Liverpool gave the lead away twice as they fell to a 4-3 defeat by Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were two goals to the good and then 3-2 up but Bayern came back to win the match, courtesy of a fine injury-time winner from Frans Kratzig. The Reds also suffered an injury blow as Alexis Mac Allister hobbled off.
Cody Gakpo opened the scoring for Liverpool in just the second minute, while new skipper Virgil van Dijk added a second before the half-hour mark. Goals from Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane made it all square before the break.
Luis Diaz put Liverpool ahead once more in the second half but Josip Stanisic’s goal in the 80th minute pulled Bayern level. The drama was not over as 20-year-old Kratzig produced an excellent half-volley in stoppage time.
Here, Mail Sport’s Lewis Steele runs the rule over the Liverpool stars.
Bayern’s match winner Frans Kratzig holds Singapore trophy after 4-3 win over Liverpool
Alisson – 5
There was not much he could do with either of the first-half goals, as Gnabry found swathes of space in behind Liverpool’s defence on both occasions.
Alisson made a commanding stop with his feet to deny Kingsley Coman in the second half, but will be disappointed to concede four times.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 5
A joy to watch on the ball but questions will be asked over his defending as ever. Liverpool and Klopp clearly have work to do defensively if they are to improve on last season’s disappointing fifth-placed finish.
Joel Matip – 5
Liverpool were undone by one long ball through the defence from Kim Min Jae and Serge Gnabry skipped past Matip too easily for Bayern’s goal.
He was solid otherwise, albeit lost the ball a couple of times.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Easy header put Liverpool two goals ahead on the half-hour mark and this was a commanding display from the new captain.
He is relishing his fresh leadership role but judging by Liverpool’s defensive performance in the first half he has work to do there.
Liverpool’s new captain Virgil van Dijk produced a commanding display in the pre-season loss
Andy Robertson – 6
His cross for Van Dijk’s goal was a beauty and the Liverpool skipper will relish the new season if corners are this venomous and on point every time.
Came off on the hour mark after a tough battle with Coman following his half-time introduction.
Curtis Jones – 6
All eyes on Jones in the No 6 role after Fabinho and Jordan Henderson’s exits. The 22-year-old is very tidy in possession and played well with the ball at his feet facing his own goal.
Jamal Musiala skipped past him early in the match and his physicality in that role might be a worry.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Will become an important member of Liverpool’s midfield this season but suffered a setback here when he went down clutching his leg late in the first half.
Alexis Mac Allister will become an important member of Liverpool’s midfield this season
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.5
It was interesting to see Szoboszlai and Mac Allister play together in midfield, and both will give a new dimension to Liverpool this season. Szoboszlai also put in hard graft defensively, which will please the manager.
Mohamed Salah – 7
An uncharacteristic quiet first half for the Egyptian, but Salah had some good battles with Bayern defender Kim.
Perhaps could have scored early on and failed to generate any meaningful power in the two shots he had. His run and pass for Luis Diaz’s goal were excellent.
Cody Gakpo – 7.5
This could be a sign of things to come, with the Dutchman leading the line and showing what he can do in terms of build-up play.
His goal was a microcosm of that, receiving the ball on the halfway line, playing a quick give-and-go with Diogo Jota, before finishing well with his left foot.
Cody Gakpo, who scored the opener, showed that he can lead the line for Liverpool
Diogo Jota – 7
Probably the brightest spark of Liverpool’s Singapore tour, with another fine performance here.
Jota’s assist for Gakpo was excellent, and he continued to threaten. The only grumble might be that he could have done better with a couple of shots he had for himself.
SUBSTITUTES
Ibrahima Konate – 6
Liverpool looked more assured defensively in the second half despite conceding twice and part of that might be down to Konate’s commanding nature at the back.
Luis Diaz – 7
Took his goal extremely well. Salah cut inside with a trademark run and found Diaz’s clever run, before the Colombian took a composed touch and finished with confidence.
After an injury-hit season, Diaz will have to fight for a spot in the starting XI this season but this was a good night.
Luis Diaz took his goal extremely well but he will have to fight for a spot in the starting line-up
Darwin Nunez – 5
Perhaps should have scored early in the second half but glanced a header wide from point-blank range. Seemed to relish the physical battle with Matthijs De Ligt but often lost out in aerial duels with the Dutchman. Missed a sitter late in the game, too.
Joe Gomez – 6
Could find himself playing a lot this season with the squad slightly thin. Played at right back here and kept Bayern fairly quiet. Mopped up quite well to deny the German champions a late winner.
Harvey Elliott – 5
A good outing for Elliott but little to write home about in terms of his play on the ball. The midfielder will be buoyed by starring in England Under 21s European Championship triumph and should use that as a springboard this season.
Kostas Tsimikas – 6
Often tucked into central areas when Liverpool had possession, with the aim of helping young James McConnell in midfield. Coman had the better of Robertson but Tsimikas kept him relatively quiet.
Joe Gomez could find himself playing a lot this season with the squad slightly thin
Ben Doak – 6.5
Lightning quick, Doak played the last 15 minutes and would have recorded an assist after darting down the right flank and teeing up Bobby Clark, only for his fellow teenager’s finish to be weak and straight at Sven Ulreich.
Bobby Clark – 6
Should have scored but will be pleased by a positive 15 minutes. He has a terrific engine and gets up and down the pitch well.
James McConnell – 6.5
You never know, with Liverpool’s lack of a defensive midfielder, McConnell might get some minutes in there. He is a No 8 by trade but the youngster has looked accomplished in the holding role.
Jarell Quansah – 6
Spent time at Bristol Rovers last season and, like the rest of the youngsters, should eye some minutes in the Europa League this season, with Liverpool perhaps a little light in the centre back department.
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