Player Ratings: Two 9/10’s as Liverpool Beat Brighton

Liverpool 2 – 0 Brighton – PL Player Ratings

The Reds returned to the Premier League, welcoming Brighton to a wind-swept Anfield.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

The giant Brazilian stopper was steady and alert to all dangers as he kept things simple and safe.

In the second half the former Roma keeper was again assured as the away side proved a very difficult adversary.

The international was superb at both ends early on. His physicality was needed to halt progression in his own box, whereas his powerful run created the opening goal.

After the break, the Barca loanee was again superb defensively as he locked down his side with excellence.

The Hungarian international was switched on to the dangers on the flank and started to make inroads with Gakpo going forward.

In the second 45 minutes, the former Bournemouth man was tested and stood up to all dangers with maturity.

The France international was brilliant with his reactions and positioning early on, making sure to get his body in the way of incoming danger.

In the second half, the former Ligue 1 star was once more able to use great decision-making and physicality to keep a tough opponent at bay.

The captain and leader of this team was aerially dominant and vocal in the opening half, rallying the Reds to keep their lead.

After the break, the former Saints skipper was as dominant as the first as new dangers kept coming his way.

The Argentina international was vital as the deepest midfielder, with an ability to add control and protection.

When the players came back out the former Brighton man was the best midfielder on the pitch and carried out his work very well.

The Dutch international was a little weak in the challenge as he struggled against the endeavour of his opponents.

When the second half resumed the former Ajax prodigy was better when moved out of the double pivot as he was able to give more opportunities around him without needing to be overly defensive.

The attacking midfielder was bright and industrious early on as he opened the scoring with a drilled effort that deflected in.

After the interval, the former Leverkusen man was unlucky to catch an injury and leave the field early.

The Swedish international was a constant goal threat who looked to make great runs and place himself in key areas. The goal was a brilliant poacher's effort to take the score to 2-0.

In the second half the former Newcastle hitman was a little more peripheral as the hosts took control.

The French winger was a jet-propelled threat and outlet as his pressure and determination created the second goal with great play.

Following the intermission the former PSG man was full of work and always a threat on the counter.

The creative player was a lovely balance finder as he looked to add finesse and the final movement to attacks.

After the break, the former PSV man was very good and created opportunities with power and incision.

Came on to offer more balance to midfield.

The starting lineup was as expected and the early stages of counter attacking superb.

The second-half substitutes were needed and brought the correct combination of energy and smarts.