Liverpool Player Ratings vs Leeds: Wirtz and Unlikely 5/10 Poor but New Option Emerges

In a thrilling yet frustrating 3-3 draw at Elland Road on December 6, 2025, Liverpool twice blew leads against a resilient Leeds United, with Ao Tanaka's 96th-minute equalizer from a corner piling pressure on manager Arne Slot.[1][2][3]

Liverpool dominated a rain-soaked first half without truly threatening, Curtis Jones' curler off the crossbar the highlight. Post-restart, Hugo Ekitiké exploded with a quickfire brace (8.9/10), his electric movement and clinical finishing turning the game.[1][2][3] Dominik Szoboszlai (8.3/10) restored a 3-2 lead with a fine finish, indefatigable on the right wing despite an unfamiliar role, assisted by Ryan Gravenberch (7.4/10), who glided past midfielders.[1][3]

Defensive lapses proved costly: Leeds hit back via Dominic Calvert-Lewin's penalty and Anton Stach's quickfire goal. Virgil van Dijk (7.5/10) recovered from a shaky start with key interventions but fumed at conceding three.[1][3] Ibrahima Konaté struggled (4.0-6.3/10), his poor challenge gifting the penalty.[2][3] Milos Kerkez (6.0-6.6/10) was solid defensively but limited in attack.[1][2]

Florian Wirtz (6.0-6.9/10) underwhelmed, pushed wide and peripheral despite tidy play, subbed for Alexis Mac Allister (6.3/10).[1][2][3] Curtis Jones (6.0-7.7/10) ticked over in midfield, hitting the bar.[1][2] Cody Gakpo (6.9/10) was quiet.[3]

The chaotic draw exposed backline frailties despite dominance, with Leeds showing character. A new defensive option may emerge amid calls for changes, as Liverpool eye revenge at Anfield on New Year's Day.[1][3][4] (298 words)