Liverpool beat Athletic Bilbao 3-2 in the second game of a pre-season friendly double-header at Anfield on Monday evening and here's how the first team players rated
08:00, 05 Aug 2025Updated 08:02, 05 Aug 2025
Cody Gakpo bagged a brace against Athletic Bilbao
Cody Gakpo bagged a brace against Athletic Bilbao(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool secured a second victory over Athletic Bilbao in their friendly double-header, clinching a 3-2 win at Anfield on Monday evening after a 4-1 victory in their first clash.
The second encounter, which saw both sides play nearly full strength sides, saw a goal from Mohamed Salah and a brace from Cody Gakpo, despite Bilbao equalising twice, first through Oihan Sancet and then an unfortunate own goal from Gakpo.
Arne Slot fielded a strong starting XI for the second match, featuring five new signings, potentially hinting at his team's line-up for the Premier League opener against Bournemouth at Anfield a week on Friday.
Here we assess Arne Slot's players in the second game, courtesy of the Liverpool Echo.
Giorgi Mamardashvili
Giorgi Mamardashvili pulled off a fine save to show his ability
Giorgi Mamardashvili pulled off a fine save to show his ability(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Had no chance with either of Bilbao's goals but had few real saves to make until a late flying effort to deny Ares. 7.
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Jeremie Frimpong
His lightning quick pace posed a threat going forward but he was occasionally loose and caught upfield as Bilbao counterattacked. Struggled to maintain his footing at times. 6.
Wataru Endo
Wasn't overly tested at centre-back before the break with Liverpool largely dominating possession, but had slightly more to do in the second half as the visitors began to probe. Impressed when moving into midfield late on and won a penalty. 7.
Ibrahima Konate
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More active in attack in the first half, with one header cleared off the line and an acrobatic volley over the bar. Had some good defensive moments after the interval. 7.
Milos Kerkez
A relatively quiet performance except for one strong first-half challenge near the halfway line that pleased the crowd. 6.
Ryan Gravenberch
In the first half, he pressed high and strong, testing Simon with a long-range shot. His second-half drive was too much for the goalkeeper to handle, leading to the second goal. 7.
Dominik Szoboszlai
He tidied up a lot in midfield, put in a lot of work and initiated the opening goal. He excelled at both ends of the pitch and thrived in a deeper midfield role, dictating the game. 8.
Mohamed Salah
Mo Salah
Mohamed Salah blazed his penalty over the crossbar(Image: Getty Images)
He scored his first pre-season goal with a confident finish after a chance set up by Hugo Ekitike and showed signs of developing an understanding with Wirtz. However, he took a terrible penalty. 7.
Florian Wirtz
His speed, control and passing ability immediately caught the eye, and he came close to scoring twice in the first half. The applause when he was substituted said it all. 7.
Cody Gakpo
He put in a lot of effort on the left flank and improved in the second half, having a shot saved and scoring the second goal. He was unlucky to concede a freak own goal but then scored the third after some good solo work. 8.
Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike shone at Anfield
Hugo Ekitike shone at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)
Clearly keen to impress, he threw himself into challenges and used his speed and power to set up the first goal for Salah. He showed glimpses of promise. 7.
Substitutes
Federico Chiesa (for Ekitike 57)
He received a warm welcome and played a part in helping Endo win the penalty and creating a chance for Wright. 6.
Amara Nallo (for Frimpong 72)
He was more composed than in some of his other senior appearances. 6.
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Will Wright (for Wirtz 74)
He almost had a great moment as a new signing but was denied by Bilbao's goalkeeper in front of the Kop. What a spoilsport. 7.