Liverpool 3-1 Lyon: 5 Talking Points

#4 Memphis Depay's disappearing act returns

Depay was regularly dispossessed against a tireless Liverpool display and frustrated despite his early goal

If there was anything that Depay needed to start this game, it was a pick-me-up. Alisson's blunder gifted him one and yet again, the talented Dutchman faded as Liverpool grew in confidence and began to control proceedings.

It was a frustrating display before he was replaced after 63 minutes, with many suggesting they forgot he was even still on the pitch after the two sides returned for the second half. When he tried to make things happen, Depay was embroiled in a few honest but forceful challenges with Hoever, which saw him looking bemused by his younger compatriot on the turf.

It felt like that was his cue to stop trying, as he didn't get much success in possession after that and was fairly subdued afterwards.

For someone who is supposedly Lyon's best player, Depay doesn't tend to do himself any favours. He has impressed in flashes over the past two seasons with OL but appeared increasingly intent on securing a big-money summer move.

It's understandable in a market which demands quality forwards, thoughts are undecided on Memphis.

On his day, he can be fearsome and an ever-present threat to any opposition defence. But that's the crucial phrase because, for a multitude of reasons, his blistering form has become more infrequent and measured at Lyon.

Nabil Fekir's departure for Real Betis last month will not have helped matters, while Houssem Aouar emerges as their only bonafide playmaker - though fellow forwards Bertrand Traoré and Moussa Dembélé appear more happy to help themselves rather than their teammates.

It's a difficult situation for Depay but remains one he must respond accordingly to, justifying the hype once and for all.