After four consecutive defeats — their worst run in over a decade — Liverpool needed a statement result against a defensively vulnerable Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night; that’s exactly what they delivered, cruising to a 5-1 thrashing of the German side.
While familiar issues, like defensive lapses, still appeared, it was hard to complain with the result, as nearly every Liverpool player on the pitch made a meaningful impact.
So, how did each Red perform individually in this much-needed victory?
Starting XI:
Giorgi Mamardashvili: 6.5/10- It was an uneventful — in the best possible way — evening for the Reds’ keeper, as Frankfurt’s goal was their only shot on target. The concession owed more to defensive mispositioning than any goalkeeping error.
Virgil van Dijk: 8.5/10- Deservedly named Player of the Match, the Dutchman’s aerial dominance proved decisive once again. His towering header secured the winner, capping another commanding display. He repelled attacks with ease, winning 4 of 5 aerial duels and completing 92% of his passes — a typically excellent performance from the captain, who has now netted 26 headed goals for the Reds.
Ibrahima Konaté: 7/10- Caught out of position during Frankfurt’s counterattack for their goal, but atoned with a well-taken headed finish from a corner. Settled defensively as the match wore on, and his goal should provide a timely confidence boost ahead of the weekend’s Premier League clash with Brentford.
Andrew Robertson: 7/10- Like Konaté, he was partly at fault for Frankfurt’s goal but redeemed himself with a superb delivery to Hugo Ekitike for Liverpool’s opener. Could see more minutes going forward, especially given Milos Kerkez’s recent struggles and concerns over Jeremie Frimpong’s hamstring issue.
Jeremie Frimpong: N/A- Forced off in the 19th minute due to injury. Hopefully nothing too serious.
Florian Wirtz: 8/10- Liverpool’s big money signing opened his account with two assists on the night in his home country. His precise ball to Gakpo set the tone, and while Szoboszlai’s finish didn’t require much, the German’s brace of assists— along with a full 90 minutes played— should do his confidence a world of good.
Curtis Jones: 6.5/10- Perhaps the only Liverpool starter not directly involved in a goal or major chance, but he kept things tidy and avoided errors. A quiet but steady outing from the local lad, with little required of him on the night.
Dominik Szoboszlai: 8/10- Delivered a pinpoint corner for Konaté’s opener and capped the night with a superb strike to make it five for the Reds. Worked hard defensively as well, rounding off another versatile display from Liverpool’s midfield chameleon.
Cody Gakpo: 8/10- Like Szoboszlai, he delivered a superb corner for Virgil’s goal and finished a simple tap-in from Wirtz’s setup to register a goal/assist on the night. Despite a frustrating night against Man United, when he struck the woodwork three times, he has now scored in three consecutive games for Liverpool— a promising sign given the relative inconsistency of wing play this season.
Alexander Isak: 7/10- Still seeking his first goal outside the Carabao Cup, he got into promising positions to get away shots on goal twice in the opening 10 minutes. Substituted at halftime as he continues to build full match fitness.
Hugo Ekitike: 8/10- Proving himself a must-start under Arne Slot, Ekitike calmly finished a clinical breakaway to level the score against his former club. Now with a club-high six goals in all competitions, the Frenchman has unquestionably been Liverpool’s most impactful signing.
Substitutes:
Conor Bradley: 7.5/10- Generated Liverpool’s first real chance with a header in the 33rd minute to spark the attack and struck the post on a deflected effort in the 64th. The Northern Irishman was impressive pushing forward throughout the evening.
Federico Chiesa: 7.5/10- Nearly scored with a half-bicycle kick within 10 minutes of coming on at halftime, and Liverpool’s attack remained fluid after his introduction. The Italian pressed well, getting into good positions throughout the second half. It’s hard to see what more he could do to earn increased minutes.
Alexis Mac Allister: N/A- Not much to report on from the Argentinian after his introduction in the 74th minute.
Mohamed Salah: 7/10- Was clearly hungry to get on the scoresheet after coming on in the second half. His teammates were also happy to keep feeding him the ball with the game put away, a positive sign of the confidence they still have in him. Hopefully will be back to his old self soon.
Joe Gomez: N/A- No real impact on the match, but helped to keep Frankfurt to one goal scored.