Liverpool were too strong for their German opponents on Tuesday, scoring four unanswered goals to give Xabi Alonso an unfortunate homecoming.
The Bayer Leverkusen boss brought his team to Anfield hoping to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions, but second-half goals from Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo ensured the Reds got off to a perfect start.
The Colombian, who started the match in an unknown number 10 position, played for Arne Slot’s men. The 27-year-old is a man reborn under the Dutchman and his first-ever hat-trick in Liverpool was an example of that transformation.
Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah contributed to the victory in the statement. The Egyptian assisted two of the Reds’ goals, taking his season record in all competitions to nine goals and nine assists.
Here, Mail Sport’s Joe Bernstein takes the lead on whose star shone brightest – and which players still have a way to go.
Luis Diaz’s first ever Liverpool hat-trick helped Liverpool to a convincing win at Anfield
Cody Gakpo continued his good form in front of goal against the German champions on Tuesday evening
LIVERPOOL REVIEWS
CAOIMHIN KELLEHER – 7
The best compliment you can give the Irishman is that Liverpool did not miss Alisson. Not overworked, but in control of his box and showed authority in everything he did. And when he was called on late to keep a clean sheet, he reduced his chances of keeping Robert Andrich out.
TRENTE ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 6.5
Not often faced with a physical challenge like the one Victor Boniface presented him with, but the England defender stuck to the task well. The passing range was not quite up to the usual level.
VIRGIL VAN DIJK – 6.5
Played like he was wearing slippers. What a calm and reassuring presence in the back. Although Leverkusen had a lot of ball possession in the first half, it could not lead to real opportunities.
IBRAHIMA KONATE – 7
Liverpool fans were pleased to see him back on the pitch so quickly after he was taken off injured against Brighton. Has a formidable partnership with Van Dijk.
KOSTAS TSIMIKAS-7
Selected for Andy Robertson for the second time in a row and his selection justified. Although not as energetic as his Scottish rival, the quality of his crossing is plain for all to see.
Caoimhin Kelleher continues to flourish in goal for the Reds in the absence of number 1 Alisson
Ibrahima Konate was doubtful for the match but was a formidable presence at the back for the home side
ALEXIS MACALLISTER – 6.5
It wasn’t a must-win for Liverpool, so the Argentinian could be content with being neat, which he can do in his sleep, rather than looking for world-class passes.
RYAN GRAVENBERCH – 6
The Dutchman has been so good this season, he was looser in possession than we were used to. He will have learned a lot from the confrontation with Granit Xhaka, even if Liverpool ultimately dominated.
MO SALAH – 7
Had scored in his previous five home games in the Champions League, but this time had to content himself with a pair of assists with textbook crosses for Gakpo and Diaz. Worked hard and shot saved by Hradecky after cutting inside. Also forced Garcia into a booking.
CURTIS JONES-8
Liverpool is well on its way to becoming the standout player of the season. He was preferred to Dominik Szoboszlai at number 10 for good reason, making runs into the penalty area and showing great quality on the ball. One pass to release Gakpo at the end of the first half took out the entire Leverkusen defense and his slide rule pass to Diaz was an invitation for the South American to score.
CODY GAKPO – 6.5
He put in a shift and after sending one shot at the goalkeeper, he made no mistake with a header given after a VAR check – which was originally ruled out for offside.
Curtis Jones’ excellent assist unleashed Bayer Leverkusen’s defense at Anfield on Tuesday evening
Mohamed Salah assisted two Liverpool goals to take his tally in all competitions to nine goals and nine assists
Diaz excelled in an unfamiliar striker position and opened the scoring with a brilliant finish
Arne Slot has led his team to fourteen wins in the first sixteen games in all competitions this season
LUIS DIAZ – 9
Started as a centre-forward, where he impressed with a brilliant finish to open the scoring. And once Darwin Nunez came on he was equally effective on the left, drifting towards the far post to score his second and Liverpool’s third. Completed his hat-trick with the late poacher’s attempt to steal the man of the match from Jones.
Substitutes
Dominik Szoboszlai (for Jones 73) 6, Connor Bradley (for Alexander-Arnold 81), Andy Robertson (for Tsimikas 81), Darwin Nunez (for Gakpo 81), Jarrell Quansah (for Konate 88).
MANAGER – ARNE SLOT 7.5
What a perfect way to show in the presence of Xabi Alonso, the early frontrunner for the Liverpool job, that he is a more than worthy successor to Jurgen Klopp. Deserved that The Kop sang his name at full volume.
Referee – Danny Makkelie 6