Join AI Pro

Brentford vs Liverpool Premier League Clash: A Comprehensive Player Rating Overview

Match Summary: Liverpool’s Dominant Performance at Brentford

Matchday 25 saw the Reds travel to mid-table placed Brentford, a week before the EFL Cup Final. Despite a back-and-forth beginning to the encounter, the visitors soon took control and dominated from the moment Darwin scored. The scoreline reflected the result and it could have been more. Welcome back, Mohamed Salah.

Player Performances: Liverpool’s Standouts

Caoimhin Kelleher – 8.0
The world’s greatest goalkeeper was missing with a hamstring complaint, which meant his deputy retained his place once more. The 25-year-old produced a strong overall performance, with the Ivan Toney goal only coming after a neat safe and close-range follow-up. Pulled out a brilliant save late on to keep the scores very one-sided.

Andy Robertson – 7.0
The return of the Scot is perfect timing for the former Hull man, who will be hoping for an EFL  final starting spot against Chelsea. His energy and tenacity were on point and he was always willing to cover round his captain. With a desire to support his Colombian wingman, the recent injury returnee was a constant option when the Reds moved forward.

Conor Bradley – 8.0
The young Northern Irishman returned to the team, following some devastation and compassionate leave. His on-and-off ball game is looking so on point and he has even ousted Joe Gomez from the weekend lineup for this match. Much of his game was embroiled in the attacking intent, with an ability to link with both the midfield and forward lines.

Ibrahima Konaté – 8.0
The French international came back into the side after his one-game suspension. Was combative and alert in the face of the brilliant Ivan Toney, as until the goal was conceded, his ability to clear the ball and protect his novice keeper was as required. So good, so often now.

Virgil van Dijk – 9.0
The captain and leader of this team, his availability is crucial to success. Was commanding and determined against a side which gave him so many troubles last season. Cleared everything that came his way and defended superbly against one of the Premier League’s in-form strikers, Ivan Toney. His defensive clearance allowed the opening goal to avail itself. Superb.

Curtis Jones – 6.0
The future England midfielder was his usual disciplined and efficient self until that first-half injury. A worrying wait will now ensue until a scan reveals the extent of the complaint.
Subbed – 34 mins

Alexis Mac Allister – 8.0
The Argentina World Cup winner was a continual presence in the middle, without Trent Alexander Arnold there to control the on-ball patterns of play. Another game of smart play and forming a decent double pivot with his Japan teammate was another plus point. His goal was built upon a desire to get into the box and he continues to show himself to be the all round midfielder.
Subbed – 83 mins

Wataru Endo – 7.0
The Japan captain did what was needed and offered both protection and good on-ball moments. His simplicity immersed wonderfully with the more creative pieces as he was able to add the brute amongst the brilliance. A brilliant summer signing.

Luis Díaz – 8.0
The Colombian flyer was infectious and unplayable, as his tricky dribbling was a constant cause for Brentford’s complaints. Was unlucky not to score in the second half and helped himself to an assist for the final goal.

Darwin Núñez – 8.0
The Uruguayan raging bull was a bundle of energy and chaos, which saw him drive forward off a Liverpool break to score the solitary goal of the first half. His direct run and tremendous chipped finish were a delight and his season numbers look wonderful. A head injury and the fact that two half-time substitutions had been made, saw him strategically replaced at half-time.
Subbed – 45 mins

Diogo Jota – 8.0
The Portuguese attacker was a constant menace and option for his teammates, with a roving first half on the pitch. His strength and desire created the assist to Darwin’s wonderful finish, however, the injury on the stroke of halftime is a worrying one.
Subbed – 44 mins

Subs;

Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0 (on 34)
Came on with a want to impress a questioning fanbase. He was good in possession and showed some neat play against a lacklustre opposition.

Mohamed Salah – 9.0 (on 44)
Came on to steal the show and offer a glimpse of what a rested Egyptian King can offer in these final few months of the season. A great goal and a continuing factor in that second-half display.
Man of the Match

Cody Gakpo –  8.0 (on 45)
Came on to offer a differing movement through the middle and scored a neat goal, after producing a nodded assist for his returning substitute mate, Salah.

Harvey Elliott – 6.0 (on 83)
Came on to offer energy.

Joe Homez –  6.0 (on 83)
Came on to offer power and increased defensive support.

The Manager;
Jürgen Klopp – 10.0
The German manager was again hamstrung by muscular injuries and his team perhaps represented that which will mainly start the final next weekend.

The horrible pair of injuries meant proactive decisions were needed, which were carried out without hesitation. The timing of the halftime substitution was clever and allowed a further double change later on. He is pushing his men to hurt teams and it is working.

Pre-match Prediction;
Brentford 1 – 2 Liverpool

Steven Smith

Join AI Pro