Liverpool’s victory over bitter rivals Everton last night saw Arne Slot’s side claim their 22nd Premier League win of the season, pushing them one step closer to the title.
The Reds may have struggled to produce their best display, but Diogo Jota’s strike in the 57th minute secured all three points - making amends for their draw against the Toffees in February.
Slot’s side now have a 12-point buffer over Arsenal with just eight league outings remaining - looking to be in pole position to claim their second title in the last six seasons.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrates after the match
Serious credit should be given in the direction of the Dutchman for his work in 2024/25, allowing for a seamless transition after taking the reins from Jürgen Klopp in the summer.
Numerous players managed to thrive in the Derby Day environment, many of which will have given the manager a selection headache ahead of the last couple of outings.
Liverpool’s star performers against Everton
Curtis Jones was forced to operate in a natural right-back role given the injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley over the last few weeks.
However, the academy graduate produced a superb display, completing 93% of the passes he attempted, whilst also completing 100% of dribbles - thriving with the ball at his feet.
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Luis Diaz has been an inconsistent figure in recent months, only netting one goal in 2025, but managed to tee up Jota for the only goal of the encounter.
The Colombian created six chances during his spell on the pitch - the most of any player - whilst also completing five dribbles, highlighting the threat he posed in the final third.
One other first-team member impressed throughout, undoubtedly cementing himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet as a result of his showing.
The Liverpool player who’s now as important as Salah
Mohamed Salah has been a crucial reason for Liverpool’s success in 2024/25, registering a staggering 54 combined goal contributions in his 44 outings to date.
However, the Egyptian’s future remains up in the air with just a couple of months remaining on his contract, with no news yet to be released on whether he will sign a new deal.
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Undoubtedly, losing a player of his quality would be a huge loss for the Reds, with the hierarchy desperately needing to prevent losing the star man on a free transfer.
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has enjoyed a superb rise during his compatriot’s reign, becoming a key player in their success and cementing his place at the heart of the side.
He’s started every single Premier League outing this campaign, notching two assists and forming an excellent partnership with Alexis Mac Allister in recent months.
Last night was no different for the 22-year-old, completing 72 passes at a completion rate of 89%, with ten of his passes going into the final third and finding a teammate.
Ryan Gravenberch's stats for Liverpool against Everton
Statistics
Minutes played
Touches
Passes completed
Passes into final third
Dribbles completed
Clearances made
Interceptions made
Stats via SofaScore
He also notched a tally of 102 touches, whilst also managing to complete a dribble and looking positive every time he had the ball at his feet.
Defensively, he also managed to impress, making two clearances and two interceptions whilst also managing to make seven recoveries - highlighting his impressive performance at the base of midfield.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch
As a result of his showing, he was handed a 7/10 match rating by Football Insider journalist Toby Wilding, showcasing how impressive his showing was for Slot’s men.
Given his performance, it’s evident that the former Bayern Munich man has enjoyed a revival at Anfield, looking to be a shrewd addition under his compatriot.
His showing last night was evidence of the talent possesses, undoubtedly being one of the first names on the teamsheet, arguably being as important as Salah to Slot given his emergence this season.
Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold applauds fans after the match Related
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Liverpool are already working on a deal to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer.