Liverpool vs Athletic Club player ratings - 9/10 ovation in second friendly of the night

As part of the unique double-header friendly at Anfield with La Liga outfit Athletic Club, Liverpool returned to the hallowed Anfield turf for the second clash of the evening, kicking off at 8pm.

The home faithful had already been treated to a lung-busting victory earlier in the evening, as the Reds' first XI offering emerged victorious in a convincing 4-1 victory. Goals from teen starlet Rio Ngumoha, Darwin Nunez, Ben Doak and Harvey Elliott coasted a win over the line.

As more big guns including Mohamed Salah and big-money summer arrivals Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike entered the fray for the second fixture, Express Sport ran the rule over the player ratings...

Giorgi Mamardashivili 8 - Big and imposing. Looking more at home at the back for Liverpool now, and was welcomed warmly by Anfield. Pulled off an huge save on 82minutes to keep the hosts in front.

Milos Kerkez 8 - Endless energy and a keen desire to improve quickly and find his feet in this side. Will be a massive asset.

Wataru Endo 8 - Solid in possession, moved about the pitch well. Always looks ready to perform for Liverpool. Remained pro-active throughout the match and won the penalty late on.

Ibrahima Konate 7 - Powerful and imposing, starting to look sharper as the matches go by.

Jeremie Frimpong 7 - Constantly pushing forward with frenetic energy. Caught out of possession a few times, but only due to gambling on his own prowess. Arne Slot didn't seem to mind.

Ryan Gravenberch 8 - Silky in possession. Needs more minutes in the legs but patrolled his spaces well. Bombed forward into dangerous spaces which may be a sign of more attacking responsibility this season. An interesting potential tweak.

Dominik Szoboszlai 7 - Held back more than usual, and worked well in clearing up lose balls and getting play rapidly turning over again.

Florian Wirtz 9 - A standing ovation when subbed off. Operated well in tight spaces, and looked five steps ahead of most others on the pitch. A lethal asset already.

Hugo Ekitike 8 - A first run out on Merseyside and a bold showing. Played direct and grew in confidence. Already has an assist for Salah under his belt.

Mohamed Salah 8 - Back at Anfield, back among the goals. Maurauded forward at will and looked to connect with Wirtz and Ekitike whereever possible. Uncharacteristically missed a penalty, but good to get those out of the system in pre-season.

Cody Gakpo 8 - A brace and a swagger to go with it. Looks like he's ready to peak again in a red shirt. Clearly is taking note of the mercurial rise of the teenager Rio Ngumoha and knows he's needs to lock in to retain his place as top dog.