As Euro 2024 ends, Liverpool’s attention turns to the start of the Premier League. Ten of their players travelled to Germany, and they experienced varying levels of success. Joe Gomez, Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konate, and Vitezslav Jaros travelled to Germany but did not feature for their respective countries. We take a look at which players stood out the most and who caught Arne Slot’s eye ahead of the new season.
Grading Liverpool Players at Euro 2024: Who Stood Out?
Cody Gakpo: A*
As Cody Gakpo fights for regular starts at Liverpool, his international performances have certainly boosted his chances. The “standout star” was not outscored by any player, constantly looking dangerous on the left flank where he scored three goals.
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This adaptability will impress Slot, who is keen to assess Gakpo as both a striker and a winger. The forward’s direct running and ability to take defenders on led to him being considered in many experts’ teams of the tournament.
Dominik Szoboszlai: B+
Dominik Szoboszlai did not miss a minute as he captained Hungary during a disappointing tournament, cut short by a group stage exit. Arguably the standout Hungarian throughout the Euros, he created three big chances in the group stage, getting one assist.
Very much the beating heart of the Hungarian team, Liverpool’s number eight relished a more advanced role in the system. His set pieces looked particularly dangerous and, should Slot commit to a 4-2-3-1 formation, Szoboszlai showed he prefers playing further forward.
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However, his skills as a team leader may be questioned, as Hungary will feel they should have progressed to the knockout stages.
Virgil Van Dijk: B
Virgil Van Dijk racked up more minutes at the Euros than any other Liverpool player as he led the Netherlands to the semi-finals.
Barring a shaky performance against Austria in the final group game, Van Dijk was reliable in defence. He kept two clean sheets and wasn’t dribbled past in the entire tournament.
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His performances attracted criticism from former Dutch players, but Liverpool fans will hope that a new contract is on the horizon.
Andrew Robertson: B
Although Scotland succumbed to yet another group-stage exit at a major tournament, Andrew Robertson was a bright spark from a Liverpool perspective. He led the group as captain and remained a creative outlet.
Robertson looked at home with his crossing, especially from dead-ball situations. His teasing crosses offered tantalising chances that his teammates could not capitalise on. Furthermore, his driving runs forward opened up defences and led to Scotland’s only goal scored by one of their players.
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On the other hand, he found himself getting outnumbered in defence too many times when Scotland were stretched. His defensive performances did improve as the group stage progressed, especially in the final match.
Diogo Jota: C
Jota failed to get many opportunities in a star-studded Portuguese attack. He will lament Roberto Martinez’s baffling decision to persist with Cristiano Ronaldo up front.
Jota came on just three times during the tournament. He was unlucky not to get the winner against the Czech Republic, where his effort was overturned after a VAR check. Furthermore, he looked dangerous in Portugal’s Round of 16 clash with Slovenia, winning the penalty that Ronaldo missed.
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Overall, Jota had few opportunities to impress, and it is tricky to draw any significant conclusions from his tournament.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: C-
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s role was subject to much debate amongst England fans. Having started the first two matches in midfield, Alexander-Arnold struggled as he was caught in possession too often.
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He was relegated to the bench for the rest of the tournament, where he would make sporadic appearances at right-back. He looked more settled in this position and showed excellent composure to score England’s winning penalty against Switzerland.
Euro 2024 arguably proved that Alexander-Arnold does not excel in midfield, and this could influence Slot’s plans. It is worth noting that he remained a threat throughout with his crossing and long balls.
