Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Brighton as Milos Kerkez good but two 5/10

Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Brighton as Milos Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai played well but two of Arne Slot's players could only score 5/10

Milos Kerkez scored for Liverpool against Brighton.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

AMEX STADIUM, BRIGHTON // Liverpool lost yet more ground in the race for the Champions League places as attacking injuries proved costly against Brighton.

In the first half, which was delayed by 15 minutes because of congestion outside the stadium, Hugo Ekitike limped off before Brighton took the lead after a Giorgi Mamardashvili pass and then some static defending. Liverpool then leveled through Milos Kerkez's cool finish after another error, this time by Lewis Dunk.

Welbeck, after a VAR check for a tight offside, put Brighton in front in the second half, with Liverpool shaky at the back again. It was, ultimately, those moments of uncertainty that the home side exploited and Liverpool couldn't.

Winners

Milos Kerkez had his best game for Liverpool during the 4-0 victory over Galatasaray a few days ago, so it was no shock that he was in the starting XI once again. Here, he scored and looked solid at the back; the ideal combination.

His national team captain, Dominik Szoboszlai, was another good performer, mainly in the first half, but that will come as no surprise as he played in midfield. Arne Slot needs to ensure that remains the case moving forward.

Losers

Hugo Ekitike was only able to play for eight minutes of the game due to an injury that he sustained early on. The Frenchman has been excellent this season, and Alexander Isak is not back yet, so that will be a concern.

Giorgi Mamardashvili didn't have a great game, either. His passing needs work, though he is not to blame for the chemistry in the Liverpool defense not being the same as normal — for that, the only way to improve is to play matches.

Yankuba Minteh gave Jeremie Frimpong a tough test too, and Ibrahima Konate fell apart in the second half.

Player ratings

Giorgi Mamardashvili (6). Getting another chance because of Alisson Becker's latest setback, some of his distribution didn't help those in front of him, like when the ball went out for a throw-in just before the opening goal. He could have been more decisive in coming to collect a couple of balls over the top too, but made a couple of good saves.

Jeremie Frimpong (5). It was worth taking the risk — if there was a risk — with his fitness ahead of the international break in order to get Szoboszlai in his best position. Got forward a few times but was outmuscled on occasion and Yankuba Minteh caused him lots of issues when trying to get in behind. Booked on one such occasion and was rightly replaced in the second half.

Ibrahima Konate (5). Couldn't control the ball for the throw that led to the opener but dealt well with some later runners from the Brighton midfield. A few times, he needed to be stronger in the tackle or in the air and lost his way.

Virgil van Dijk (6). Fine at the back but nothing more. Welbeck gave him a few more problems than most, and Brighton pressed him well, forcing him into a couple of rushed passes that saw possession turned over.

Milos Kerkez (7). He put in his best performance in a Liverpool jersey to date midweek, and was looking to build on it. Scoring a goal with a nice finish after he latched onto Lewis Dunk's error, he was impressive again and solid defensively in the main.

Dominik Szoboszlai (6). Playing in his best role (in midfield), he was clearly in a confident mood to begin with. A couple of free-kicks went over the bar but he was playing with a spring in his step. His influence waned in the second half, though.

Ryan Gravenberch (6). Helped once again by Szoboszlai being alongside him, he wasn't anywhere near as exposed as he has been at times this season. Good on the ball but needed to take things by the scruff of the neck a little more.

Alexis Mac Allister (6). Facing his former club, he forced a good save from Bart Verbruggen when he headed an effort down into the corner. Like Gravenberch, benefitted from having a powerful runner next to him, but couldn't really leave his mark on things.

Florian Wirtz (6). Starting more in a front two but kind of from the right, the German was largely tidy when he was on the ball but wasn't as involved as he sometimes is. Performed a role for the team but wasn't that effective.

Cody Gakpo (6). Back into the team with Mohamed Salah having picked up an injury, he was needed down the center, which isn't his best role, but he did it well enough for a while. Often outnumbered and couldn't have many shots. Frustrated.

Hugo Ekitike (n/a). Taken off after eight minutes due to injury, in a potentially big blow to both his debut season and the Reds' chances of making the Champions League spots.

Substitutes

Curtis Jones (6). Slotted in on the left when he came on only a few minutes into the game. Got up to speed quickly but like Wirtz, wasn't on the ball as much as he would like.

Rio Ngumoha (6). Brought on to inject life into a Liverpool team that was waning, he was never really able to get going. Dealt with well by the Brighton defense. Andy Robertson and Federico Chiesa also came on.