Against Greuther Furth, Liverpool’s second preseason friendly of the summer concluded in an exciting 4-4 draw.
Behind closed doors in Germany, Darwin Nunez scored twice while Mo Salah and Luis Diaz also found the back of the net for the 2. Bundesliga team.
After a strong opening two minutes, Liverpool had a chance to take the lead when Andy Robertson broke in on goal but had his shot blocked.
Seven minutes later, Diaz made a darting run from within his half before curling a right-footed shot that the Furth custodian saved.
The Colombian international would, however, be the one to break the tie in the 22nd minute. Before casually stumbling into the far corner, Diaz skillfully maneuvered past multiple defenders.
Only two minutes later, Diogo Jota nearly extended the lead when he stole the ball and blasted wide with the custodian facing him one-on-one. Jota, who was active throughout the first half, snuck in to win the ball once more, but this time it was in the Furth box. The Portuguese player might have fallen, but he chose to stay standing and watch his shot hit the post.
For the second half, Jurgen Klopp completely altered his starting lineup, and they got off to the worst possible start. In the 47th minute, Julian Green nipped in and finished after custodian Adrian mishandled a ball to James McConnell.
Nunez restored the lead for the Reds in minute 50 when he grabbed Mo Salah’s through ball, turned the keeper, and scored into an empty net as the Reds quickly took control. Nunez scored his second goal of the match nine minutes later when, after being left free by Salah, he once again showed his poise.
However, a sloppy Liverpool performance would cause them to lose. The German hosts’ Lukas Petkov scored an equalizer, but there might have been a suggestion of offside throughout the play-making process. However, Armindo Sieb’s double would leave the Reds shell-shocked as their subpar performance in the backfield continued.
With one minute left, Klopp’s team eventually achieved their goal of an equalizer. This time, Nunez switched roles and found Salah at the back post, where he improvised a close-range finish that went in.
Here are our rankings of the Liverpool players.
1. Darwin Nunez of Liverpool celebrates scoring Liverpool’s second goal during the pre-season friendly match between SpVgg Greuther Fürth and Liverpool on July 24, 2023, in Fuerth, Germany.
2. Alisson Becker – 6
Barely tested in the first half bar gobbling up one cross with ease. Subbed at half-time.
3. Conor Bradley – 6
Showed decent composure on the ball having to play an inverted role he’s not entirely suited to.
4. Virgil van Dijk – 6
Did everything required of him. Subbed at half-time.
5. Ibrahima Konate – 6
Won his duels but one heavy touch almost gave Furth a chance. Subbed at half-time.
6. Andy Robertson – 6
Should have hit his shot the first time when slipped in on goal in the second minute. Perhaps would have been booked for a foul when scything down a Furth attacker. Subbed at half-time.
7. Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6
Didn’t perhaps get on the ball as much as he’d have liked but one first-time pass out for Doak was sublime. Subbed at half-time.
8. Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Got into some decent positions and had one shot blocked in the first half but not as involved as he was against Karlsruher.
9. Cody Gakpo – 7
Played in a midfield role and was plenty involved, causing problems for Furth. Had one shot deflected over the bar. Subbed at half-time.
10. Ben Doak – 8
Consistently put Furth on the backfoot with his pace and trickery. Just lacked end product with two shots on goal but a fine display. Subbed at half-time.
11. Diogo Jota – 8
An absolute livewire throughout the first half. Involved in so much of Liverpool’s attacking play and so unlucky not to be o the scoresheet. Subbed at half-time.
12. Luis Diaz – 8
Electric throughout the first half. Looked like he was going to score every time he had the ball at his feet and took his goal brilliantly. Subbed at half-time.
13. Sub 1 – Adrian – 5
Sold McConnell badly short for Furth’e equalizer. Made a decent save afterward, to his credit. subbed in the 75th minute.
14. Sub 2 – Joe Gomez – 5
Looked off it at times.
15. Sub 3 – Joel Matip – 4
Failed to marshal the back four as the senior defender. Almost put a pass into his net and failed to play to the whistle before challenging meekly Furth’s second goal.
16. Sub 4 – Jarrell Quansah – 5.5
Passing caught the eye at times, although part of a defense that shipped four goals.
17. Sub 5 – Kostas Tsimikas – 5
Didn’t offer enough at either end of the pitch. Far too slow to react for Furth’s fourth goal.
18. Sub 6 – James McConnell – 6
Couldn’t be blamed for Furth’s equaliser as he was sold badly short. Responded well, though, given his age.
19. Sub 7 – Harvey Elliott – 7
Involved in both of Nunez’s goals and so much of the attacking play came through him. Subbed in the 75th minute.
20. Sub 8 – Curtis Jones – 6
One shot blocked and minutes into the legs. Subbed in the 75th minute.
21. Sub 9 – Mo Salah – 8
Two perfectly-weighted passes assisted both of Nunez’s goals but should have done better with one effort himself. Atoned for that miss with a poacher’s finish.
22. Sub 11 – Lewis Koumas – 6
Saw one shot go not too far wide.
23. Sub 10 – Darwin Nunez – 8
Displayed excellent composure to score twice, causing issues with his pace. Then got himself a fine assist for Salah’s equalizer.
24. Sub 12 – Marcelo Pitaluga – N/A
25. Sub 13 – Calum Scanlon – N/A
26. Sub 14 – Bobby Clark – N/A
27. Sub 15 – Melkamu Frauendorf – N/A