Ian Doyle with the Liverpool player ratings and scores from the friendly against Monaco at Anfield on Sunday afternoon
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Players of Liverpool line up for a minutes applause in tribute for former player, Kevan Keegan, prior to the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco at Anfield on August 09, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Liverpool players line-up for a minute's applause in tribute to Kevin Keegan ahead of the friendly with Monaco at Anfield(Image: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
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Liverpool continued their pre-season preparations with a disappointing 3-2 friendly defeat at home to Monaco on Sunday afternoon. Alexander Isak scored twice before Aleksandr Golovin pulled one back for the visitors from the penalty spot shortly before half-time, with a much-changed Reds then dropping off dramatically in the second half to allow Mika Biereth to equalise before Paris Brunner's late winner.
The result ensured a frustrating occasion for Andoni Iraola on his first match at Anfield since being appointed head coach in place of the sacked Arne Slot.
The ECHO was in attendance at Anfield and here we run the rule over the performances of the Liverpool players.
Alisson Becker 7
Early saves from Biereth and Abline in otherwise quiet first half until beaten by Golovin penalty.
Jeremie Frimpong 6
Appeared to spend as little time as possible at right-back and must have been under instruction to move into central midfield whenever possible, which wasn’t always the wisest move.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe 8
Impressed with his dominance in the air and overall composure, and earned applause from Van Dijk with one neat piece of skill.
Virgil van Dijk 6
Asserted authority early on with some front-footed defending before easing himself back on his first pre-season outing. Blotted his copybook by fouling Golovin for penalty, though.
Kostas Tsimikas 6
His first Anfield appearance in more than a year, the ring-rust is clearly still evident after a season of frustration on loan at Roma. Close with one long-distance drive.
Dominik Szoboszlai 6
Involved in the build-up for the opener but steady rather than spectacular in one of the two central midfield roles. Did better second half, though.
Ryan Gravenberch 8
While ostensibly the deepest midfielder, was free to push forward when in possession which created the first goal. Good physicality and engine.
Lewis Koumas 7
Work ethic and pace made him an instant favourite with the crowd, and fired in a number of shots before cross helped spark the second.
Florian Wirtz 7
Not every probing pass found its mark, but that he was so often in such positions as the number 10 will have enthused Iraola. Forced one good save from Monaco goalkeeper Hradecky and in the vicnity for the second.
Cody Gakpo 7
Much more like the player of the title-winning campaign, header helped force the second and impressed with willingness to run at defenders and direct use of the ball.
Alexander Isak 7
Took the opener very well and showed plenty of appetite to work and understanding with his team-mates before eventually being awarded second. Encouraging showing
SUBS
Giorgi Mamardashvili (for Alisson 46) 6
Good save from Biereth but beaten too easily by the second shot. Couple of good stops but kicking still leaves much to be desired.
Wataru Endo (for Ndukwe 46) 5
First Liverpool outing since February coming in at centre-back and well off the pace at start when outmuscled for the second goal, but did improve after that.
Luke Chambers (for Van Dijk 59) 6
Slight escape when fouled when challenging for one tricky throughball but wasn't deterred.
Milos Kerkez (for Tsimikas 59) 6
A couple of strong runs going forward but not helped by Liverpool lacking shape on his arrival.
James McConnell (for Wirtz 59) 5
Nervy opening with a few misplaced passes but eventually settled in a somewhat advanced midfield role.
Trey Nyoni (for Szoboszlai 59) 5
Unable to make anything like the same impression as in other outings this pre-season.
Rio Ngumoha (for Gakpo 59) 6
Coming in on the right flank once again, got the crowd going straight away with one direct run from deep but subdued overall.
Victor Munoz (for Isak 59) 6
First appearance since his signing, one piece of trickery soon got supporters onside.
Federico Chiesa (for Koumas 76) 5
Ran around in effort to get into match, but rarely involved.
Harvey Elliott (for Szoboszlai 76) 5
Given a massive ovation on his return to Anfield as a Liverpool player but negligible impact.
Calvin Ramsay (for Frimpong 76) 6
More minutes for the right-back.