Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool: Player Ratings
The Premier League return saw the Reds travel to Suffolk and face the newly promoted Tractor Boys, Ipswich Town.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Alexander Isak wasted no time 🔥
His two goals inside nine minutes gave Liverpool the lead for the first time this season. pic.twitter.com/ZMIXjeYPb5
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 4, 2026
Alisson Becker – 8.0
The giant Brazilian stopper was a steady and vital component as the home team caused issues with their direct play.
After the restart, the Reds’ keeper was called upon to receive the ball and make sure a clean sheet was kept. Always elite handling.
Ronald Ara̼jo Р7.0
The Brazil international was a little nervy early on as possession in tight areas tested the giant and his resolve. More measured and more concentrated off the ball, which is what was lacking in that position.
When the match resumed, the former La Liga star was very alert to dangers and locked down his flank.
Milos Kerkez – 7.0
The Hungarian international was a steady outlet and gave good defensive stability despite his clear desire to stay high.
After the break, the exciting full-back was keen to be the diligent version we need and defended his position well.
J̩r̩my Jacquet Р7.0
The France under-21 international was well positioned to deal with runners and made sure he cleared his lines when called upon.
In the second half, the exciting prodigy was a little nervous and caught out with the loose ball on two occasions, one of which led to a booking.
Virgil van Dijk – 8.0
The captain and leader of this team was vocal and assertive as he tried to ensure the early lead was not in vain. Became more aggressive and showed great composure at times.
After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was keen to clear lines and push his team over the line.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8.0
The Argentina international was the deeper of the double pivot and looked to control the tempo whilst offering a shield against counterattacks.
After the intermission, the midfield man was very diligent and covered every blade of grass in a fine performance.
Subbed – 83 mins
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0
The Hungarian international was keen to assert midfield control as he continues to learn this new role. Twisted the keeper with venomous strikes on three powerful occasions.
When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga star lacked positional discipline and was moved to the right to offer more attacking options.
Florian Wirtz – 6.0
The attacking midfielder was peripheral early on as Gakpo took the creative control. Unlucky not to see his assist allowed, as the offside was given to avert three first-half goals.
After the restart, the former Bayer Leverkusen man was lacking in aggression as the opportunities came and went.
Subbed – 89 mins
Alexander Isak – 9.0
The Sweden international was unstoppable, scoring two brilliantly taken goals in the opening ten minutes. The first was an unstoppable strike through the near post and the second a clinical pass into the net after superb footwork.
In the second half, the former Newcastle attacker was unable to add the third.
Subbed – 63 mins
Man of the Match
VÃctor Muñoz – 7.0
The Spanish winger was lively and created space for others with purpose in his ball carrying. Needed a little more end product as his Diogo Jota-like rampaging eventually saw him crowded out.
After the break, the World Cup winner was unable to make anything stick before leaving the field.
Subbed – 63 mins
Cody Gakpo – 8.0
The Dutch player was superb early on as he assisted Isak twice in quick succession. Used the ball well but still needed to use the outside as a passing outlet or running avenue.
After the intermission, the former PSV man was a little less impactful as the game progressed from end to end.
Substitutions:
Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0 (on 63)
Came on to add a little more energy in the middle.
Bradley Barcola – 6.0 (on 63)
Came on to add more pace.
Trey Nyoni – 6.0 (on 83)
Came on to add more defensive awareness.
Lewis Koumas – 6.0 (on 89)
Came on to add desire.
The Manager:
Andoni Iraola – 8.0
The starting lineup was as expected, with Ryan Gravenberch again sitting on the bench and Jeremie Frimpong taken out of the firing line.
The second-half substitutes were needed in the fast-paced game as control was not always available.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:
Ipswich 1-3 Liverpool
