Ian Doyle with the Liverpool player ratings and scores after the second friendly match against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield
Ian Doyle has covered Liverpool for more than 20 years, following them across Europe in multiple Champions League and Europa League finals and as far afield as Thailand, Singapore, the United States, Hong Kong and Qatar, and has reported on the Reds winning every major honour. He previously also covered Everton for 18 years and followed England, reporting on the European Championships and World Cup final. Once had to tell Jude Law he does not drive a Mini.
Liverpool ensured a second win over Athletic Bilbao in their friendly double-header with a 3-2 triumph at Anfield on Monday evening. A Mohamed Salah goal and two from Cody Gakpo were sufficient after the visitors had twice equalised, first through Oihan Sancet and then an inadvertent own goal from Gakpo.
Arne Slot selected a strong starting XI for the second match which included five new signings and perhaps offered hints of how his team could line up for the Premier League opener at home to Bournemouth on Friday week.
The ECHO was in attendance for both friendly games and here we run the rule over Slot’s players in the second match.
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Giorgi Mamardashvili 7
No chance with either Bilbao goal but otherwise few real saves to make until flying effort to deny Ares late on.
Jeremie Frimpong 6
Pace a danger going forward but a little loose at times and caught upfield as Bilbao countered. Struggled to keep his footing on occasion.
Wataru Endo 7
Not overly tested at centre-back before break with Liverpool largely dominating possession, but slightly more to do second half as the visitors began probing. Impressed when moving into midfield late on and won a penalty.
Ibrahima Konate 7
More busy in attack first half, with one header cleared off line and acrobatic volley over. Some good moments defensively after interval.
Milos Kerkez 6
Primarily quiet performance save one strong first-half challenge near the halfway line the crowd enjoyed.
Ryan Gravenberch 7
Pressed high and strong in the first half and warmed the palms of Simon with one shot from range. Second-half drive too hot for goalkeeper to handle and prompted second.
Dominik Szoboszlai 8
Tidied up a lot in midfield, got through plenty of work and initiated the opener. Impressive at both ends and revelled in a deeper engine room role.
Mohamed Salah 7
Notched his first goal of pre-season with a confident finish and further signs of an understanding with Wirtz. Let’s not mention that penalty miss, though.
Florian Wirtz 7
Immediately caught the eye with his pace, control and ability to pick a pass, and twice came close first half. Ovation on his substitution spoke volumes.
Cody Gakpo 7
Plenty of effort down the left flank and improved second half, having effort saved and on hand to notch the second. Unlucky to concede own goal but then netted third after good solo work.
Hugo Ekitike 7
Clearly eager to impress, thundered into challenges and showed pace and power to set up opener. Glimpses of promise.
Federico Chiesa (for Ekitike 57) 6
Given a great reception and involved in winning penalty and chance for Wright.
Amara Nallo (for Frimpong 72) 6
More composed than in some other senior outings.
Will Wright (for Wirtz 74) 7
Almost a great moment for the new signing but denied by Simon in front of Kop. Spoilsport.
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