Liverpool Player Ratings Shine as Wirtz and Ekitike Lead Comeback

Liverpool player ratings took center stage as Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, the club’s marquee summer signings, inspired a stunning 4-1 comeback victory over Newcastle United at Anfield. The Reds overturned an early deficit to secure a dominant win, underlining their credentials in the Premier League title race.

Liverpool Player Ratings: A Night of Redemption and Brilliance

Liverpool player ratings reflect a night where character, quality, and tactical adjustments turned the tide against a formidable Newcastle attack. The Magpies initially overwhelmed Liverpool, with Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and Anthony Elanga causing havoc. Gordon, deployed as a false nine, capitalized on a loose ball after a 36th-minute challenge by Alexis Mac Allister, driving past Milos Kerkez and beating Alisson to open the scoring.

That goal, instead of deflating Liverpool, invigorated both the Anfield crowd and the players. The Reds responded with conviction and flair, epitomized by their new arrivals.

Wirtz and Ekitike Spark Liverpool’s Comeback

Five minutes after conceding, Florian Wirtz danced past Newcastle defenders, reaching the byline before cutting back for Hugo Ekitike to score at the near post. The French striker extended Liverpool’s lead moments later, gliding past Malick Thiaw and beating Nick Pope with a deft outside-of-the-boot finish. This quickfire double not only reversed the scoreline but also showcased the immediate impact of the club’s high-profile acquisitions.

Wirtz continued to shine, orchestrating attacks and providing a creative spark in midfield. His technical prowess and vision were on full display, justifying Liverpool’s significant investment.

Liverpool’s Defensive Steel and Counterattacking Prowess

Newcastle attempted to rally early in the second half, but Liverpool’s defense, marshaled by Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, stood resolute. Alisson Becker produced key saves that kept the Reds in control. Dominik Szoboszlai, repurposed as a right-back, contributed excellent crosses and defensive balance, further stabilizing the team.

Liverpool’s ability to absorb pressure and launch incisive counterattacks evoked memories of the Jurgen Klopp era. The third goal epitomized this approach: Wirtz surged forward, exchanged passes with Mohamed Salah, and swept the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

Konate Seals the Statement Victory

As Newcastle’s resistance waned, Ibrahima Konate capped his commanding performance with a late fourth goal, solidifying Liverpool’s dominance. The French defender’s composure and athleticism were instrumental both defensively and in attack.

Liverpool Player Ratings vs Newcastle

• Alisson Becker (8/10): The Brazilian made several crucial saves, reminding fans of his world-class status.
• Dominik Szoboszlai (8/10): Reliable at right-back, contributing defensively and going forward.
• Ibrahima Konate (9/10): Outstanding at the back and scored a well-deserved goal.
• Virgil van Dijk (7/10): Bounced back with a solid display, reestablishing his partnership with Konate.
• Milos Kerkez (6/10): Caught out for the opener but redeemed himself with a key pass for Ekitike’s second goal.
• Ryan Gravenberch (6/10): Struggled early but improved as the match wore on.
• Alexis Mac Allister (6/10): Unfortunate for the first goal but otherwise steady.
• Florian Wirtz (9/10): Delivered a sparkling display with a goal and an assist.
• Mohamed Salah (7/10): Bright and creative, unselfish in setting up Wirtz, but spurned a few chances.
• Hugo Ekitike (9/10): The headline act; his brace changed the game’s narrative.
• Cody Gakpo (7/10): Tireless throughout the match, especially during Liverpool’s difficult start.

Substitutes and Manager

• Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, Federico Chiesa (N/A): Late introductions, helped manage the closing stages.
• Arne Slot (8/10): Adjusted effectively after a poor start, his tactical tweaks proved decisive.

What This Result Means for Liverpool

This resounding win demonstrates the value of Liverpool’s summer reinforcements, with both Wirtz and Ekitike making immediate impacts. Their creativity and composure under pressure have injected fresh energy into Arne Slot’s squad, potentially making the Reds a formidable force in the second half of the season. The partnership at the back between Konate and van Dijk also looks reinvigorated, while the flexibility of players like Szoboszlai highlights the depth and adaptability of this Liverpool side.

For Newcastle, the early promise faded as Liverpool’s quality shone through, emphasizing the need for greater resilience in big away fixtures.

Opinion: Liverpool’s New Era Takes Shape

The Liverpool player ratings from this match tell the story of a team in transition but showing immense promise. The signings of Wirtz and Ekitike have added a new dimension to Liverpool’s attack, while established stars like Salah and Alisson continue to deliver. If Arne Slot can maintain this balance and continue to get the best from both old and new faces, Liverpool fans have every reason to be excited about the future. For more news and updates on Liverpool and the Premier League, visit for more news.