Liverpool player ratings against Brentford: Reds cruise to victory despite three 6/10s

Here are our player ratings from a match which saw Liverpool’s new style in full flow.

Liverpool 2 Brentford 0 (Diaz 13’; Salah 70’)

Starting XI: Allison, Robertson, Van Dijk, Konate, Alexander- Arnold, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Diaz, Jota, Salah

Allison: 9/10

It was another comfortable afternoon for Allison, who kept his second clean sheet of the season after facing only two shots on goal by Brentford. After catching a Lewis Potter shot that was heading for the bottom corner late in the first half, his only big test came from an Ajer header in the 55th minute, which he saved well and then punched out of the danger zone.

Robertson: 8/10

After a slow start last weekend at Ipswich, Andy Robertson was back to his brilliant best. Full of energy as per usual, he had a shot at the near post saved in the first half and was denied what looked a certain goal in the second half when his header went straight at Flekken in the Brentford goal. Much of Liverpool’s approach play down the right was much slower and more precise, however out on the left it was Robertson’s ability to drive quickly with the ball and get into advanced positions which caused problems for Brentford.

Van Dijk: 9/10

Similarly to Allison, Virgil Van Dijk is yet to face a proper test in the Premier League thus far this season. It was a game which, on paper, looked like it could be a tough battle for the Liverpool captain, who was directly up against two strikers in Mbeumo and Wissa in the absence of Ivan Toney. In reality, Brentford were unable to get at the Dutch centre-half who was able to control the tempo of the game with his passing out from the back.

Konate: 8/10

The same can be said for Konate, who was the only change that Slot made from the starting XI last weekend. Konate defended well and came out with the ball successfully. After much speculation before a ball was kicked this season, he now looks to be cementing his place as Liverpool’s first choice right sided centre back ahead of Quansah.

Alexander-Arnold: 9/10

Despite Lewis-Potter managing to get the wrong side of him once or twice, Trent’s defending was solid throughout the game. Like usual, though, it was his attacking ability which made him one of the standout figures in a good Liverpool display. He took up an extremely high position when Liverpool were building up from the back, usually between the lines of the Brentford midfield and defence. This allowed him to get onto the ball in the final third, causing trouble all day with his catalogue of different passes, which were all on show in the second half.

Gravenberch: 9/10

Ryan Gravenberch started as a sitting midfielder once again for Liverpool on Sunday. As someone who is very much learning on the job, many questions have been asked about his aggression and natural ability to win the ball, but he answered many of those questions in this performance. He stopped counter attacks and broke down play while remaining silky on the ball. His first real test in his new make-shift position may well come at Old Trafford next Sunday.

Mac Allister: 6/10

The majority of Liverpool’s attacks came down their right-hand side, meaning in turn Mac Allister didn’t see as much of the ball as he might usually do. When he did get on the ball, he was in second gear, looking at ease in the middle of the park. After such an influential season last campaign, the Argentinian will, however, be desperate to get back to being at the centre of everything Liverpool do and dictate games once more.

Szoboszlai: 8/10

Differently, Domonic Szoboszlai benefited from Liverpool attacking Brentford’s left so frequently. Following on from last season, there was good link up between himself, Salah and Trent. The trio’s movement and passing was brilliant throughout. His runs past the striker caused problems for the Brentford back line and the Hungarian completed the full 90 despite being cautioned in the first 45.

Diaz: 10/10

Luis Diaz was criticised last week by some after squandering a few big chances on the opening day of the season and failing to register a goal or assist. It’s been a topic of discussion for a while now, with the Columbian often performing well but not having the numbers to back it up. Today, however he both scored and assisted. For all Liverpool’s patient passing throughout Arne Slot’s first competitive game at Anfield, it was a Jurgen Klopp-esque counterattack goal which opened the scoring early on. From one end to the other, the front three were all involved in the goal, which was added to with 20 minutes to go when Diaz found Salah to make it two.

Jota: 6/10

A six out of ten may be slightly harsh on Diogo Jota, whose fast breakaway and perfectly timed ball set Diaz up to make it 1-0 after 13 minutes. Nonetheless, other than this piece of brilliance Liverpool’s centre forward failed to keep possession for the most part of the game. The ball just wouldn’t stick for Jota in the first half, and many of his passes went wayward, while his attempts to hold the ball up didn’t work. He was eventually substituted for Darwin Nunez in the 72nd minute but will still be hoping to lead the line for Liverpool away at Manchester United at the same time next week.

Salah: 9/10

Mo Salah had yet another successful day, scoring his second of the season to make it 2-0. It was a brilliant finish which saw him go through in a similar position to his goal at Portman Road last week, however this time he lifted it over the keeper’s outstretched arm rather than poking it under. It’s a finish which has become his trademark, and he will be hoping to make it three in three and continue his impressive goal scoring record against Man Utd on Sunday.

Substitutions

Gakpo (72nd minute): 7/10

Cody Gakpo wasn’t able to have a huge impact in the 20 or so minutes he was on the field, with Liverpool content to hold onto their lead and take their foot off the gas by time he entered the fray. He looked sharp at times, twisting and turning away from defenders.

Nunez (72nd minute): 6/10

It’s unfair to be too critical of Nunez, whose twenty minutes today were his first of the new season. His contributions were, however, not great ones. He was caught offside unnecessarily after a cross from Elliot, which was something he did far to often last season, and he took the ball off the head of Cody Gakpo while stretching for a header.

Bradley (72nd minute): 8/10

Trent Alexander-Arnold didn’t seem too pleased leaving the field, but when you’ve got talent such as Connor Bradley sitting on your bench it’s hard not to give him a run out. The youngster impressed once again, being heavily involved and looks to be more than an able deputy at right back for this season.

Elliot (83rd minute): 7/10

Harvey Elliot will be desperate to break into Liverpool’s first 11 in the coming months, but he will need more than seven minutes to show the new manager his worth. By the time he got himself into the game it was over. He will be craving some more gametime in order to give his boss, who seems to have already decided on his best 11, more of a selection headache.

Endo (91 st minute): N/A.