Liverpool Player Ratings vs PSV: Anfield Nightmare for Reds

Liverpool player ratings took a major hit as Arne Slot’s side suffered a 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV at Anfield, exposing severe defensive frailties and deepening the Reds’ European woes.

Liverpool Player Ratings: Early Penalty Sets the Tone

Liverpool player ratings began to tumble just six minutes into the encounter as captain Virgil van Dijk conceded a needless penalty. The Dutch defender’s raised arm led referee Alejandro Hernandez to award a spot-kick, coolly converted by former Tottenham star Ivan Perisic. This early setback set the tone for a night where Liverpool’s back line would be relentlessly exposed.

Szoboszlai’s Equalizer Offers Brief Hope

Despite the rocky start, Liverpool found a lifeline ten minutes later. PSV goalkeeper Matej Kovar parried Cody Gakpo’s powerful strike, but Dominik Szoboszlai was perfectly placed to finish from 12 yards out. The equalizer briefly reignited Anfield’s energy, and the Reds pressed forward, showcasing glimpses of the attacking dynamism that has been missing in their domestic campaign. Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and Hugo Ekitike all tested Kovar, but none could add to the score.

Defensive Errors Dominate Liverpool Player Ratings

The Liverpool player ratings plummeted again after halftime. A precise through-ball from Mauro Junior found Guus Til unmarked, and he slotted home to restore PSV’s lead. Moments later, an unforced error from Ibrahima Konate—misjudging a simple lofted pass—allowed PSV substitute Couhaib Driouech to pounce on a rebound and make it 3-1.

Driouech would strike again in added time, completing the rout and epitomizing Liverpool’s defensive collapse. The Anfield crowd could only respond with a chorus of boos as the final whistle confirmed another damaging defeat, leaving Liverpool stranded in 13th place in their Champions League phase group with three matches left.

Individual Liverpool Player Ratings Breakdown

• Giorgi Mamardashvili (4/10): Recalled after Alisson’s injury, Mamardashvili could do little about any of PSV’s four goals, repeatedly left exposed by his defense.
• Curtis Jones (4/10): Filling in at full-back, Jones battled valiantly but could not stem the tide of PSV attacks.
• Ibrahima Konate (3/10): A poor performance, capped by a crucial error for PSV’s third goal, and replaced with ten minutes remaining.
• Virgil van Dijk (3/10): The captain’s unnecessary handball led to the opener, and he struggled throughout despite hitting the bar with a header.
• Milos Kerkez (4/10): Looked solid early on but was caught out for PSV’s second goal.
• Alexis Mac Allister (5/10): Spent much of the match defending deep and grew frustrated with limited influence in attack.
• Ryan Gravenberch (5/10): Plenty of effort but little end product, highlighting Liverpool’s midfield issues.
• Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10): The standout performer, scoring Liverpool’s only goal and providing energy in midfield.
• Mohamed Salah (4/10): Largely anonymous and unable to inspire any attacking spark.
• Hugo Ekitike (5/10): Showed promise but failed to convert chances and departed injured after an hour.
• Cody Gakpo (5/10): Created openings but was ultimately frustrated against his former club.

Substitutes and Manager Assessments

• Alexander Isak (4/10): Introduced after Ekitike’s injury but had minimal impact.
• Federico Chiesa (4/10): Came on late, little contribution to affect the outcome.
• Arne Slot (3/10): The manager’s defensive woes persist, with no clear solutions in sight. Slot’s side failed to seize Champions League momentum as domestic struggles spilled into Europe.

What This Means for Liverpool’s Season

Liverpool player ratings reflect a side low on confidence and organization, especially at the back. Defensive lapses from both senior figures like van Dijk and newer faces have left the team vulnerable. With three matches remaining in the Champions League group stage and Premier League form also waning, urgent improvements are needed if the Reds are to salvage their season.

Opinion: Major Overhaul Required

Liverpool’s latest European collapse highlights the urgent need for defensive restructuring and renewed leadership. Confidence seems to be ebbing away with every error, and reliance on individual brilliance is no longer enough. Without decisive action—both tactically and in terms of personnel—Arne Slot’s tenure risks being defined by disappointment on both domestic and European fronts. For more news and in-depth analysis, visit for more news.