Sunderland 0 – 1 Liverpool Premier League Player Ratings
The Premier League saw the faltering Premier League champions travel to face the overachieving promoted hosts at the Stadium of Light.
Virgil van Dijk has scored more Premier League goals for Liverpool than any other defender in the competition’s history (23).
Sammi Hyypia’s record has been broken. 👀 pic.twitter.com/9VWsh21DSD
— Squawka (@Squawka) February 11, 2026
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Alisson Becker – 7.0
The giant Brazilian stopper was largely untested in a routine first half as the Reds dominated the opening 45 minutes.
After the restart, the Reds’ world-class keeper was alert and safe when called upon as the home side fought to get something from this game.
Wataru Endō – 7.0
The Japanese international was diligent and tactically aware as he undertook a defensive role at fullback.
When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga warrior was willing until a horrendous injury.
Subbed – 68 mins
Andy Robertson – 7.0
The Scotland international skipper was keen to overlap and offer support and was able to deliver good chances into the opposition’s penalty area.
After the break, the explosive full-back was able to offer much-needed experience as the hosts looked to level the game. Produced a superb cross that Ekitike should have scored.
Ibrahima Konate – 8.0
The French international was commanding and combative as the rare counterattacks were dealt with.
In the second half, the former RB Leipzig man was key to a number of strong challenges as the hosts fought to come back into the game.
Virgil van Dijk – 8.0
The captain and leader of this team was vocal and assertive as they organised their team to stay together against the countering team.
After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was the man to open the scoring with a giant leap and header from another corner.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0
The Netherlands international was progressive and able to carry the ball in spells, as the Reds midfielder saw plenty of it.
In the second half the former Ajax product was effective in both halves as he looked to cover ground and affect the game positively.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0
The Argentine international was keen to control and advance, as rare urgency was apparent in the under-fire champions.
After the break, the former Brighton star was unable to maintain the physicality required that was on show in a better first half.
Hugo Ekitike – 6.0
The French striker was well patrolled and frustrated by the organisation and lack of space around him.
After the half-time break, the former PSG prodigy was able to link up in the early stages as he continued to work hard for his side. Should have headed home from a superb chance.
Subbed – 87 mins
Florian Wirtz – 8.0
The German attacker was the most creative and likely source of a goal as he struck the upright and tested the Sunderland goal with venom.
In the second half, the world-class technician was again the instigator of all things productive as he pulled the strings whenever the visitors looked dangerous.
Man of the match
Mohamed Salah – 6.0
The record-breaking attacker was in and out of the opening half as avenues closed quickly around him.
After the break, the former Chelsea forward was lacking in play as he failed to ignite multiple chances to attack. A fine corner for the opening goal.
Cody Gakpo – 5.0
The Dutch attacker spurned a few good opportunities to create as his desire to cut in saw him head continually into traffic.
After the intermission, the former PSV attacker was more varied after the break as he looked to link the forward line through intelligent movement and clever interplay.
Subbed – 74 mins
Substitutions;
Joe Gomez – 7.0 (on 68)
Came on to offer experience.
Curtis Jones – 7.0 (on 74)
Came on to offer more solidity in midfield.
Federico Chiesa – 6.0 (on 87)
Came on.
The Manager;
Arne Slot – 7.0
Was always likely to field much of the same side that lost to Manchester City, as he again ignored Calvin Ramsay as a starting option at right back.
The substitutions were a mixture of necessity and the need to react to the game state.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;
Sunderland 1 – 2 Liverpool
