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Video Analysis: Liverpool’s Fullback Masterclass That Destroyed Everton at Anfield

Liverpool’s Derby Win Highlights Bradley and Kerkez Influence

Liverpool extended their dominance over Everton with another Merseyside derby win, stretching an unbeaten record against their neighbours back to 2021. Rivalries carry their own weight, but this was a victory underpinned by tactical intelligence and standout contributions from the full-backs Connor Bradley and Milos Kerkez.

Bradley and Kerkez dictate the first half

From the opening whistle, Liverpool controlled possession and forced Everton deep. The full-backs were crucial to this pattern. As Panenka LFC notes: “From the very first minute, you could notice something different about Kerkez and the way he positioned himself.”

Instead of sitting deeper as a third centre-half, Kerkez pushed higher and narrower, moving directly into Everton’s defensive block. That adjustment pinned their wide players back:

“This little adjustment gave us a big advantage. It meant we had more time on the ball during our buildup… at the same time, it created more space for our wingers, isolating them one-on-one.”

On the opposite flank, Bradley mirrored the idea by tucking inside and drawing markers with him. The effect was clear:

“You can see the same idea play out on the right side with Bradley and Salah. This time, Bradley tucks inside… which frees up Salah to drop a little deeper.” That tactical wrinkle created the opportunity for Ryan Gravenberch to score the opener after Salah delivered a perfectly timed cross.

Midfield rhythm and Ekitike’s sharp finish

Liverpool’s second goal came in transition, reflecting both midfield control and striker instinct. As described: “The team reacted quickly. A sharp combination between Mac Allister and Szoboszlai opened up space and Gravenberch was the one to receive the ball in a perfect pocket.”

The decisive movement came from Hugo Ekitike: “By the time Ryan controlled the ball, Ekitike was ahead of his markers, giving himself that extra step of separation.” He finished with composure, continuing a run of strong form since arriving at Anfield.

Gravenberch was influential throughout the first half, dictating tempo and driving forward. His growing authority in midfield was another major takeaway.

Van Dijk’s leadership and Kerkez response

Virgil van Dijk’s form remains a cornerstone for Liverpool. The captain “is literally dictating everything on the pitch… his leadership and composure have been vital on and off the ball.” He once again steadied the side when Everton began to apply second-half pressure.

Everton’s lone goal followed a misjudgement from Kerkez, yet what impressed most was his reaction:

“After their goal, he made two brilliant clearances in the later stages to help secure the win. That kind of reaction shows the mentality and resilience he brings to the team.” For a young defender still finding his rhythm at Liverpool, this was a significant step forward.

Lessons from a derby that never disappoints

Liverpool’s 2-1 win carried the familiar hallmarks of derby football – intensity, tactical shifts, and momentum swings. But beyond the scoreline, it underlined the influence of emerging figures such as Bradley and Kerkez. Their work in possession and defensive recovery shaped the contest as much as the finishing of Gravenberch and Ekitike.

It was, in many ways, a match that captured Liverpool’s current identity: exciting in attack, occasionally vulnerable in transition, yet resilient enough to manage pressure. For supporters, it reaffirmed that this side is evolving into something capable of challenging on multiple fronts.