Liverpool player ratings: Rio Ngumoha and Alexis Mac Allister shine as Van Dijk struggles against Villarreal

Rio Ngumoha’s creativity and Alexis Mac Allister’s finishing rescued Liverpool in a 4-3 comeback win, but their captain endured a difficult evening.

Liverpool’s player ratings reflect a match in which their attack repeatedly repaired the damage done in defence.

Mac Allister scored twice, while Ngumoha supplied the assists for Ronald Araujo’s equaliser and the Argentine’s second goal. Florian Wirtz also made a decisive contribution from the bench.

How we rate: These are Dave.Sport editorial assessments out of 10, based on the documented match action and reporting. They are separate from automated provider scores. NR means insufficient playing time or evidence for a fair mark.

Liverpool player ratings vs Villarreal

Alisson — 6/10

Left exposed by the defending in front of him. Made routine stops, but this was an evening largely decided by Liverpool’s errors and their response further forward.

Ronald Araujo — 6.5/10

His far-post header made it 2-2 before the interval, a major contribution at a critical moment. Less convincing with his deliveries from right-back and replaced at half-time.

Jeremy Jacquet — 5.5/10

An uncertain first half, particularly when Liverpool tried to hold their defensive line. Improved after the break without making this a convincing defensive performance.

Virgil van Dijk — 4/10

His attempted back-header handed Mikautadze the opening goal. An unusually hesitant display from the captain, whose early mistakes helped put Liverpool in trouble.

Kostas Tsimikas — 6/10

Played Cardona onside for Villarreal’s second, but his corner supplied Mac Allister’s first. His attacking contribution mattered; the defensive lapse cannot be overlooked.

Ryan Gravenberch — 6.5/10

More effective after moving to right-back following Araujo’s withdrawal. Adapted to the change and offered useful defensive interventions after a subdued opening half.

Trey Nyoni — 6/10

Some tidy passing, but Villarreal’s early movement exposed gaps around him. Went close from distance and benefited as Liverpool gained control after the interval.

Alexis Mac Allister — 9/10

Scored the goal that started the recovery and the one that put Liverpool ahead. His header from Tsimikas’ corner arrived when the hosts badly needed something to change.

Then came the close-range finish from Ngumoha’s delivery. Two different contributions, both central to turning a likely defeat into three points.

Rio Ngumoha — 9/10 — Dave.Sport player of the match

The player who kept offering Liverpool a way forward, even during their poor start. His cross found Araujo for the equaliser, and his run and delivery created Mac Allister’s second.

The documented match action captures the end product. The greater significance was his ability to disrupt Villarreal’s defence when Liverpool needed an individual to change the game.

Cody Gakpo — 7/10

Created the opening for Wirtz’s finish and offered a useful threat from the left. Ngumoha took the headlines, but Gakpo also contributed to Liverpool’s attacking recovery.

Lewis Koumas — 6/10

Worked to provide a focal point and narrowly failed to connect with promising deliveries. A willing performance, although the decisive finishes came from elsewhere.

Substitutes

Florian Wirtz — 8/10

Introduced at half-time and supplied the fourth goal with a composed low finish. What appeared to be insurance became the winning margin after Villarreal’s late reply.

Alexander Isak — 6/10

Found promising positions after replacing Koumas, but could not add a goal. A quieter contribution than Liverpool’s other senior attacking substitute.

Bradley Barcola — 6/10

Replaced Ngumoha for the closing stages. Had a limited attacking impact after the winger’s decisive contribution.

Joe Gomez — 6/10

Introduced for Jacquet as Liverpool sought to protect their advantage. No clear individual error in Villarreal’s late goal.

James McConnell — NR

A late replacement for Nyoni, with too little involvement for a meaningful mark.

Liverpool’s perfect European start continues, but the contrast between their best and worst performances was stark. Ngumoha and Mac Allister earned the win; the defensive problems remain an issue before Brighton’s visit.

The injuries to Szoboszlai and Frimpong explain some of Iraola’s selection decisions, but Liverpool still need greater security from those available.