Liverpool 1-1 Burnley Player Ratings: Wirtz Heroics Wasted as Szoboszlai Fluffs Lines

In a frustrating 1-1 draw at Anfield, Liverpool dropped points against promoted side Burnley, extending their inability to defeat any of the league's three promoted teams at home this season[6]. The Reds dominated possession but struggled to convert chances, with Florian Wirtz shining brightly only for Dominik Szoboszlai to waste key opportunities[2].

Match Overview

Liverpool fielded a strong lineup featuring Alisson Becker in goal, defended by Milos Kerkez, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Jeremie Frimpong. Midfield was anchored by Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch, with Cody Gakpo, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, and Hugo Ekitike up top[4]. Burnley, resilient in a 3-4-3, frustrated the hosts with solid defending led by Martin Dubravka. Liverpool took the lead through Wirtz's moment of magic—a stunning solo goal—but Burnley equalized late, exposing defensive lapses[1][6]. Substitutes like Alexis Mac Allister, Andrew Robertson, and Conor Bradley injected energy but couldn't secure a winner[2].

Liverpool Player Ratings

• Alisson (6/10): Untroubled as Burnley managed zero shots on target[2].
• Milos Kerkez (3/10): Dismal display with a yellow for diving; hooked after 38 minutes[2].
• Ibrahima Konaté (6/10): Solid, neutralizing counters effectively[2].
• Virgil van Dijk (6/10): Commanded the backline, dominating Burnley's forwards[2].
• Jeremie Frimpong (N/A): Limited impact in brief appearance.
• Ryan Gravenberch (7/10): Superb in midfield, protecting possession and breaking play—praised as phenomenal[2][3].
• Curtis Jones (6/10): Steady but lacked creativity.
• Cody Gakpo (6/10): Quiet afternoon.
• Florian Wirtz (8/10): Star performer with a brilliant goal; his heroics defined Liverpool's best moments[1].
• Dominik Szoboszlai (5/10): Adaptable at right-back to midfield but fluffed crucial lines, wasting chances[2].
• Hugo Ekitike (6/10): Threatening but goalless.
• Alexis Mac Allister (5/10): Composed until halftime injury[2].
• Andrew Robertson (6/10): Impactful sub, nearly scoring[2].
• Conor Bradley (6-7/10): Promising, likely earning starts[2][3].
• Rio Ngumoha (N/A): Flashed threat in minutes[2].

Manager Rating

Arne Slot (7/10): Smart early sub of Kerkez, but team needs sharper finishing ahead[2].

The draw leaves Liverpool reflecting on squandered dominance, with Wirtz's brilliance overshadowed by Szoboszlai's misses and defensive errors. Fans demand more killer instinct[3].