Liverpool Smash Five Past Toulouse
Caoimhin Kelleher – 6.0
I feel like he could have done more to stop the opening goal, as he seemed to allow the striker onto him. Nearly had a horror moment in the second half as he gifted possession to an on rushing attack. Rusty and would have been happy to get some saves under his belt later.
Luke Chambers – 6.0
Started the game with a tenacious intent, surging forward, which probably did not help with the conceded goal. Was keen to get involved in the final third, putting a solid display under his belt.
Subbed – 66 mins
Joe Gomez – 7.0
The longest-serving Liverpool player and leader of the defence. Perhaps was a little too high for the opening goal; however, he was effective in all other facets of his game. Showed great pace and determination as the second period revved up. Was equally adept when moving into the hybrid role.
Joël Matip – 7.0
Was composed and performed well through a busy first half, as he looked to push the ball forward quickly and at every opportunity. Showed good calmness and awareness with the ball as the second half became frenetic.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 7.0
A little lethargic with his positional sense for the Toulouse goal, yet was in control of his on-ball duties and delivered a great cross for the Reds’ second goal. Did so well on the goal line at the start of the second half, as the open goal beckoned. A good game from the skipper.
Subbed – 66 mins
Curtis Jones – 6.0
After a frustrating period of suspension, he looked a touch rusty. Was eager and alert in a busy first period of play. Getting the minutes and showing he can stay injury-free is vital, as he is now an integral part of the squad.
Wataru Endō – 7.0
A busy and enthusiastic start was rewarded by a pinpoint header, which delighted everyone in attendance. Looked happy to drive from box to box in a very lively second half. Seems unable at times to deliver simple passes, which is a worry.
Harvey Elliott – 7.0
A solid opening half, where he was often the foil for those around him. Was not sure where to stand at times, as the right-sided forward for much of the evening. Good touches aside, this was a quiet starting game for the super sub. Looked far happier with Mohamed Salah on the pitch.
3️⃣ from 3️⃣ in the #UEL for the Reds! #LIVTFC pic.twitter.com/naHgmBkATv
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 26, 2023
Man of the match
Ryan Gravenberch – 9.0
Was a sight to behold in full flight, as his on-ball running was the highlight of a very good first-half display. After a high-intensity start to the second half, he was once again able to get a grip of the game, with a free-flowing nature to his play. Scored a good goal after some brilliant play by Darwin.
Subbed – 70 mins
Diogo Jota – 7.0
The Portuguese striker opened the scoring with a sensational solo goal, where he ran at and beyond the retreating rearguard before slotting into the bottom corner. Was effective in his role as the chaos agent, there to poach and score.
Darwin Núñez – 8.0
A lively and energetic start was finally rewarded with the Reds’ third goal, which he unleashed into the roof of the net. Was a bubble of fire in the second half, as his want to run and work for his side excited the crowd. Nearly scored the goal of the night, as a surging run ended with him hitting the post before Ryan Gravenberch scored the rebound.
Subbed – 66 mins
Subs:
Calum Scanlon – 6.0 (on 66)
Came in to show depth at left-back, with Andy Robertson out for the foreseeable.
Cody Gakpo – 6.0 (on 66)
A great sight to see the talented forward return.
Jarell Quansah – 6.0 (on 66)
Unlucky not to start, as he looked at ease once more.
Mohamed Salah – 7.0 (on 70)
The Egyptian King simply demands to be a part of all games, with the record-breaking forward scoring a great goal.
James McConnell – N/A (on 88)
A nice touch to come on.
The Manager:
Jürgen Klopp – 9.0
The manager went with a very strong line-up here, with a clear intent to get the game won and done as early as possible. The first half was all about getting players into good rhythm; therefore, he would have been delighted with the scorers and some of the displays in an entertaining first half. The second half was the cherry on the cake, as his team allowed him to make effective substitutions in a very good team display.
Pre-match Prediction:
Liverpool 4 – 0 Toulouse