Liverpool player ratings as Luis Diaz and three others shine vs Leverkusen

Liverpool player ratings as Luis Diaz and three others shine against Bayer Leverkusen

Liverpool player ratings from Ian Doyle after the clash with Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League

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Liverpool move to the top of the Champions League table after demolishing Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 at Anfield. Luis Diaz scored a memorable hat-trick and Cody Gakpo also found the net as the Reds ensured it was a miserable return for Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.

The result means Liverpool continue their strong to the season under new head coach Arne Slot and have now won all four of their Champions League games so far in the campaign.

The ECHO was in attendance and have run the rule of the Reds players after a superb second-half showing.

Caoimhin Kelleher 7

Didn’t have a save of note to make until fine double stop late on to deny Schick and then Wirtz. Cold a bigger threat to the Irishman.

Trent Alexander-Arnold 7

One shot and later a free-kick deflected off target first half before stepping up level, particularly regarding passing. Subbed.

Ibrahima Konate 8

Fit enough to start, required to make a couple of important interventions to prevent promising Leverkusen positions becoming a greater danger. Subbed.

Virgil van Dijk 7

Stepped out when required and another who wasn’t overly extended first half but one good block after break. Survived penalty claim from Frimpong.

Kostas Tsimikas 7

Livened the crowd during opening period with some strong challenges and covered left side of defence well. Good energy. Subbed.

Ryan Gravenberch 7

Apart from one brief period, wasn’t able to properly assert himself in midfield until second half when one excellent jinking run was catalyst for goals that followed.

Alexis Mac Allister 6

A game of fleeting moments rather than consistent impact going forward, but stuck to his task defensively.

Mohamed Salah 8

Enjoyed his battle against Hincapie and after being given enough encouragement before interval started to edge it second half. Such relentlessness led to two fine assists.

Curtis Jones 7

Found the midfield area congested in the number 10 role first half but struck one shot at Hradecky and profited as Liverpool began to work space after break, not least with excellent pass for opener. Subbed.

Cody Gakpo 8

Plenty of endeavour before interval and among several to have effort blocked, but began to cut loose second half and despatched his goal well. Subbed.

Luis Diaz 9

Playing down the centre, early joy when running at visiting defence and pressed tirelessly throughout, and took his three goals with the confidence of a number nine.

Dominik Szoboszlai (for Jones 74) 6

Ran about a bit and had one good flick.

Darwin Nunez (for Gakpo 81)

Managed one barnstorming run and saved shot set up fourth goal.

Andy Robertson (for Tsimiaks 81)

Minutes for the Scotland international.

Conor Bradley (for Alexander-Arnold 81)

Win bonus.

Jarell Quansah (for Konate 88)

Will also benefit from additional financial reward should it be stipulated in his contract.

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