Liverpool managed to extend their winning run to four games in a row yesterday afternoon, after securing a hard-fought 5-2 win over West Ham United at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s men largely dominated the clash on home soil, with such a result moving the Reds above Chelsea and now level on points with Manchester United in the Premier League.
Such a game saw the side score five or more for just the third time this season, with numerous of the club’s heavy hitters managing to get on the scoresheet during the victory.
Dutch duo Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo both managed to find the back of the net, subsequently playing key roles during the club’s latest win on Merseyside.
However, despite the impact of the aforementioned duo, one other player who starred in the victory will likely receive the majority of the praise for his performance.
Ekitike’s performance vs West Ham
As part of the summer spending spree, Liverpool spent a reported £80m on the signature of striker Hugo Ekitiké, with such a move looking to be one of their best in recent years.
The Frenchman currently sits on 15 combined goals and assists in the league this season, subsequently doing so in just 25 appearances to date.
Three of his efforts came during Saturday’s victory, with the 23-year-old opening the scoring with a superb reverse finish after just five minutes of the encounter.
He also registered assists for Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister during the five-goal triumph, with the attacker undoubtedly being the livewire at Anfield yesterday.
His underlying stats also make for excellent reading, with the forward managing to complete two dribbles – the most of any player within Slot’s starting eleven.
Ekitike also managed to win five combined duels, whilst also creating two chances in the final third – further reaffirming his all-round quality with and without the ball.
Liverpool star in danger of being Diaz 2.0
Given the £400m spending spree in the summer transfer window, it was crucial Liverpool sold players to help balance the books – which saw winger Luis Diaz move to Bayern Munich for £65m.
The Colombian rapidly became a fan-favourite on Merseyside and understandably so given his tally of 41 goals and 16 assists in his 148 outings across all competitions.
However, selling him to the German outfit in the summer appears to be a huge mistake, with the 29-year-old currently enjoying the season of his life in Munich.
Diaz has registered a staggering 19 goals and 12 assists in his 34 appearances to date, which has seen him become one of Vincent Kompany’s most valuable players.
Despite such a sale, the club can’t make the same mistake this summer with midfielder Mac Allister, who’s constantly been touted with a move away from Anfield.
The hierarchy desperately need to rebuff any interest in the 27-year-old, with his recent performances highlighting his importance to the Reds.
The Argentine has played an influential role in the squad over the last few weeks, as seen by his tally of two goals in as many Premier League appearances.
His showing against West Ham on Saturday was yet another example of his quality, with his goal the icing on the cake for his latest sensational display at the heart of the side.
Mac Allister featured for the entirety of the contest at Anfield, subsequently winning two tackles – with such a tally the highest of any player from either side.
The Argentine also managed to complete 85% of the passes he attempted, with four of his 29 efforts being made to a teammate within the final third of the pitch.
His dominance without the ball was further reflected in his tally of four ball recoveries and two interceptions made – subsequently playing a key role in the victory.
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Liverpool player ratings against West Ham |
|
|---|---|
|
Alisson |
7/10 |
|
Joe Gomez |
6/10 |
|
Virgil van Dijk |
7/10 |
|
Ibrahimha Konate |
6/10 |
|
Milos Kerkez |
6/10 |
|
Ryan Gravenberch |
6/10 |
|
Alexis Mac Allister |
8/10 |
|
Mohamed Salah |
5/10 |
|
Dominik Szoboszlai |
7/10 |
|
Cody Gakpo |
6/10 |
|
Hugo Ekitike |
8/10 |
As a result of his showing on Merseyside, Mac Allister was handed an 8/10 match rating, with the Argentine continuing his excellent partnership with Ryan Gravenberch.
The rumours around his future at the club will no doubt have fans worried, with the hierarchy desperately needing to keep hold of the £35m signing.
He’s become a vital member of Slot’s squad over the last couple of years, with his hard-working nature with and without the ball making him a greater asset than Ekitike.
£34m talent is now becoming Liverpool’s biggest liability since Fabinho
Liverpool are going to need to ring the changes once again in the summer transfer market.