3 Takeaways from Liverpool’s Comeback Against Milan

Liverpool kicked off their 2024/25 Champions League campaign with an impressive comeback against a tough AC Milan side on the road.

Coach Arne Slot’s team entered their first Champions League match in low spirits after being defeated by Nottingham Forest in Premier League matchday 4 last weekend. In fact, they were hit early by AC Milan with a goal from Christian Pulisic in just the 3rd minute.

However, The Kop calmly regained control of the match, gradually putting pressure on the hosts. The result of their efforts was three goals from Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai, sealing a remarkable comeback. Here are three takeaways from Liverpool’s victory:

Cody Gakpo Impresses

After a standout summer with the Dutch national team at Euro 2024, Gakpo was expected to be a key figure in Liverpool’s attack for the 2024/25 campaign. However, to everyone’s surprise, coach Arne Slot didn’t start him and instead gave Luis Díaz the opportunity.

It wasn’t until the Colombian struggled against Nottingham that Gakpo got his chance, coming off the bench in the 61st minute. But it wasn’t until yesterday’s game against AC Milan that the 25-year-old forward made a significant impact, reigniting hopes of securing a starting role.

The Dutch international was excellent at the San Siro, causing numerous problems for Milan’s defense with his intelligent movement while also contributing defensively. Though Gakpo didn’t score, he made a crucial impact with an assist for Dominik Szoboszlai’s goal, sealing the win.

Success Hinges on Szoboszlai

It’s no exaggeration to say that Dominik Szoboszlai is one of the most talented attacking midfielders in the world, but what he lacks is consistency. The Hungarian international played impressively in Liverpool’s first three Premier League matches this season in the “number 10” role but went missing against Nottingham Forest.

Coach Arne Slot recognized this and worked to ensure his star player was mentally and physically prepared for the AC Milan clash. The result was clear for all to see, as Szoboszlai put in a standout performance full of creativity. If he can maintain the consistency he showed yesterday, the former RB Leipzig star will help Liverpool become serious contenders in both the Champions League and Premier League.

Virgil van Dijk is the Best Center-Back in the World

Though his form has fluctuated at times, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk always gives his all on the pitch. This was again evident in the match against AC Milan yesterday. The Dutch international displayed top-tier defensive skills, silencing Álvaro Morata and later Tammy Abraham.

Moreover, Van Dijk scored a crucial goal just before halftime, putting Liverpool ahead. The 33-year-old center-back is in fantastic form, and it would be a shame if Liverpool fail to reach a contract extension with him in the near future.

3 Takeaways from Liverpool’s Comeback Against Milan

Liverpool kicked off their 2024/25 Champions League campaign with an impressive comeback against a tough AC Milan side on the road.

Coach Arne Slot’s team entered their first Champions League match in low spirits after being defeated by Nottingham Forest in Premier League matchday 4 last weekend. In fact, they were hit early by AC Milan with a goal from Christian Pulisic in just the 3rd minute.

However, The Kop calmly regained control of the match, gradually putting pressure on the hosts. The result of their efforts was three goals from Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai, sealing a remarkable comeback. Here are three takeaways from Liverpool’s victory:

Cody Gakpo Impresses

After a standout summer with the Dutch national team at Euro 2024, Gakpo was expected to be a key figure in Liverpool’s attack for the 2024/25 campaign. However, to everyone’s surprise, coach Arne Slot didn’t start him and instead gave Luis Díaz the opportunity.

It wasn’t until the Colombian struggled against Nottingham that Gakpo got his chance, coming off the bench in the 61st minute. But it wasn’t until yesterday’s game against AC Milan that the 25-year-old forward made a significant impact, reigniting hopes of securing a starting role.

The Dutch international was excellent at the San Siro, causing numerous problems for Milan’s defense with his intelligent movement while also contributing defensively. Though Gakpo didn’t score, he made a crucial impact with an assist for Dominik Szoboszlai’s goal, sealing the win.

Success Hinges on Szoboszlai

It’s no exaggeration to say that Dominik Szoboszlai is one of the most talented attacking midfielders in the world, but what he lacks is consistency. The Hungarian international played impressively in Liverpool’s first three Premier League matches this season in the “number 10” role but went missing against Nottingham Forest.

Coach Arne Slot recognized this and worked to ensure his star player was mentally and physically prepared for the AC Milan clash. The result was clear for all to see, as Szoboszlai put in a standout performance full of creativity. If he can maintain the consistency he showed yesterday, the former RB Leipzig star will help Liverpool become serious contenders in both the Champions League and Premier League.

Virgil van Dijk is the Best Center-Back in the World

Though his form has fluctuated at times, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk always gives his all on the pitch. This was again evident in the match against AC Milan yesterday. The Dutch international displayed top-tier defensive skills, silencing Álvaro Morata and later Tammy Abraham.

Moreover, Van Dijk scored a crucial goal just before halftime, putting Liverpool ahead. The 33-year-old center-back is in fantastic form, and it would be a shame if Liverpool fail to reach a contract extension with him in the near future.