Liverpool player ratings vs Bayer Leverkusen: Deadly Luis Diaz brings the fireworks while Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones sparkle as Arne Slot outwits Xabi Alonso in Champions League rout
The Colombian netted a second-half hat-trick at Anfield as the Reds made it four wins from four in Europe this season
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Liverpool welcomed Xabi Alonso back to Anfield on Wednesday in the Champions League, but his Bayer Leverkusen side were handed a lesson by the hosts as the Reds coasted to a 4-0 win
After a low-key first half of few chances, the Anfield crowd found its voice and Liverpool finally sparked into life with two goals in two minutes just past the hour mark to take control of the match.
The in-form Curtis Jones sent Liverpool on their way with a glorious ball for Luis Diaz to dink over Lukas Hradecky, before Mohamed Salah crossed for Cody Gakpo to slam a header home.
Diaz then gobbled up two more goals in the final 10 minutes to complete his hat-trick and maintain Liverpool’s perfect start to the competition.
GOAL rates Liverpool’s players from Anfield…
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Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Caoimhin Kelleher (6/10):
Made a couple of good saves late on but otherwise didn’t have too much to do.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10):
Defended well and played his part in the opening goal.
Ibrahima Konate (8/10):
Another solid showing on a night where Leverkusen struggled to cut through the Liverpool backline.
Virgil van Dijk (8/10):
Very solid at the back and didn’t really put a foot wrong.
Konstantinos Tsimikas (6/10):
Found Frimpong a tricky customer at times and will have been relieved to see the Dutchman’s first-half goal ruled out for handball.
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Getty Images SportMidfield
Alexis Mac Allister (6/10):
An underwhelming showing in the first halfm but improved after the break and forced Hradecky into a good save late on.
Ryan Gravenberch (7/10):
Won the ball back well and tried to get Liverpool forward. Teed up Salah for a chance with a brilliant run.
Curtis Jones (8/10):
Another energetic performance, topped off with a glorious ball to Diaz for the opener.
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Getty Images SportAttack
Mohamed Salah (8/10):
Looked lively throughout. Set up goals for Gakpo and Diaz.
Luis Diaz (9/10):
Brilliant run and dinked finish for the opening goal. Finished with the match ball and grabbed an assist in a deadly showing.
Cody Gakpo (7/10):
Missed a great chance in the first half but a powerful header doubled Liverpool’s lead.
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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):
Gave Jones a breather
Andy Robertson (7/10):
Great tackle got Liverpool going for the fourth goal.
Darwin Nunez (6/10):
Made a couple of strong driving runs after coming on.
Conor Bradley (N/A):
Ensured Liverpool kept a clean sheet.
Jarrell Quansah (N/A):
A late sub.
Arne Slot (8/10):
All the pre-match talk was about Alonso, but Slot comfortably won the battle. Brought Jones and Diaz into his XI and saw the duo combine for the first goal as his Liverpool side won again.
