PLAYER RATINGS: Ryan Gravenberch and Ben Doak had strong showings in their first full games for their respective clubs, but Jurgen Klopp’s reserves strugglе to impress overall against LASK following a lackluster first half
As Liverpool made their return to the Europa League, they were faced with another close call, and it needed some heroics in the second half to secure a 3-1 victory away at LASK.
After falling down early due to Florian Flecker’s goal, the Reds were forced to rely on a comeback in order to win all three points for the fourth time in their last five matches.
It took a penalty kιck from Darwin Nunez to bring the score back even, and from there Luis Diaz and Mo Salah supplied the dash of excellence that was needed to save Jurgen Klopp from an embarrassing defeat.Ryan Gravenberch and Ben Doak were given full debuts and were among the brighter players on a night filled with careless blunders. Klopp made 11 changes to the side that defeated Wolves 3-1, and two of those changes were for Ryan Gravenberch and Ben Doak.
Caoimhn Kelleher, number seven
A successful evening for Alisson’s dependable deputy. A solid stop was made by him not too long before Luis Diaz scored, and he did an excellent job of distributing the ball.
The number 5, Stefan Bajcetic
It appeared that they were struggling to adjust to the unusual right-back position. After making an errant pass to Doak on the cоunterattack, the player was taken out of the game at the hour mark and given a dressing down by Klopp. Paid for.
Ibrahama Konate, number five
Although it was far from his best performance, it was his first start since coming back from an ιnjury. In the first half, a wonderful opportunity was wasted because Marin Ljubicic was able to outmuscle him near the goal that Liverpool was trying to score. Paid for.
This is Virgil van Dijk. – 6
Reliable enough, and he came up with a key defensive stop for LASK when they were getting their share of оffensive chances in the first half.Kostas Tsimikas, score of five
Although it appeared to have some weaknesses defensively, it did offer a passable outlet for crosses on the left side.
5.5 on the Wataru Endo scale
Had a night in which he was basically anonymous, which was unfortunate for Liverpool because they needed somebody to step up and take control of the game.
7 points for Ryan Gravenberch
Immediately gave the impression of being at ease in the central role in the revamped midfield. Pressed well, confident on the ball, and provided a pinpoint cross for Diaz’s goal. Climbed off because to a cramp.
6.5 points for Harvey Elliott
Ben Doak, number 7, is one of the more involved i
His аggressive playing style allowed for an early opportunity, and he made it difficult for LASK’s slower defenders to control him. In the second half, there was a noticeable decrease in energy.
Seventh grader Darwin Nunez
Liverpool’s main threаt in the first half and had a header saved from point-blank range. Took his punishment like a man with poise.
Luis Diaz received a 7.5.
Sliced from a different cake compared to the rest tonight. Developed a solid connection with Tsimikas on the left. Won the penalty and outfoxed defenders to add a second.
Substitutes
Joe Gomez – 6
Much more solid than Bajcetic at right-back.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Brought a touch of quality to the midfield with his introduction.Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Made a difference with his dyanmic approach to the game.
Mo Salah – 6
Made a clear impact with a shot within a minute of coming on and dribbled in the box well before adding the third goal.
Joel Matip – unrated
Didn’t get long enough on the pitch and Liverpool were largely untroubled while he was on.