Liverpool player ratings vs Brentford as Szoboszlai let down by his team-mates in loss…

Liverpool player ratings vs Brentford as Szoboszlai was let down by his teammates in defeat.

Liverpool suffered a fourth consecutive Premier League loss at Brentford after falling 2-0 behind.

The Reds experienced their fourth straight Premier League defeat as Brentford demonstrated that Arne Slot’s squad remains entrenched in a slump.

The team aimed to build on their midweek Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt but conceded the first goal for the sixth consecutive match when Dango Outtara capitalized on a superb long throw from Michael Kayode.

Before halftime, Kevin Schade took advantage of disorganized Liverpool defense to double the lead, but Milos Kerkez responded by converting a Conor Bradley cross to narrow the gap. Igor Thiago then restored Brentford’s two-goal lead with a penalty following a foul by Virgil van Dijk.

Mohamed Salah netted a late consolation goal, but the match concluded 3-2 in favor of Brentford. This result leaves the reigning champions without a league win since September 20, with their hopes of retaining the title nearly extinguished. Express Sport evaluates and critiques the Liverpool players following yet another loss…

Liverpool player ratings vs Brentford

Giorgi Mamardashvili – 5

He has yet to achieve a clean sheet in six matches. He needs to assert more control over his six-yard box, especially given his height, and he appeared shaky with his feet.

He made two excellent saves from long-range shots by Mikkel Damsgaard but was easily beaten by Schade and failed to reach the penalty.

Conor Bradley – 5

He conceded the throw-in that led to the first goal, perhaps unnecessarily, and overall had a disappointing performance aside from his assist for the Kerkez goal. This was a frustrating regression after his solid display against Frankfurt.

Ibrahima Konate – 5

He was caught off guard for the second goal and was completely out of sync with Virgil van Dijk, which allowed Schade to get the jump on him and score. He and his center-back partner have significant improvements to make.

Virgil van Dijk – 5

Hasn’t managed to secure a clean sheet for Liverpool in his last eight matches. Despite some commendable headed clearances, he must take control of a porous defense.

He was unfortunate with the penalty, which seemed rather soft, yet it was also a clumsy mistake for a player of his caliber.

Milos Kerkez – 5

He lacked authority against Dango when Brentford took a 1-0 lead. His performance on the ball was far from satisfactory, particularly in offensive situations, during his hour on the field.

He was in the right position to equalize before half-time, but this does not disguise another disappointing display. He received a booking.

Curtis Jones – 6

An injury cut his night short, raising concerns. He followed up his impressive Champions League performance with another match where he utilized the ball effectively and executed some clever passes that went unrewarded. One of his passes found Kerkez in a threatening position to deliver a cross, but the Hungarian sent the ball straight into Caoimhin Kelleher’s hands.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7

Once again, Liverpool’s standout player, and his assist at the end encapsulated his performance, as he pressed tirelessly to regain possession and then delivered a superb cross to Salah. The team heavily relies on his defensive energy, which is a significant concern. He is one of the very few players in the Liverpool squad performing close to their best level.

Florian Wirtz – 5

After providing two assists midweek, he should have equalized 20 minutes in but shot wide, and his impact diminished thereafter. He needs to adapt better to these physical encounters to start justifying his transfer fee.

Mohamed Salah – 5

Reintroduced to the starting lineup after being rested in Frankfurt, he was largely invisible in the first half, except for one opportunity set up by Gakpo. He was far from his best until a brilliant late touch and finish off the crossbar saved him from a 4/10 rating. He received a booking.

Hugo Ekitike – 5

His header from a corner fell to Dango Outtara, leading to a turnover that resulted in the second goal. In the second half, he had little influence on the game, aside from a shot that was deflected wide.

Cody Gakpo – 5

Three goals in three matches prior to this, but this performance was disappointing. He provided a good pass to Salah for an early opportunity, yet his decision-making was often questionable. He was involved in a penalty appeal, but it was not awarded.

Substitutes

Andy Robertson (Kerkez 62) – 6

The damage had already been done by the time he entered the game.

Alexis Mac Allister (Bradley 62) – 6

He had plenty of touches but made no significant impact.

Federico Chiesa (Gakpo 62) – 6

He attempted to influence the game but was unsuccessful.

Rio Ngumoha (Jones 70) – 6

Refer to the previous comment.

Joe Gomez (Wirtz 83) – N/A

He was brought on late in the match.