Liverpool Player Ratings: Winners and Losers vs Fulham as Florian Wirtz and 3 More Shine

In a thrilling Premier League clash at Craven Cottage on January 4, 2026, Liverpool secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fulham, overcoming an early deficit thanks to standout performances from Florian Wirtz and other key players. Fulham struck first through former Red Harry Wilson, who slotted home a low finish from Raul Jiménez's pass after a VAR-overturned offside call, leaving Liverpool shell-shocked at halftime (1-0).[2][1]

Liverpool's Lineup and Key Battles

Arne Slot's side lined up in a 4-2-3-1: Alisson Becker; Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones; Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo; Hugo Ekitike. Cody Gakpo came agonizingly close, hitting the post with a header from a pinpoint cross, signaling Liverpool's growing threat.[1][2]

Fulham's 4-2-3-1 featured Bernd Leno; Timothy Castagne, Joachim Andersen, Jorge Cuenca, Antonee Robinson; Sasa Lukic, Sander Berge; Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe, Kevin; Raul Jiménez. Despite strong pressing that disrupted Liverpool's rhythm, they couldn't hold the lead.[1]

Player Ratings: The Winners

• Florian Wirtz (9/10): The German star was electric, providing the assist for the equalizer with a visionary pass and scoring the winner with a curling effort. His vision and dribbling dismantled Fulham's midfield.[1][2]
• Alexis Mac Allister (8/10): Tireless in midfield, he dictated tempo and won crucial duels, earning high praise for his composure.[4]
• Cody Gakpo (8/10): Dangerous throughout, his post-hitting header and persistent runs forced errors, nearly turning the game single-handedly.[2]
• Virgil van Dijk (7.5/10): Solid recovery after Wilson's goal, organizing the backline to stifle Jiménez.[1]

The Losers and Areas of Concern

• Conor Bradley (5/10): Struggled against Wilson's pace, at fault for the opener with poor positioning.
• Curtis Jones (6/10): Ineffective in deeper role, lost possession leading to Fulham's goal.[4]
• Hugo Ekitike (5.5/10): Isolated upfront, failed to convert chances despite top-scorer status (7 goals).[1]

Liverpool's midfield strength ultimately prevailed, as predicted, extending their title push. Fulham's resilience, led by Wilson (top-rated at 7.16), keeps them competitive, but defensive lapses proved costly. Man of the Match: Florian Wirtz. Attendance: 25,700. (298 words)