Liverpool Player Ratings vs Marseille: A European Masterclass
Goalkeeper & Defence
Alisson Becker (8/10): Alisson was sharp from the outset, expertly handling dangerous crosses and strong shots from Gouiri and Greenwood. His crucial late save against Aubameyang preserved a well-deserved clean sheet, solidifying an excellent performance.
Jeremie Frimpong (8/10): Frimpong put in an impressive shift at right-back, defending diligently while constantly menacing Marseille with his blistering pace on the break. His tenacious wing-play was instrumental, directly leading to Liverpool's crucial second goal. A standout display that silenced any doubts about his position.
Joe Gomez (7/10): Making a rare start in place of Konate, Joe Gomez delivered a hugely encouraging performance at centre-back. He looked solid and even had an early opportunity to break his long-standing scoring duck. Liverpool will be hoping this display marks a turning point for his fitness this season.
Virgil van Dijk (7/10): Van Dijk showcased his characteristic composure, expertly thwarting a dangerous Marseille attack early in the game. He maintained a commanding presence throughout, almost creating scoring opportunities with his trademark raking passes from deep.
Milos Kerkez (7/10): Milos Kerkez is rapidly proving his worth, delivering a performance brimming with intensity. He was a constant threat and a genuine nuisance down the left flank, looking every bit the player Liverpool envisioned.
Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch (8/10): Gravenberch was pivotal in Liverpool's midfield dominance, excelling in ball recovery and distribution. His intelligent passes between the lines were a highlight, and his classic surge into the final third perfectly teed up Gakpo's late goal, capping a superb individual effort.
Alexis Mac Allister (7/10): A livelier display from Mac Allister saw him unleash a decent early effort from the edge of the box. While his progressive passing was commendable, he was fortunate to escape punishment for a poor first touch that nearly gifted Marseille a breakaway goal.
Dominik Szoboszlai (8/10): Szoboszlai was a relentless force, brilliantly leading Liverpool's high press. He carved out two excellent chances for Ekitike and demonstrated his ingenuity with a 'ridiculously clever' set-piece strike. Another fine all-round performance from the midfielder.
Attack
Mohamed Salah (5/10): Returning directly to the starting XI after international duty, Mohamed Salah had a subdued evening. Beyond one audacious flick from a Frimpong cross, he remained largely quiet and notably squandered a golden opportunity created by Gakpo late in the game.
Hugo Ekitike (7/10): Hugo Ekitike once again spearheaded the attack with an excellent display of hold-up play and persistent threat. Despite his pace, he was caught offside for a disallowed goal and will rue a missed opportunity after being expertly put through by Szoboszlai.
Florian Wirtz (7/10): Though Wirtz couldn't convert the chances that fell his way despite recent goal-scoring form, his performance was captivating. His fantastic first touch and elusive dribbling made him a constant menace for the Marseille defence.
Subs & Manager
Cody Gakpo (7/10): Cody Gakpo, entering as a substitute, made an immediate and decisive impact. He set up Salah for a clear-cut chance shortly after coming on, then sealed the victory with a well-taken goal, effectively with the game's final kick.
Curtis Jones (6/10): Introduced alongside Gakpo, Curtis Jones brought energy and aggression to Liverpool's midfield, helping the team assert control as they saw out the comprehensive victory.
Arne Slot (8/10): A resounding success for the recently scrutinized Arne Slot. His tactical decision to deploy attack-minded full-backs paid dividends. While Salah had a quiet night, Liverpool's attacking verve was notably improved, complemented by an excellent defensive display. This commanding European performance provides Slot a significant boost ahead of their domestic clash with Bournemouth, signaling Liverpool's potential as a genuine European contender despite their Premier League struggles.
