Liverpool picked up what they hope will be the first of two wins against Brighton & Hove Albion this week as they overcame a dramatic Carabao Cup fourth round draw on the south coast.
Arne Slot has made an impressive start to life as Jurgen Klopp’s successor and secured another win on Wednesday night as Cody Gakpo struck twice along with a Luis Diaz effort as the Reds eventually secured a 3-0 win -2 after a late game comeback attempt. hosts
The Dutchman made several changes to his starting eleven, with many stars hoping to have done enough to feature when the Seagulls travel north for their Premier League meeting on Saturday.
But who made their cases the world of good and whose performances left a little to be desired? Here are Liverpool’s best and worst players against Brighton as determined 90 minutes player ratings.
Cody Steele – 9/10
There was hope that the arrival of a compatriot as coach would help unlock the skills that Cody Gakpo undoubtedly possesses.
It has been far from plain sailing so far, but the Netherlands international showed what he can do with a brilliant brace that finally turned the game in his side’s favour. His first was an absolute barnstormer, lashing home from distance, while his second showed ruthless finishing as he capitalized on a Tariq Lamptey error.
LiverpoolLuis Diaz’s left-back position has been reduced in recent seasons, with Gakpo often struggling to establish himself in a central role. However, he is now among the targets and will be desperate to retain his starting spot at the weekend.
Honorable Mentions
Vitezslav Jaros – 7/10
Vitezslav Jaros has already had more time with the first team than he would have expected this season. Caoimhin Kelleher, himself deputizing for the injured Alisson, was given the night off, giving the Czech international another chance after coming on as a substitute in the win at Crystal Palace.
He couldn’t push Evan Ferguson’s shot clear of danger before Simon Adingra gave Brighton hope, but Jaros also denied the Ivorian winger at full stretch and can be considered unlucky to concede twice full time
Luis Diaz – 7/10
It wasn’t the most impressive display from Luis Diaz, who started the season in scintillating goal-scoring form, propelling Liverpool to the top of the table. Premier League with its consistency in the last third.
However, the Colombian stayed in a lesser-known spot on the right and ended up scoring the winner just after Brighton had cut the deficit in half.
His place in the starting XI could still be under threat from Gakpo, but Diaz’s strike is likely to be enough to keep him firmly in Slot’s thoughts ahead of the weekend.
Jarell Quansah – 5/10
Youngster Jarell Quansah has a bright future ahead of him and looks set to make many more appearances for Liverpool, signed a contract extension at the beginning of October.
However, the 21-year-old defender definitely has some learning curve and quickness. Ferguson picked up a sloppy pass before Adingra scored and made Quansah’s chances of displacing Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate more permanently not good.
Slot has been ruthless with Quansah during his tenure so far, and by recent evidence, it’s much needed.
