The Reds came out on top Wednesday, three goals to nil, with the prospect of a tricky night dealt with easily by Arne Slot’s men.
Marseille’s supposed, free flowing style and attacking prowess was massively underwhelming and meant the Reds dominated the night leaving the south of France with all three points, moving up to 4th in the Champions League table.
There were a lot of positives from a Liverpool perspective; a commanding win, two open play goals that involved positive build up and a clever free-kick goal that was most definitely from the training ground.
How did the Reds' players rate in victory?
Alisson Becker – 7
The Brazilian showed once again why he is, and has been the best goalkeeper in the world for the past 5/6 years, big saves at crucial moments kept the few Marseille chances that were made, out of his net.
His save from Amine Gouiri in the first half, was the highlight of his performance. A strong effort from the right side of his box was fantastically palmed away by LFC’s shot stopper.
All things considered, it was a comfortable night for Alisson, although, when called upon he was reliable as ever.
Jeremie Frimpong – 9 (MOM)
Frimpong has really settled into the club in the past month and has shown his quality once again, capping of an impressive night, with an assist.
The Dutch full-back used his blistering pace to get to the byline, embarrass Marseille winger, Igor Paixao, and then played a dangerous pass that deflected of the goalkeeper and ricocheted into the empty net.
Away from his attacking play, Frimpong was rarely tested in his own half and was often the outlet ball when LFC were attacking. An assist, a consistent threat in attack and a clean sheet means that Jeremie Frimpong was my Man of the Match.
Joe Gomez – 8
Gomez rarely lets the team down when called upon, whether that is at right-back or in the centre of defence.
Wednesday was the same from the England international. As mentioned, Marseille created very few chances and even the ones they did create were long shots or counter-attacks from corners, so had little to do with Gomez’s defending.
What I saw in Gomez’s performance was a real sign of his quality on the ball, completing 100% of the passes he made and often playing line-breaking passes into the feet of his creative midfielders ahead of him, something we do not see enough of from Konate.
This performance was a sign of intent from Gomez and a reminder to his manager of the ability he has.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Classy, calm, composed. The captain put in another solid game and never seemed to break a sweat.
He was in two separate 1v1’s and on both circumstances, defended them with ease. One thing to note on van Dijk is his growing rapport with Milos Kerkez, who we will speak about next.
Other than that, not much to say about the Rolls-Royce, clean sheet and focus now shifts to a tough test on the south coast, against Bournemouth.
Milos Kerkez – 8
The left-back has really grown into his new team since the start of December and looks more and more like his former self.
Kerkez was the one defender that had to deal with multiple threats throughout the night, as most of the Marseille attacks, built up down Kerkez’s flank.
Even though this was the case, he had no problems up against whoever challenged him, something that LFC fans have been getting used to recently. The Hungarian played with confidence on both sides of the ball, bringing his strong and fast play style into the game at various points.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7
One of four Dutch internationals who featured in this one, the midfield dynamo made sure Liverpool controlled the game, breaking up Marseille’s play and implementing his physicality when he needed to, winning the most duels in the match.
He managed to grab an assist for the third goal, that saw his compatriot, Gakpo score to finish off the French side.
Away from that, his on-the-ball quality was good enough, playing simple and letting his midfield partners dictate the LFC attacks.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7
Gravenberch’s pivot partner put in a solid display in a hostile environment. Mac Allister was the main man dictating the tempo of Liverpool possession, a sign of his 2024/25 self.
Looking to play the risky pass and speeding up his own play at certain points, matching that of the players around him.
His movement was another aspect of his game that looked clearer for everyone to see, consistently looking to get a hold of the ball. This is the type of display that we need more of from the Argentinian and will keep him in the lineup consistently if he continues this.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8
A clever free-kick goal, fantastic build up in the third goal and a well-rounded performance from the No. 8. The Hungary captain took more care of the ball when he had it and looked to bounce around the final third similar to his teammate, Wirtz.
The complete opposite to his other free-kick this season, Liverpool’s opener was a delicately placed shot that fooled Marseille, rolling under their wall into the back of the net, beating the stretched out Rulli.
As for his role in the third goal, it was a lovely one touch lay off in the middle of the pitch, into the path of Gravenberch that opened up the Marseille midfield allowing a simple bit of play to get the third.
Florian Wirtz – 7
A promising second half from the attacking midfielder. The form player in the team at the minute, was lacklustre in the first half, squandering a good opportunity that he and Ekitike made, just taking that split second to long on the ball before shooting.
Coming out from the break, he looked more energetic and his quality on the ball came through once again.
Dribbling out of a tight spot in his own half, playing nine passes into the final third from that attacking midfield area and coming agonizingly close to doubling the LFC lead, at that point, bringing a great save out of Rulli.
Mohamed Salah – 7
Salah’s first game back for Liverpool after his AFCON exploits. The Egyptian King played in a front two alongside Ekitike and didn’t seem to miss a beat with his teammates.
Although he didn’t see the ball as much as he would’ve liked, having just 28 touches, Salah was a threat and played some good football.
He was another player who came close to scoring, on two occasions. One was brilliant improvisation, with a flick of his hip from a Frimpong cross, that landed on the roof of the net and a scuffed shot, that missed the goal completely in a position that he should have at least tested the keeper in.
Hugo Ekitike – 8
A fan favourite and for good reason, the striker was at the heart of most LFC attacks, both, creating and shooting.
The Frenchman had a goal disallowed for offside, a chance that he created through his willpower to get across the defender, he hit the post with a lovely, finessed shot that shook the framework of the goal and created a great opportunity for Wirtz that I previously mentioned.
Those were the main highlights of his night, but with so many more unmentioned, he was the central piece to many LFC attacks.
Substitutes:
Cody Gakpo – 8
One of the players who dropped to the bench for this game, his 10 minute cameo was full of energy and quality.
Prior to his goal he created a beautiful cross that flashed along the face of the goal screaming for someone to tap it in.
Having already mentioned how the space came about, Gakpo’s goal was simple in the end, a 5 yard pass into his path allowed him to take a touch, set his sights on the far corner, and slot it home crushing the Marseille hopes.
Curtis Jones – 6
Coming on at the same time as Gakpo, his rating is not a reflection of his performance. Jones had some touches on the ball, making simple passes and keeping possession for his team. Not much else to say, although his run did open up more space for Gakpo to be able to pick his spot and score.