Liverpool Half-Time Player Ratings: Isak and Wirtz On Target as Star Teen Koumas Steals the Show

Alisson Becker — 8

His first outing in Red since the World Cup with Brazil he showed zero pre-season lethargy in the opening exchanges, pulling off early stops to deny both Mika Biereth and Matthis Abline before Monaco could even settle. Had very little to do for large psrts of the contest after that, though he was left completely helpless by Aleksandr Golovin’s coolly taken spot-kick.

Jeremie Frimpong — 7

Spent almost as much time operating as a makeshift central midfielder as he did in his actual right-back slot. Clearly playing under strict instructions to invert and overload the engine room, though the positional wandering occasionally left space behind him for Monaco to exploit.

A work in progress, but the raw speed remains frightening.

Ifeanyi Ndukwe — 8

A stellar, eye-catching outing for the 18-year-old Austrian prospect. Handled Monaco’s physical threat with sheer aerial dominance and displayed a composure way beyond his teenage years even earning a nod of approval and applause from Van Dijk after one audacious piece of skill to escape pressure.

It feels almost a shame that a loan move beckons, because the kid looks an absolute star in the making.

Virgil van Dijk — 8

Asserted his authority early on with some classic, front-footed defending to set the tone on his first pre-season outing of the summer. Eased through most of the first half at half-gear, but blotted an otherwise sturdy copybook when he misjudged a challenge and upended Golovin to concede the penalty.

Kostas Tsimikas — 6

Making his first appearance on the Anfield turf in well over a year following a frustrating loan spell at Roma, and the rustiness was undeniable at times. Still, he provided relentless energy down the flank and nearly scored with a thunderous long-range rocket that shaved the woodwork.

Dominik Szoboszlai — 7

Liverpool player of the season last campaign and he shown so far once again why it was a steady, functional performance in one of the deeper central midfield

Played a sleek, crucial role in the slick one-two passing triangle that unlocked Monaco’s backline for the opening goal, even if the rest of his afternoon was more about keeping the engine humming than providing highlight-reel moments.

Ryan Gravenberch — 7

Ostensibly deployed as the deepest midfielder, but played with the freedom of a man given total license to drive forward when in possession. It was his majestic one-two with Szoboszlai and perfectly weighted pass that set up Isak’s opener. Showed a monstrous engine, great physicality, and absolute authority in the middle.

Lewis Koumas — 8

An instant hit with the Anfield crowd thanks to his infectious work ethic and direct pace. Left a Monaco defender completely on his backside with a delightful Cruyff turn inside the box before seeing his shot blocked by Lukas Hradecky. It was his dangerous cross shortly after that sparked the chaos for the second goal.

Florian Wirtz — 8

Operating in his favoured No.10 role, not every ambitious probing pass came off, but his constant positioning in dangerous pockets will thoroughly enthuse Andoni Iraola. Forced a brilliant diving save from Hradecky with a curling effort before showing a poacher's instinct to poke home from a yard out after a goalmouth scramble.

They all count!

Cody Gakpo — 7

Caused havoc by constantly driving straight at defenders and used his aerial presence brilliantly to win the header that forced the scramble for Wirtz’s goal. A very encouraging, purposeful display.

Alexander Isak — 6

That’s now two at Anfield since his eye-watering £125m move, and while he’ll expect plenty more when the real action starts, this was a tantalising glimpse. Took his goal with absolute clinical precision one touch to set himself on the edge of the box before drilling a low finish into the bottom corner.

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