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Eintracht Frankfurt 1 – 5 Liverpool – Champions League Player Ratings

The Champions League returned with the Reds on a four-game losing streak. The stakes were high and morale was low, as questions continued to surround a faltering empire that was supposed to be rejuvenated by a summer of elite-level spending.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Giorgi Mamardashvili – 7.0

The giant Georgian stopper was unlucky with the opening goal as the scorer found the foot of the post with a well-struck drive.

After the restart, the Reds’ backup keeper was largely untested in a routine second half.

Jeremie Frimpong – 6.0

The Dutch fullback was immediately tasked with providing width as his side dominated the early possession. A worrying hamstring injury ended his evening prematurely.

Subbed – 18 mins

Andy Robertson – 7.0

The Scotland international was brought in to add experience and delivered a wonderful pass for the opening goal.

After the intermission, the youthful full-back was steady and assured as he offered familiarity to the side.

Ibrahima Konaté – 8.0

The French international defender was alert and keen to set forward and cut the pitch in half early on. The confidence of the man mountain rose exponentially as he thrust a bullet header into the net to extend his team’s lead.

In the second period, the former RB Leipzig man was able to recycle possession and offer renewed protection at the back.

Virgil van Dijk – 8.0

The captain and leader of this team was positive on the ball and had to stay alert after an early scare. The Reds’ second goal was nodded home by the skipper as he travelled through congestion to score from a corner.

After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was vocal and demanding as he fought to get his troops back into form.

Subbed – 74 mins

Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0

The Hungarian skipper was a keen runner and aggressor on and off the ball as he worked hard in the new double pivot. After some differing corner kicks, the attacking midfielder was able to assist for the Reds’ third goal.

In the second half the former RB Leipzig man was able to launch a goal from distance as he enjoyed his second-half showing.

Curtis Jones –  8.0

The England international midfielder was forthright on the ball and set the tempo from the outset with incisive passing.

After the half-time break, the former Ajax prodigy was reliable and efficient to ensure passing lanes were shut off and tempo controlled.

Florian Wirtz – 9.0

The German international was pitted on the right with freedom to move inside to create. Some smart interplay was evident as he looked to combine with new teammates.

After the break, the £115m signing was more influential behind the central striker and enjoyed engaging with those around him. Two assists came from a very strong performance and one that could ignite the brilliance that has been threatening to take place.

Man of the match

Cody Gakpo – 8.0

The Dutch attacker was the far left option and offered consistency in the front line. A smart corner found Virgil central to the goal and which provided an assist that enabled a first-half lead.

In the second half, the wide man was able to score from close range as his run towards the back post aligned perfectly with the Wirtz assist.

Subbed – 74 mins

Alexander Isak – 7.0

The Swedish attacker was unlucky early on as his movement created opportunities for him to score. Progressive, yet withdrawn at halftime.

Subbed – 45 mins

Hugo Ekitike – 8.0

The French King was electric for the equaliser as he burst forward from inside his own half before slotting home with grace.

In the second 45 minutes, the record-breaking attacker was able to link well with Wirtz and create opportunities in the final third.

Subbed – 74 mins

Substitutions;

Conor Bradley – 7.0 (on 18)

Came on to add the same width.

Federico Chiesa – 7.0 (on 45)

Came on to add urgency and smashed an effort against the woodwork.

Mohamed Salah – 6.0 (on 74)

Came on to add guile.

Joe Gomez – 6.0 (on 74)

Came on to offer fresh legs.

Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0 (on 74)

Came on to add control.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 9.0

The Dutch head coach was keen to shuffle the forward line and reshape his team after four straight defeats.

The substitutions were a combination of necessity and pre-planned early on, before game management and allotment of minutes took place.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Eintracht Frankfurt 2 – 2 Liverpool

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