Liverpool England player ratings, winners and losers against Wolves as Fabinho and Virgil van Dijk shine

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Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers against Wolves as Jurgen Klopp’s side climb to sixth place, helped by strong performances from Fabinho and Virgil van Dijk.

ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL // Liverpool secured a potentially crucial win for their top four Premier League prospects, scoring twice in the final 20 minutes to beat Wolves 2-0 at Anfield.

Liverpool thought they had taken the lead midway through the second half when Darwin Núñez slotted home, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review as Diogo Jota discovered he had fouled Max Kilman.

A Virgil van Dijk header then put the hosts ahead and Mohamed Salah opened up a two-goal cushion moments later.

Fabinho – Took a booking but also looked a lot more like his old stuff and produced some vintage Fabinho moments. Virgil van Dijk built on his strong display against Crystal Palace with another strong display before giving Liverpool the lead. Looking much closer to the best of him.

LOSERS

Harvey Elliott — Elliott made his first Premier League start since last month’s goalless draw with Chelsea, but he failed to make the impact he craved and turned down a golden-edged opportunity.

Fábio Carvalho — Carvalho has yet to play in the Premier League since the World Cup break and will be disappointed not to salvage a late run with two Liverpool goals.

PLAYER REVIEWS

Alisson Becker – 6/10

The only save he had to make in the first half was a direct one, pushing a Moutinho shot around the post. A bad pass from Konaté nearly got Liverpool into trouble, but he later stole a great ball from Núñez who could have launched a counter-attack.

It ended up being one of his easier nights of the season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold — 6/10

Alexander-Arnold was better here after a lackluster night against Crystal Palace and took the free kick which led to Van Dijk’s goal, but there was still plenty of room for improvement.

Ibrahim Konate — 6/10

Saved by Van Dijk after a moment at half-time early in the first half in which he gave Wolves possession in their own half, but it got better as the match progressed.

Virgil van Dijk — 10/8

Van Dijk was on hand to take out some dangerous attacks after his teammates let Wolves through too easily. Finishing off his goal was straightforward, but it came from a fantastic first header.

Kostas Tsimikas – 7/10

Struggled with a touch in the first half but backed up Salah after an electric burst down the left flank.

Harvey Elliott – 5/10

Most of what Elliott tried in the first half failed and he should have put Liverpool ahead with a free header about six yards from goal.

A good attempt at a bouncing ball on the edge of the box led to a strong save from the goalkeeper, then a similar chance early in the second half led to an easy catch-up.

Fabinho – 7/10

Fabinho pounced on Nunes in the Wolves area and although he failed to serve Núñez it set the tone for an aggressive display as he repeatedly reclaimed the ball and allowed Liverpool to threaten to move forward. Controversially shown a yellow card after the referee thought he had recklessly stepped on Lemina.

Stefan Bajcetic — 6/10

The goalkeeper could have worked a lot more in the opening moments when the ball broke. Also, he picked up another early booking after tripping Nunes as he chased his loose pass.

On the other hand, there was a great attack from the edge of his own penalty area after a risky pass from Alisson, and he also stopped a disturbing Wolves counter-attack with a well-timed sliding challenge.

He came out in the last 10 minutes or so. Diogo Jota — 7/10

Jota’s main involvement in a quiet first half was a touch attempt from Salah’s low cross. A ball break nearly put him through just before the hour mark, but Kilman nearly intervened. He qualified to create a chance for Núñez, only for the alleged foul to nullify his good work, but then beat Van Dijk before going down.

Mohammed Salah – 7/10

Salah wasn’t playing his best – there was even reason to take him off – but his 20th goal of the season looked like a crucial goal for Liverpool.

Darwin Nunez – 6/10

He created a huge chance for Elliott before going under a header in the closing shots of the first half, not helped by contact from Lemina. A sovereign finish for the unacknowledged goal counted for ♥nothing.

Jordan Henderson – N/A

Cody Gakpo – 7/10

Played a key role in Liverpool’s second goal and played a clever brace with Tsimikas.