Jones – 7
Dictated the play in the middle of the park, and helped Liverpool overpower Frankfurt.
Florian Wirtz – 7
Two assists as the German enjoyed his return to his homeland. A performance Liverpool fans will hope Wirtz can build on.
Hugo Ekitike (Off for Salah 74′) – 7
Profited from Robertson’s fine pass to burst away from the Frankfurt defence and calmly slot the ball into the back of the net.
Alexander Isak (Off for Chiesa 46′) – 6
Made a couple of threatening runs in-behind and had a good chance one-on-one when he was denied by the goalkeeper. Low strike then forced Michael Zetterer into a good save before he was substituted at half-time.
Cody Gakpo (Off for Mac Allister 74′) – 8
Grabbed an assist when his corner found the in-coming van Dijk and then held his run to fire home Wirtz’s low cross. Was Liverpool’s star performer.
Substitutes
Conor Bradley (On for Frimpong 19′) – 6
Forced the goalkeeper into a reaction save with his header from a positive run into the penalty area.
Federico Chiesa (On for Isak 46′) – 6
Nearly hooked home a strike into the net just minutes after coming on.
Mo Salah (On for Ekitike 74′) – 6
Slot’s decision to bench Mo Salah paid off so the Egyptian was only given a 15 minute cameo.
Alexis Mac Allister (On for Gakpo 74′) – 6
A comfortable 15 minutes in midfield as Liverpool saw the game out.
Joe Gomez (On for Konate 74′) – 6
An important run out for the centre-back after four games on the bench.