Isak shines at last but Scherpen suffers - Ipswich v Liverpool player ratings

Alexander Isak finally delivered the performance Liverpool bought him to produce, scoring twice with quick movement behind Ipswich Town’s defence and composed finishes. His display earned him an 8 rating.

Cody Gakpo stood out as the match’s top-rated player with a 9. He supplied two outstanding passes for Isak’s opening goals and caused Ipswich persistent problems. The performance prompted the assessment that he “could have been playing for Manchester City,” followed by the observation that Liverpool were fortunate he was not.

Ipswich endured a difficult start after goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen was judged desperately poor for Isak’s early goal. He made several decent saves, but received a 4 after the damage had already been done. Dara O’Shea and Issa Diop also struggled as Liverpool’s movement and two early goals put the home side under pressure.

Julio Enciso was Ipswich’s main threat and earned a 7 for his tireless effort, although his final ball could have been better. On Liverpool’s side, Ronald Araujo impressed on his Premier League debut at right-back, while Virgil van Dijk remained composed during Ipswich’s attacking spells. Alexis Mac Allister was below his best, but continued to take responsibility in midfield.