Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Brighton as Dominik Szoboszlai superb and 6 good

AMEX STADIUM, BRIGHTON // Liverpool fell to a late defeat against Brighton on the south coast thanks to Jack Hinselwood’s goal, but Arne Slot would have at least learned a little from the game.

Harvey Elliott finished a lovely team move inside 10 minutes to open the scoring, but Yasin Ayari leveled just after the half-hour mark with an equally impressive goal, finished into the corner of Alisson Becker’s goal. In a goal-filled first half, Dominik Szoboszlai put a shot into the top corner from an angle to restore the visitors’ lead.

It took until the 70th minute of the game for another goal to come, however, with Kaoru Mitoma, back from injury and coming off the bench, digging out a volley to make it 2-2. Hinselwood then scored a late winner after a VAR check.

Winners

Federico Chiesa, on his first start in the Premier League, did relatively well in the circumstances. He linked nicely with those around him on occasion and tried his best to press, even if Slot felt the need to shout frequently from the sidelines in his direction. What more could he do after being thrown in out of the blue?

Szoboszlai, playing a slightly different role, deeper in the midfield, scored a goal and looked good, as did Conor Bradley, who flew forward from full-back at times. Harvey Elliott netted and assisted, which he would have been delighted with.

Losers

No one in a Liverpool (or a Brighton) shirt performed badly by any stretch. This was a respectable performance and result in the circumstances (a changed team, with nothing riding on the scoreline). Virgil van Dijk ended a 69-game streak of starting in the Premier League but he won’t mind. Trent Alexander-Arnold probably won’t have minded staying on the bench either.

Player ratings

Alisson Becker (7). He could do nothing about the goals, which were placed into the corner or from close range, but gave possession away cheaply a couple of times. Couple of good saves early in the second half, including from a free-kick, and then one from Danny Welbeck a little later on too.

Conor Bradley (7). Getting another opportunity to impress and stake a claim ahead of the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, just a couple of days after he signed a new four-year contract, he created the first goal with an underlapping run and some great composure. Popped up a few times in the final third and probably should have scored in the first half.

Ibrahima Konate (7). The idea in the long term must be for the Frenchman to move into the Virgil van Dijk role as the leader at the heart of the back four (assuming he signs a new contract to keep him at Anfield). This was a chance for him to take the leading role and he did well enough, helping those around him through the game. Didn’t do a great deal wrong.

Jarell Quansah (7). Given another go at the heart of the Liverpool defense in his favored position, Quansah stepped out well with the ball and showed lots of composure. Impressive in the middle, but he has always been capable of that. Conceded three goals but played well enough.

Kostas Tsimikas (6). In ahead of Andy Robertson, the Greek was beaten a couple of times in wide areas by Yankuba Minteh, who can be a tricky customer. Going forward, he didn’t offer a great deal.

Ryan Gravenberch (7). The Dutchman was not hugely involved going forward but he didn’t need to be. He kept things ticking over. The midfield was more open than Slot would have liked, but that wasn’t his fault.

Dominik Szoboszlai (8). Operating in the deeper role for Liverpool, the Hungary captain was spraying passes around and offering his usual energy, just from a different starting point, in the first half. There is definitely a world in which he plays here more often in the future, but there is also Alexis Mac Allister to consider. He was very good in the time he was on the pitch.

Harvey Elliott (7). Fully deserving of another chance to impress after his difficult game against Chelsea, he opened the scoring after a really nice move involving Bradley and Salah. Got the assist for the second Liverpool goal but Szoboszlai should take most of the credit for that one!

Mohamed Salah (6). Captain with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold both absent from the Liverpool starting XI, the Egyptian wasn’t getting much joy out wide. Somehow missed a half-empty goal from eight yards out.

Federico Chiesa (6). Making his first start in the Premier League and getting his first proper minutes since scoring in the Carabao Cup final, the Italian linked the play quite well and did his best to press and harry his opponents. Slot hasn’t used him much but this was a decent enough showing considering that.

Cody Gakpo (6). He scored and played well against Brighton here in the Carabao Cup in October, but while he showed some nice touches here, he wasn’t hugely involved. Van Dijk loved his running back to dive in and head a cross away in the first half, enthusiastically applauding from the bench, but he would have wanted to do a bit more going the other way.

Substitutes

Darwin Nunez (5). The traveling fans sang his name when he chased the ball down the channel a couple of times. Apart from that, he didn’t really do anything noticeable.

Luis Diaz (6). Looked quick but lacking a bit of extra quality needed to get the better of Mats Wieffer.

Curtis Jones (6). Sharp when he came on, and keen to make an impression. He was bright and kept the ball moving quickly.

Wataru Endo (6). Replaced Bradley when he tired, rather than Trent Alexander-Arnold. Played right-back and slotted in dutifully.

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