Although the winger scored the first goal in Bergamo, he squandered a fantastic opportunity to put the Reds back in the quarterfinal match.

It appeared for a little moment that another historic Liverpool comeback was underway. The Reds seemed as like they would actually overcome a 3-0 first-leg deficit in Europe after Mohamed Salah gave them a 7-minute lead on Thursday night from the penalty spot against Atalanta – just as they did all those years ago on a historic night at Anfield.

However, the typically lethal Egyptian missed a clear goal with his attempted lob over a stranded Juan Musso in Bergamo when Salah had the chance to put Liverpool ahead 2-0. There wouldn’t be a better opportunity for the visitors to turn this quarterfinal Europa League match around.

In fact, Liverpool deteriorated as the game went on, much like Salah, who was substituted midway through the second half. Jurgen Klopp still has a lot of work ahead of him to turn around his struggling team in time for Sunday’s crucial Premier League match against Fulham.

He’ll focus on the advantages. Liverpool failed to record a point. They succeeded in winning the match. However, this didn’t seem like a win, and it didn’t resemble the genuine Mo Salah at all.

Below, GOAL ranks every player in attendance on yet another discouraging evening for Klopp and his team.

Van Dijk, Virgil 2023–24 Atalanta Liverpool Europa LeagueGetty Defense & Goalkeeper

Alisson Becker: 6 out of 10

A virtual audience during the first segment. After the restart, there were a few stops to make, but they were all very standard.

Trent Arnold (score of ten):

‘Won’ the penalty and was possibly Liverpool’s greatest player in the first half, constantly converting defense into attack with a simple right foot movement, although he still appears to be recovering from an injury. Tellingly, with 20 minutes remaining, withdrew.

Ibrahima Konate (grade: 5):

Despite winning a reasonable number of tackles and always being prepared to throw his weight around, his carelessness causes him to commit a lot of fouls. His distribution was also far from ideal.

Van Dijk, Virgil (5/10):

He was a threat in the Atalanta box, and his exit was well-timed. However, few easy free kicks were given away with ill-timed challenges.

Andy Robertson (grade of 10):

Consistently eager to advance, but lacked the typical offensive threat. Launch at the final moments.

Dominik Szoboszlai Atlanta Liverpool 2023–24 Europa LeagueMidfield, Getty

Szoboszlai Dominik (5/10):

Good first-half goal, but his passing was sloppy and at one point in the first half, he seriously jeopardized his team’s chances. Obviously replaced halfway through the second half. Honestly has diminished following the season’s impressive first half.

Sixth grader Alexis Mac Allister:

Although it wasn’t his finest game, he was still Liverpool’s best midfield player. He was good with the ball and consistently won it back, making many crucial interceptions in spite of a few misdirected passes.

Jones, Curtis (5/10):

He made an effort, which you can never fault him for, but occasionally he was careless with the ball. He is still working to return to the level of performance he was at prior to the accident.

Mohamed Salah’s Atalanta penalty Liverpool 2023–24 Europa LeagueMohammed Salah, Getty Attack (4/10):

After a long wait, he dutifully converted his penalty, but he botched an effort at a lob that would have immediately restored Liverpool’s lead in the match. Replacing properly following another mainly ineffectual performance. Uncomfortably, he is still not well following his protracted injury layoff.

Cody Gakpo (6/10):

The only attacker to perform passably was the Dutchman, who set up opportunities for Salah (long ball over the top) and Diaz (a beautiful lay-off).

Luis Diaz (4/10):

Always eager to get on the ball and full of running, but he never did much with it. It was obvious that he would go early.

Klopp, J. Darwin Nunez, manager of Atalanta Liverpool in the Europa League 2023–24, and his substitutes (5/10):

had little effect following his introduction.

Joe Gomez (rated 5 out of 10):

came on as Alexander-Arnold’s right-back substitute. Not much to do.

Diogo Jota (5 out of 10):

replaced Diaz on the left wing, but was unable to invigorate Liverpool.

Harvey Elliott (Rank: 5/10):

This was beyond even Liverpool’s super-sub to win.

Jayden Danns (not applicable):

Too little time to have an effect.

Klopp, J. (6/10):

assured me that his team would give it their all, which they did, at least in the first half, until they ran out of gas after the restart. The lack of innovation on his team will continue to be a major worry because he doesn’t appear to be able to address it.