Liverpool 2-1 Everton Player Ratings: Ryan Gravenberch 9/10 Rated as the Reds Hang On For 2-1 Merseyside Derby Win

Liverpool hosted their city rivals at Anfield Stadium in gameweek 5 of the 2025/26 Premier League season. The Reds started the Merseyside derby a bit shakily, going back and forth without much control. Thanks to two quality moments, Liverpool maintained the scoreline 2-0 going into halftime. Gravenberch opened the scoring through a good finish after receiving a stunning cross from Salah. The Dutch midfielder then turned into a provider for Ekitike's goal.

The host looked to see out the game by retaining the harmless possession. Credit goes to Ndiaye for putting the ball on a plate for his teammate there. But credit to Everton, they didn't just roll over. A different team emerged after the break, and they clawed one back through a fantastic strike from Idrissa Gueye. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. The final half-hour was a nervy, wild affair as Liverpool hung on for a vital 2-1 victory in this match. Here are the Liverpool vs Everton player ratings.

Liverpool Player Ratings vs Everton

Here are the Liverpool player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Alisson - 6.5: Couldn't do much about the goal he conceded; it was a fine strike. He made a crucial save from Gueye in the first half but what drops his rating for us is the uncharacteristic error that led to a shot. He also wasn't as commanding with his distribution, losing possession nine times. A decent but not vintage performance from the Brazilian.

Defenders

Virgil van Dijk - 7.0: The captain was a solid presence for the most part, making 8 crucial clearances. What stood out to us was his composure on the ball, boasting a 92% pass accuracy. However, the defence did look a bit rattled once Everton scored, and he lost a couple of key aerial duels. A good, but not great, outing.

Ibrahima Konaté - 7.5: From our perspective, he was the better of the two centre-backs. He was an absolute monster in the air, winning an incredible 7 of his 8 aerial duels. His 8 clearances were vital in stemming the Everton tide in the second half. He was aggressive, strong, and read the game exceptionally well.

Milos Kerkez - 7.0: A really industrious performance down the left flank. He was solid defensively, winning six of his nine duels and making some important interceptions. He also offered something going forward, creating one chance and delivering a successful cross. We were impressed by his work rate throughout the 90 minutes.

Conor Bradley - 6.0: A tough day at the office for the young man. He seemed a little overwhelmed by the occasion, committing four fouls and struggling in his duels. While his effort was there, he was dribbled past too easily at times. This was a learning experience for him against tricky opposition.

Midfielders

Dominik Szoboszlai - 6.5: It was a frustrating game for the Hungarian. He showed flashes of his quality and recovered the ball seven times, but he was also very wasteful in possession, losing it 16 times. He picked up a needless yellow card and skied a free-kick. He just couldn't seem to find his rhythm.

Alexis Mac Allister - 6.0: A very quiet hour from the World Cup winner before he was substituted. He was tidy on the ball with 90% pass accuracy but failed to impose himself on the match. We barely noticed him, which is never a good sign for a player of his calibre.

Mohamed Salah - 7.5: He didn't score, but he was still a menace. He provided the assist for the opening goal and was a constant threat down the right. However, from our perspective, his final product wasn't quite there and losing possession 18 times is far too high. Always involved, but not his clinical best.

Ryan Gravenberch - 9.0: What a performance. Unquestionably the man of the match. He scored the opener, assisted the second, and completely ran the show from midfield. His driving runs, his control, and his vision were on a different level. He won 7 duels and made 7 ball recoveries, showcasing his all-around game. An absolutely sensational display.

Forwards

C. Gakpo - 6.5: He was busy and got into good positions during his hour on the pitch, creating two chances. But his final touch let him down, and he spurned a good opportunity on a counter-attack. A decent contribution but lacked the killer instinct required.

Hugo Ekitiké - 7.5: He did exactly what he was on the pitch to do. He took his goal with a calm, clinical finish from the center of the box. He worked hard and was a physical presence before being subbed. A great debut in a massive game.

Substitutes

Florian Wirtz - N/A: Came on for Gakpo but picked up a yellow card and didn't have a major impact.
Curtis Jones - N/A: Replaced Mac Allister to add fresh legs in midfield.
Alexander Isak - N/A: Replaced the goalscorer Ekitiké but saw little of the ball.

Manager

A. Slot - 7.5: His initial game plan was perfect, resulting in a quick 2-0 lead. His team played with intensity and purpose. However, they took their foot off the gas and looked nervy in the second half. His substitutions helped manage the game's final stages to secure a massive derby win.

Everton Player Ratings vs Liverpool

Here are the Everton player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Jordan Pickford - 6.0: A difficult day for the England number one. He was left exposed for both goals and only made one save throughout the match. His distribution was a bit hurried, as reflected in his 49% pass accuracy. Not his worst game, but not one he'll remember fondly.

Defenders

Michael Keane - 6.5: He battled hard and recovered the ball seven times. However, he was part of a defence that looked all at sea in the opening half-hour. He steadied himself as the game went on but looked a step off the pace early on.

James Tarkowski - 7.5: A true captain's performance in the face of adversity. He was immense, making a staggering 8 clearances, winning 3 tackles, and even making a last-man tackle. He was the glue holding a shaky defence together. What stood out was his refusal to give up.

Jake O'Brien - 5.5: A really tough match for the defender. He struggled with the pace and movement of Liverpool's attack, losing possession 16 times, which is just not good enough. He looked out of his depth on a big stage.

Vitaliy Mykolenko - 6.0: He was run ragged in the first half and struggled to contain his flank. He committed three fouls and only won one of his six duels. He improved in the second half before being substituted, but the damage was already done.

Midfielders

Iliman Ndiaye - 8.0: Everton's most dangerous player by a country mile. He was a constant threat, completing an incredible 8 dribbles and providing the clever assist for Gueye's goal. He was a nightmare to defend against until he was surprisingly subbed off. A brilliant, creative performance.

Jack Grealish - 7.0: He was a magnet for fouls, drawing six of them and buying his team valuable time. He created four key passes, always looking to make something happen. Sometimes his final ball was lacking, but he was a persistent creative force for the Toffees.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - 6.5: A typically energetic display, but it was marred by carelessness. He lost possession 12 times and picked up a booking. He did create a couple of chances but needed to show more composure.

Idrissa Gueye - 8.0: Scored a fantastic goal to drag his team back into the contest. Beyond the goal, he was a dominant force in midfield, making 7 ball recoveries and 2 interceptions. His shot on target in the first half was also well saved. An all-action display.

James Garner - 7.0: A very tidy and effective performance. He was disciplined, winning 3 of his 4 tackles and completing 88% of his passes. He provided a solid screen in front of the defence and kept things simple and effective. A reliable showing.

Forwards

Beto - 5.0: From our perspective, this was a disaster of a performance. He was completely anonymous. In 46 minutes, he had just 11 touches and lost possession 6 times. He offered no threat and it was no surprise to see him hooked at halftime.

Substitutes

Thierno Barry - N/A: Replaced Beto and offered more movement, but no end product.
Charly Alcaraz - N/A: A late change with little time to influence the game.
Tyler Dibling - N/A: Came on for the impressive Ndiaye but couldn't replicate his impact.

Manager

D. Moyes - 6.5: His team's start was abysmal; they were completely unprepared for Liverpool's intensity. The halftime substitution of Beto and a tactical switch worked wonders, as Everton were the better team in the second half. He deserves credit for the fightback, but the initial setup cost them the game.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Ryan Gravenberch