Liverpool Player Ratings: Chiesa Shines as Konaté Struggles in Hard-Fought Bournemouth Win
Liverpool opened their Premier League campaign with a thrilling but nervy victory over Bournemouth, marked by standout attacking contributions and worrying defensive lapses. Federico Chiesa was the hero of the night, while Ibrahima Konaté endured a performance he will want to forget. Here’s a closer look at how each player fared:
Federico Chiesa (9/10)
Introduced in the second half, Chiesa made an instant impact. The Italian winger produced the decisive moment of quality, latching onto a loose ball before smashing home a stunning late volley. His energy and direct play lifted the team when they needed it most.
Hugo Ekitike (9/10)
On his Premier League debut, the 23-year-old forward couldn’t have scripted it better. He showed composure in front of goal, calmly finishing in a one-on-one to open the scoring. Later, he displayed vision and awareness with a clever assist for Cody Gakpo’s strike. A dream start in Liverpool red.
Cody Gakpo (9/10)
The Dutchman led the line superbly, combining physical presence with technical quality. He dominated aerial duels, linked up play, and capped his performance with a well-taken goal, driving through challenges with determination.
Alexis Mac Allister (7/10)
The Argentine midfielder was instrumental in creating Ekitike’s opener with an intelligent pass. He also unleashed a thunderous effort that forced a strong save from Bournemouth’s keeper. His pressing set the tempo, though his influence waned slightly as the game wore on.
Mohamed Salah (7/10)
Quiet for spells, but Salah remains a constant threat. He capped off the contest with a brilliant solo goal, cutting inside and finishing clinically to secure the three points. Even on an “average” night, his class shines through.
Florian Wirtz (7/10)
The young German dictated the rhythm in midfield during the first half, knitting attacks together with precision passing. However, after Bournemouth equalized, he was substituted at 2–2 as Liverpool sought fresh energy.
Milos Kerkez (6.5/10)
Facing his former club, Kerkez played with energy and intensity, showing flashes of potential. However, his discipline let him down with a late tackle that earned him a booking. Substituted after an hour.
Jeremie Frimpong (6.5/10)
Defensively solid against Brooks but offered little going forward compared to his usual standards. Subbed off for Endo as Slot adjusted tactics.
Alisson Becker (6/10)
Could do little about Semenyo’s finishes but will feel disappointed that his backline left him exposed. Otherwise commanded his box well.
Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10)
Produced some excellent long-range passes, but his mistake in possession led directly to Bournemouth’s goal. Struggled at times with their aggressive pressing game.
Wataru Endo (6/10)
Reliable and versatile, the Japanese international slotted in at right-back before moving into midfield, giving Liverpool tactical balance late on.
Andrew Robertson (6/10)
Came on for Kerkez, worked tirelessly up and down the flank, but without significant impact in attack.
Joe Gomez (6/10)
Replaced Ekitike late on, filling in defensively to help Liverpool see out the game.
Curtis Jones (6/10)
Subbed in for Mac Allister, kept things tidy in midfield but failed to make a major impression.
Virgil van Dijk (5/10)
The captain’s display was below par. Missed an early headed chance and failed to close down Semenyo for Bournemouth’s equaliser. Left exposed by Konaté but still should have shown more authority.
Ibrahima Konaté (4/10)
A nightmare outing for the French centre-back. Beaten repeatedly, caught out of position, and hesitant in crucial moments. His errors left Liverpool vulnerable and directly contributed to goals conceded. A performance he will be desperate to move on from.
Final Thoughts
Arne Slot’s Liverpool showed flashes of brilliance in attack but also signs of fragility in defence. Chiesa, Ekitike, and Gakpo led the charge with vital contributions, while Salah sealed the win with his trademark quality. On the other hand, Konaté’s struggles, paired with Van Dijk’s inconsistency, underline the urgent need for defensive solutions if Liverpool are to compete at the highest level this season.
Do you want me to also expand the fan reactions section (those heated comments under the ratings) into part of the article—like a “What the fans are saying” wrap-up?
