As Arne Slot’s team demonstrated their priceless depth, GOAL assesses every Reds player on display at the Red Bull Arena.

Even though Liverpool’s performance in their 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday night was far from perfect, they still have a pristine record in the Champions League this season. Two players who most likely wouldn’t have been utilized had everyone been healthy helped the Reds win the game at the Red Bull Arena despite having a bad start and finish.

Caoimhin Kelleher once again demonstrated why he is regarded as the best No. 2 in world football by making two crucial late saves that first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker would have been extremely proud of, while Darwin Nunez, who replaced Diogo Jota in attack, proved to be unusually decisive, scoring the game’s only goal when he arrived into the six-yard box to tap in Mohamed Salah’s downward header.

Before Sunday’s crucial Premier League matchup with Arsenal at the Emirates, Liverpool relied on their remarkable tenacity and depth to win 11 of 12 games across all competitions this season. Below, GOAL ranks every Reds player on display in Germany.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Caoimhin Kelleher (7.5/10):

Got away with making a mess of an early attempted clearance but made a couple of decent stops from well-struck drives in the first half before essentially earning Liverpool the win with a couple of great saves in the final quarter.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (6.5/10):

No issues from a defensive perspective and, as usual, caused problems with his passing. It was Trent’s cross-field ball to Gakpo that led to Liverpool breaking the deadlock. Far from his most influential display, though.

Ibrahima Konate (6.5/10):

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Hadn’t been remotely troubled before losing the ball in a horribly dangerous area and was lucky to be bailed out by Kelleher.

Virgil van Dijk (7.5/10):

His usual commanding self and very nearly scored from a Tsimikas corner.

Kostas Tsimikas (7/10):

A couple of loose passes from the Greek here and there but his crossing was a constant threat. No surprise to see him effectively create the opener with a great ball for Salah.

Midfield

Ryan Gravenberch (7.5/10):

Yet another impressive showing from the Dutchman, who really does look like the real deal as a defensive midfielder. Work rate is excellent and is great on the ball, with this wonderful ability to just glide past opponents.

Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):

Inexplicably booked for diving after being bundled over in midfield but grew into the game and struck the bar with a fine curling effort from the edge of the area after a sublime one-two with Dominik Szoboszlai.

Dominik Szoboslzai (7.5/10):

Still doing so much of the dirty work for his team but also showed his quality going forward, linking superbly with first Gakpo and then Mac Allister to create two big chances.

Attack

Mohamed Salah (6/10):

Despite being relatively quiet throughout, he did contribute to the goal-bound header that Nunez tucked home. Slot was correct to substitute him halfway through the second half, probably with an eye toward Sunday, given he was by far the least inefficient of the front three.

Darwin Nunez (7.5/10):

Started up front in the absence of the injured Jota and led the line very well, proving a real pain in the neck for Leipzig’s defenders. Deserved his goal and probably should have had a penalty too.

Cody Gakpo (7.5/10):

Retained his spot on the left wing ahead of Luis Diaz and was once again a real livewire in his preferred position. Flashed an effort wide after a terrific run into the centre and also saw an instinctive, close-range effort blocked by Peter Gulacsi.

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Subs & Manager

Luis Diaz (6/10):

Came on for Salah just after the hour mark but made little impact aside from one late strike that was easily saved.

Curtis Jones (N/A):

Replaced Nunez as Slot sought greater solidity in midfield with Liverpool losing control of the game late on.

Andy Robertson (N/A):

Took over at left-back from Tsimikas for the final 15 minutes of normal time.

Joe Gomez (N/A):

Alexander-Arnold was replaced by the versatile defender as Liverpool attempted to shut down Arsenal.

Arne Slot (7/10):

Slot will be happy with his team, who are forming a pleasant habit of winning without playing well, even though it wasn’t very pretty. Nunez’s performance up front will also excite him, especially if Jota isn’t prepared to play up top against Arsenal.