Liverpool Player Ratings vs Inter: Dominik Szoboszlai Shines Once Again!
Liverpool secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Inter, with Dominik Szoboszlai standing out with a decisive penalty goal. Mohamed Salah's absence was felt, but the Reds' defensive resilience and late winner eased the pressure on manager Arne Slot. Find out how each Liverpool player fared in this tense Champions League clash...

It just had to be Dominik Szoboszlai! With Mohamed Salah sitting at home after his remarkable Elland Road meltdown, Liverpool's true talisman right now slotted home an 88th-minute penalty to earn a 1-0 victory over Inter on Tuesday that greatly eases the pressure on manager Arne Slot.In all honesty, the Reds played little better at San Siro than they had without Salah on Saturday night at Leeds. Alexander Isak went missing up front, as he so often has since arriving at Anfield for a British-record fee during the summer. However, the visitors were, at least, far more solid in defence, with Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson nullifying Inter's threat out wide, while Alisson Becker also kept a very low-quality Champions League clash scoreless with a smart save from Lautaro Martinez just before the break. Liverpool then nicked a badly-needed win right at the death, with the Video Assistant Referee flagging a very minor pull on Florian Wirtz's shirt by Nerazzurri defender Alessandro Bastoni. Christian Chivu & Co. were enraged by the decision, but Slot obviously didn't care. He'd won his first match since Salah tried to throw him under the bus!GOAL rates all of the Liverpool layers on show in Milan...Alisson Becker (7/10):The reactions save from Martinez's near-post header was top-drawer, and crucial too, but, truth be told, the Brazilian didn't have that much to do during a rather boring game.Joe Gomez (6/10):Got the nod ahead of Bradley to start at right-back, perhaps with the idea of nullifying the threat posed by Federico Dimarco, and the versatile defender produced a solid showing. Also got himself into some decent attacking positions but his final ball let him down. Let's face it, he's no Trent!Ibrahima Konate (6/10):Unlucky to see his goal ruled out, as it would have represented a very timely confidence boost for the struggling Frenchman, but he should take great encouragement out of his overall performance here. Konate was by no means brilliant and he misplaced a few passes but he played his part in a morale-boosting clean sheet for Liverpool's much-maligned defence.Virgil van Dijk (7/10):This was more like the Van Dijk of last season, with the Dutchman absolutely cruising through the game, winning most of his duels and spraying the ball about the pitch with aplomb. Andy Robertson (7/10):Brought back into the side in place of Milos Kerkez and justified his recall by defending diligently and also creating a couple of chances with some inviting crosses. Ryan Gravenberch (7/10):Not quite back to his best but this was more like it from the Dutchman, who was very composed in possession and also did a decent job protecting his defence with a string of timely interceptions. Alexis Mac Allister (6/10):By no means the Mac Allister of the past two seasons but arguably a very small step in the right direction. The Argentine offered nothing going forward but he did, at least, draw a fair few fouls, while he also worked tirelessly for his team.Curtis Jones (7/10):One of Liverpool's better players. Was very brave on the ball, always willing to pick up possession in congested areas, and also showed some of the passion that Liverpool have lacked in recent weeks and months.Dominik Szoboszlai (8/10):The coolly converted penalty capped another dynamic display from the Hungarian, who was still winning the ball back at both ends of the field well into the last 10 minutes of the game.Alexander Isak (3/10):Have we finally reached the point where the Swede's lack of a proper pre-season can no longer be used as an excuse for dreadful performances such as this? Isak contributed absolutely nothing to the game before being withdrawn after 68 minutes. Hugo Ekitike (7/10):In complete contrast to Isak, the Frenchman always looked capable of making something happen. He's fast, sharp and capable of beating players. He has to start up front against Brighton at the weekend.Conor Bradley (7/10):A bit strange that he didn't start given he's suspended for the weekend's Premier League clash with Brighton - but he was brought on midway through the second half and immediately set up a chance for Ekitike before going close to scoring himself. Florian Wirtz (6/10):Another surprise omission from the starting line-up, the German was part of a double substitution with Bradley and won the penalty that decided the game.Arne Slot (8/10):Things couldn't have gone much better for Slot in the circumstances. It wasn't a convincing performance by any stretch of the imagination but Liverpool kept a clean sheet and claimed a late win with a goal from the player that Slot effectively preferred to Salah on the right-hand side. As victories go, it's probably one of the most important of the Dutchman's career.
Alisson Becker (7/10)
Alisson made a crucial save from Martinez but had a relatively quiet game overall.
Joe Gomez (6/10)
Solid showing at right-back, nullifying threats and showing attacking promise.
Ibrahima Konate (6/10)
Unlucky with a disallowed goal, but showed improvement in a morale-boosting display.
Virgil van Dijk (7/10)
Van Dijk looked more like his usual self, commanding and composed in defense.
Andy Robertson (7/10)
Robertson justified his recall with solid defending and creative contributions.
Ryan Gravenberch (7/10)
Composed and protective in midfield, Gravenberch did well in shielding the defense.
Alexis Mac Allister (6/10)
Mac Allister didn't shine offensively but put in a good shift defensively and drew fouls.
Curtis Jones (7/10)
Jones stood out with bravery on the ball and a display of much-needed passion.
Dominik Szoboszlai (8/10)
Szoboszlai was dynamic throughout, capped by a cool penalty to secure the win.
Alexander Isak (3/10)
Isak had a disappointing performance, contributing very little before being substituted.
Hugo Ekitike (7/10)
Ekitike was lively and looked threatening, contrasting sharply with Isak's display.
Conor Bradley (7/10)
Bradley made an impact after coming on, setting up chances and going close to scoring.
Florian Wirtz (6/10)
Wirtz came on as a sub and won the decisive penalty that secured the victory.
Arne Slot (8/10)
Slot will be relieved with the win, despite the unconvincing performance. A crucial victory that eases the pressure on the manager.





