![\"Ian](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ian-Doyle.jpg\")
<\/p>\nIan Doyle with the Liverpool player ratings and scores after the second friendly match against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield<\/p>\n
Ian Doyle has covered Liverpool for more than 20 years, following them across Europe in multiple Champions League and Europa League finals and as far afield as Thailand, Singapore, the United States, Hong Kong and Qatar, and has reported on the Reds winning every major honour. He previously also covered Everton for 18 years and followed England, reporting on the European Championships and World Cup final. Once had to tell Jude Law he does not drive a Mini.<\/p>\n
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Mohamed Salah celebrates with Hugo Ekitike after he scores a goal to make it 1-0 during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool v Athletic Club Bilbao at Anfield on August 4, 2025(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Liverpool ensured a second win over Athletic Bilbao in their friendly double-header with a 3-2 triumph at Anfield on Monday evening<\/a>. A Mohamed Salah goal and two from Cody Gakpo were sufficient after the visitors had twice equalised, first through Oihan Sancet and then an inadvertent own goal from Gakpo.<\/p>\n Arne Slot selected a strong starting XI for the second match <\/a>which included five new signings and perhaps offered hints of how his team could line up for the Premier League opener at home to Bournemouth on Friday week.<\/p>\n The ECHO was in attendance for both friendly games<\/a> and here we run the rule over Slot’s players in the second match.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Liverpool player ratings as Rio Ngumoha sparkles and others good in first game vs Athletic Club<\/a>READ MORE: Anfield learns what Liverpool have known all summer as best kept secret is revealed<\/a><\/p>\n Giorgi Mamardashvili 7<\/strong><\/p>\n No chance with either Bilbao goal but otherwise few real saves to make until flying effort to deny Ares late on.<\/p>\n Jeremie Frimpong 6<\/strong><\/p>\n Pace a danger going forward but a little loose at times and caught upfield as Bilbao countered. Struggled to keep his footing on occasion.<\/p>\n Wataru Endo 7<\/strong><\/p>\n Not overly tested at centre-back before break with Liverpool largely dominating possession, but slightly more to do second half as the visitors began probing. Impressed when moving into midfield late on and won a penalty.<\/p>\n Ibrahima Konate 7<\/strong><\/p>\n More busy in attack first half, with one header cleared off line and acrobatic volley over. Some good moments defensively after interval.<\/p>\n Milos Kerkez 6<\/strong><\/p>\n Primarily quiet performance save one strong first-half challenge near the halfway line the crowd enjoyed.<\/p>\n Ryan Gravenberch 7<\/strong><\/p>\n Pressed high and strong in the first half and warmed the palms of Simon with one shot from range. Second-half drive too hot for goalkeeper to handle and prompted second.<\/p>\n Dominik Szoboszlai 8<\/strong><\/p>\n Tidied up a lot in midfield, got through plenty of work and initiated the opener. Impressive at both ends and revelled in a deeper engine room role.<\/p>\n Mohamed Salah 7<\/strong><\/p>\n Notched his first goal of pre-season with a confident finish and further signs of an understanding with Wirtz. Let\u2019s not mention that penalty miss, though.<\/p>\n Florian Wirtz 7<\/strong><\/p>\n Immediately caught the eye with his pace, control and ability to pick a pass, and twice came close first half. Ovation on his substitution spoke volumes.<\/p>\n Cody Gakpo 7<\/strong><\/p>\n Plenty of effort down the left flank and improved second half, having effort saved and on hand to notch the second. Unlucky to concede own goal but then netted third after good solo work.<\/p>\n Hugo Ekitike 7<\/strong><\/p>\n Clearly eager to impress, thundered into challenges and showed pace and power to set up opener. Glimpses of promise.<\/p>\n A new monthly print edition for all LFC fans is on sale now<\/p>\n WELCOME to Blood Red \u2013 your NEW monthly fix from the ECHO covering all you need to know about what\u2019s happening at Liverpool FC.<\/p>\n Our brilliant team of writers cover Arne Slot\u2019s side all season long, home, away and abroad seven days a week to produce the best content every day for the ECHO, both in print and online.<\/p>\n
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