Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Frankfurt as Hugo Ekitike and 2 more shine in 5-1 win

1 week ago 6

Liverpool ended its losing run with a emphatic 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday.

With Arne Slot and the Reds in major need of a moral-boosting victory, the dominant performance in Germany was the perfect response to the criticism that has mounted in recent weeks.

But it didn't immediately go to plan, with Rasmus Kristensen handed Frankfurt the lead after 26 minutes to raise the nerves of the anxious Liverpool supporters. However, they needn't have worried, with Hugo Ekitike scoring against his former side 11 minutes after, before Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate headed in from corners before half-time.

Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai got their names on the scoresheet in the second period against a defensively inept Frankfurt, both of which were provided by Florian Wirtz assists.

Winners

Slot's brave decision-making was rewarded after the Dutchman opted to select a fluid 4-4-2 shape and drop key men Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister and Andy Robertson. This was also a night to remember for Florian Wirtz, who provided two assists for the Reds, his first since the Community Shield nearly three months ago.

Losers

On a night when Liverpool's attackers shone, that Alexander Isak didn't play a significant role is one of the few concerns to emerge from the match in Germany. A first-half injury to Jeremie Frimpong was also a major blow to both Liverpool and the player himself.

Player ratings

Giorgi Mamardashvili (6). Started his first Champions League match for the Reds, the goalkeeper put in a solid display. He made an early save from Jean-Matteo Bahoya

Jeremie Frimpong (5). Managed just 18 minutes before he was replaced through injury. The right-back provided several penetrative in his short appearance, although none resulted in any attacking opportunities for Liverpool.

Ibrahima Konate (7). Another improved performance from the center-back, who made some important contributions at the back. His header before the break gave Liverpool put the Reds in a comfortable position.

Virgil van Dijk (7). Among those who was vastly improved from the weekend, and Liverpool's captain put in a accomplished display. His powerful header means he is Liverpool's top scorer in the Champions League this season.

Andy Robertson (7). After a nervous start, the left-back grew into the game and ultimately put in a confident performance. Robertson set up Ekitike's goal with a defense-splitting pass and supplied a number of dangerous crosses into the box throughout the game.

Curtis Jones (7). Was pivotal to Liverpool's midfield dominance and Jones kept the visitors ticking in Germany. Other than a loss of possession in the first half that resulted in a Frankfurt chance, the midfielder didn't make many mistakes from the center of the field.

Dominik Szoboszlai (8). Covered a lot of ground in a midfield two alongside Jones and brought real energy to the Liverpool center. The Hungarian provided the assist for Konate's goal and set up Alexander Isak with a delightful chip in the 8th minute in what was another good showing from Szoboszlai.

Florian Wirtz (8). His ability to flit across the pitch and pick up find pockets of space was a constant thorn in Frankfurt's side. Wirtz enjoyed himself in the possession-heavy performance from Liverpool, and made several impressive flicks and shimmies on the ball. The ex-Bayer Leverkusen star also tested Michael Zetterer with a dipping free-kick in the 54th minute and then managed two much-needed assists in the second half.

Cody Gakpo (7). Made a number of important contributions from the left wing and combined well with team-mates. Gakpo's in-swinging corner was turned in by Van Dijk, while Gakpo scored the fourth when he finished off Wirtz's cross in a free-flowing team move.

Alexander Isak (5). Replaced at half-time and it's not clear whether the decision was due to injury. Isak didn't have a huge impact in the opening 45 minutes, but did see two chances saved in the first 10 minutes.

Hugo Ekitike (8). Back at Frankfurt, the striker marked his return by not celebrating his 35th minute goal. This was another impressive display from Ekitike, who took his goal excellently and went close to scoring another in the second period. The 23-year-old's movement, physicality and hold-up play stood in stark contrast to Isak's underwhelming display.