Dominik Szoboszlai stood out for Liverpool yet again in their 2-0 win against Aston Villa, with Arne Slot‘s midweek selection justified at Anfield.Liverpool 2-0 Aston VillaPremier League (10) | AnfieldNovember 1, 2025Goals: Salah 45+1′, Gravenberch 58′Giorgi Marmardashvili – 7 (out of 10)Mamardashvili continued in goal in the absence of Alisson, producing an accomplished performance.The Georgian made a brilliant save to keep out Matty Cash’s cross-cum-shot and then Morgan Rogers’ strike, and generally went about his business in unruffled fashion.It was Marmardashvili’s first clean sheet as a Liverpool player and the Reds’ first since their trip to Burnley in mid-September – it was a long time coming!Conor Bradley – 8Bradley hasn’t got going yet this season, but he did excellently here, providing attacking thrust and defensive solidity.The Northern Irishman earned a huge cheer from the Anfield crowd with one perfectly-timed slide tackle, and ought to take that confidence into the Champions League on Tuesday.Much more like the player we’ve seen in recent seasons.Ibrahima Konate – 7Konate’s form has been a reason for Liverpool’s struggles this season, but the positives easily outweighed the negatives against Villa.He was carelessly robbed of possession in a dangerous area before the break, but he put his physical prowess to good use and dominated Ollie Watkins, making an unrivalled 11 defensive contributions.Virgil van Dijk – 7Van Dijk has dipped below his elite standards of late, but this was much more like it from him.The Dutchman went under the radar, but in a good way, going about his duties with effortless ease and leading by example as Villa instead opted to play out from the back.Andy Robertson – 8Robertson was rightly given the nod at left-back over Milos Kerkez, in what could believe, was his first Premier League start of the season.He justified his place in the team, offering an assuredness on the left flank that has been missing this season.The Scot provided plenty of attacking runs, almost ending up as a centre-forward at times, and his overlapping sprints helped create space for Cody Gakpo. Dependable at the back, too.Ryan Gravenberch – 7Gravenberch returned in a huge boost for Liverpool, and while not at his absolute best, understandable after three games out, he enjoyed a strong display.On the ball, the 23-year-old was typically tidy, completing 90 percent of his passes, and his deflected strike put the Reds 2-0 up and offered breathing room that has been absent for over a month.A lovely footballer to watch.Alexis Mac Allister – 7Like Konate, Mac Allister has been a shadow of last season’s self, but despite being only one of two players retained from midweek, he played his first 90 minutes of the campaign.There were times early on when he was bypassed too easily in midfield, with his pace sorely lacking, but he grew into the game and saw one shot blocked by Ezri Konsa in a much-improved display.He fed a brilliant pass to assist Gravenberch for his goal and showed lots of passion, just ask Onana!Dominik Szoboszlai – 8 (Man of the Match)Szoboszlai was deployed in the No. 10 role at Anfield, as he continues to showcase his versatility and relentlessness; he was superb all evening.Once again, he was Liverpool’s best player, firing wide from distance and hitting the target with another effort, and never stopped running – and he’ll be cursing Hugo Ekitike for venturing offside.Where would the Reds be without him this season?Mohamed Salah – 7Liverpool were desperate for an improved Salah performance on Saturday night and they got it!He looked far more threatening than he has in recent weeks, producing some lovely first-time touches, before opening the scoring and reaching an astonishing 250 goals for the club.Some much-needed confidence has returned to his game.Cody Gakpo – 6Gakpo has frustrated some this season, with the Dutchman accused of being too predictable, and that applied again here.Too often, he cut inside and nothing came of it, and he needs to mix up his game to make it harder for defenders to read him.That said, he was a threat and worked hard for the team.Hugo Ekitike – 6With Alexander Isak again out injured, Ekitike was given another chance to shine leading the line.The Frenchman buried a clinical header but saw the goal ruled out, and he produced a couple of delightful flicks that caught the eye.Did not look too pleased to be substituted, but got a great reception as he left the field. SubstitutesFlorian Wirtz (on for Ekitike, 77′) – 6Hit a pass out of play – that was about it! Surely a more involved role awaits against Real Madrid.Subs not used: Woodman, Pecsi, Gomez, Kerkez, Endo, Nyoni, Ngumoha, Chiesa Arne Slot – 8For Slot, another defeat didn’t bear thinking about, with the pressure on him increasing by the day.Thankfully, he picked up one of his most important results as Liverpool’s head coach, getting his tactics right on the night and justifying his selection from midweek.There was sense to his starting lineup, with Villa’s physicality not suited to Wirtz – Robertson over Kerkez was also the right call – and he got a much-improved performance from his team.A step in the right direction – next up, Real Madrid on Tuesday!