Liverpool player ratings vs Brighton: Araújo earns 9/10 as Barcola and Isak help secure Anfield victory

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Ronald Araújo earns Dave.Sport’s highest Liverpool rating after contributing at both ends in the 2-0 victory over Brighton.

Bradley Barcola also impressed, creating Alexander Isak’s goal after Florian Wirtz’s deflected effort had gone down as a Pascal Groß own goal.

Our Liverpool–Brighton match coverage follows the result and its significance, while the confirmed line-ups explain Iraola’s changes.

These are Dave.Sport’s editorial marks, informed by published reporting and match statistics. All ratings are out of 10.

Araújo leads the defensive ratings

Alisson — 5/10

A clean sheet does not erase the misplaced pass that preceded Yasin Ayari hitting the post. Liverpool escaped a costly error in possession.

Ronald Araújo — 9/10

Helped create the opening goal, forced Bart Verbruggen into a save and supplied important defensive interventions. His influence extended well beyond his own penalty area.

Jérémy Jacquet — 8/10

His blocking and positioning helped contain Brighton when the visitors threatened. A strong contribution to preserving the early advantage.

Virgil van Dijk — 8/10

Won five of his six aerial duels, according to This Is Anfield’s post-match assessment. His work dealing with deliveries was particularly valuable in the difficult conditions.

Milos Kerkez — 6/10

Provided energy on the left, although his attacking influence diminished. A useful contribution without matching Araújo’s impact on the opposite flank.

Barcola supplies the decisive attacking moment

Ryan Gravenberch — 7/10

His aerial work and defensive discipline helped Liverpool protect their lead. Some first-half gaps prevent a higher mark.

Alexis Mac Allister — 6/10

Worked hard but was less convincing with his passing and headed a first-half opportunity wide. A functional afternoon rather than a particularly incisive one.

Bradley Barcola — 8/10

His pressure on Boscagli, acceleration to reach the loose ball and delivery for Isak turned persistence into a goal. Liverpool’s most influential attacking contribution.

Florian Wirtz — 7/10

Reacted to the loose ball and forced the own goal with his shot. Replaced after appearing in discomfort; the withdrawal should not obscure his part in the breakthrough.

Cody Gakpo — 6/10

Found opportunities to threaten and tested Verbruggen, but several promising breaks ended with the wrong decision. His final action needed to be sharper.

Alexander Isak — 8/10

Converted Barcola’s delivery to put Liverpool firmly in command. He did not need to dominate possession to provide the finish the move required.

The balance between Liverpool’s attacking contributions and their mistakes is also examined in Express Sport’s assessment, carried by AOL.

Nyoni makes his introduction count

Trey Nyoni — 7/10

An important intervention stopped Maxim De Cuyper shortly after he came on. Supplied immediate defensive value.

Lewis Koumas — 6/10

Offered running behind Brighton’s defence after replacing Isak. A useful outlet, without a decisive contribution.

Rio Ngumoha — 6/10

A quieter attacking appearance than Liverpool supporters have recently seen from him. Worked through the closing stages without producing a clear opening.

Kostas Tsimikas — NR

Introduced too late for a meaningful assessment.

Unused substitutes: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, James McConnell and Federico Chiesa.

Brighton’s standout: Bart Verbruggen — 7/10

Denied Gakpo and Araújo as Liverpool sought to extend their lead. The two goals conceded do not fairly reflect the saves he made to keep Brighton in the contest.

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