Liverpool Player Ratings vs Brentford: Szoboszlai Shines But Let Down by Teammates in Another Defeat
Liverpool fell to a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat after a 3–2 loss to Brentford, leaving Arne Slot’s side in deep trouble and still searching for form.
The Reds had hoped to build on their midweek Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt, but their defensive frailties resurfaced yet again. Dango Outtara opened the scoring—Liverpool’s sixth straight game conceding first—after brilliantly meeting a long throw from Michael Kayode.
Before the break, Kevin Schade punished more poor defending to double Brentford’s lead. Milos Kerkez briefly pulled one back, finishing Conor Bradley’s cross, but Igor Thiago restored the hosts’ two-goal advantage from the spot after a foul by Virgil van Dijk.
Mohamed Salah scored a late consolation, yet it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback. The reigning champions remain without a league win since September 20, and their hopes of retaining the title appear to be slipping away.
Here’s how the Liverpool players rated on a disappointing afternoon in London:
Liverpool Player Ratings
Giorgi Mamardashvili – 5
Still searching for his first clean sheet in six matches. Needs to command his box more confidently and appeared uneasy with the ball at his feet. Made two good saves from Damsgaard but was beaten too easily for Schade’s goal and had no chance with the penalty.
Conor Bradley – 5
Conceded the throw-in that led to the opening goal and struggled defensively for most of the game. His assist for Kerkez slightly redeemed an otherwise below-par performance. A step backward after his solid outing against Frankfurt.
Ibrahima Konate – 5
Caught napping for the second goal and failed to coordinate with Van Dijk. Schade exploited his poor positioning far too easily. Both center-backs have plenty of work to do.
Virgil van Dijk – 5
Now eight matches without a clean sheet. While he made some important clearances, he didn’t organize the backline effectively. The penalty decision against him looked soft, but the challenge was clumsy for a player of his experience.
Milos Kerkez – 5
Struggled against Outtara and lacked composure in possession. Took his goal well just before halftime, but that moment couldn’t mask another inconsistent showing. Booked.
Curtis Jones – 6
Started brightly before injury forced him off. Continued his good form from midweek with sharp passing and smart movement. Linked well with Kerkez in one dangerous attack, though the final ball lacked quality.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7 (⭐ Man of the Match)
Liverpool’s standout performer once again. Worked tirelessly to press, win the ball back, and drive the team forward. His assist for Salah’s goal capped another impressive display. The fact that the team relies so heavily on his energy is worrying for the Reds.
Florian Wirtz – 5
After two assists in Europe, this was a disappointing step down. Missed a clear chance to equalize early on and struggled to cope with Brentford’s physicality. Needs to adapt quickly to Premier League intensity.
Mohamed Salah – 5
Restored to the starting lineup but barely featured in the first half. Took his goal well late on to avoid a lower rating, yet overall was far from his usual sharpness. Booked.
Hugo Ekitike – 5
Unlucky when his defensive header led to a Brentford counter and their second goal. Offered little threat in attack and looked short of confidence. One deflected shot aside, he had minimal impact.
Cody Gakpo – 5
Came into the game in good form but struggled to impose himself. Linked up well with Salah once, but his decision-making and final ball were lacking. Had a penalty shout waved away.
Substitutes
Andy Robertson (for Kerkez 62’) – 6
Brought some energy down the left, but the damage had already been done.
Alexis Mac Allister (for Bradley 62’) – 6
Kept the ball moving but didn’t provide much penetration.
Federico Chiesa (for Gakpo 62’) – 6
Tried to inject creativity but couldn’t influence the game.
Rio Ngumoha (for Jones 70’) – 6
Showed enthusiasm but no major impact.
Joe Gomez (for Wirtz 83’) – N/A
Too late to rate.
Verdict:
Dominik Szoboszlai once again stood out as Liverpool’s lone bright spark, but he was let down by the lack of cohesion and defensive discipline around him. With a fourth straight league defeat, Arne Slot’s side faces serious questions about form, leadership, and mentality
