Liverpool cruised into the Europa League quarter-finals after thrashing Sparta Prague 6-1 at Anfield on Thursday.
Following last week’s emphatic 5-1 win in the Czech Republic, many expected Jurgen Klopp to select a much weakened side on Merseyside. But the German opted for a more ruthless approach.
And he was rewarded as he side raced to a 4-0 lead inside 15 minutes, thanks to goals from Darwin Nunez, Bobby Clark, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.
Mail Sport’s TUM BALOGUN takes a look at which players performed the best for the Reds on a brilliant night in Europe.
Liverpool put Sparta Prague to the sword in a ruthless 6-1 victory at Anfield on Thursday
Jurgen Klopp’s side cruised into the quarter-finals of the Europa League after their biggest win of the season
CAOIMHN KELLEHER – 6.5
Less of a statement of his work, rather an indication of his easy night in goal. Progressed the ball well in possession, could do little about the visitor’s goal.
CONOR BRADLEY – 7
Another solid performance. Got plenty of touches of the ball. Performed his defensive duties well.
JARELL QUANSAH – 7
Customary imperious display from yet another talented youngster. Unlucky to pick up a booking before coming off.
JOE GOMEZ – 7
Had more to do offensively than at the back. Put in another good display, this time to mark his return to the England team.
ANDY ROBERTSON – 7
Captained the side before Virgil van Dijk came on and was solid throughout. Even got a run out at centre-back after a reshuffle in the second half.
Dominik Szoboszlai continued the scoring for the Reds after the break with their fifth goal on the night
Liverpool youngster Bobby Clark’s 8th minute strike on Thursday night was his first senior goal
Mohamed Salah continued his recovery from injury and played 90 minutes, scoring one and assisted three
DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI – 8
Constant attacking threat running from deep on the right. Linked up brilliantly with Mohamed Salah and got himself a goal and a clever assist for the opener.
WATARU ENDO – 6.5
Unable to get back for the Sparta goal but was otherwise his accomplished self.
BOBBY CLARK – 8.5
Fuelled by his first senior goal in the 8th minute, he was superb, popping up all over the midfielder and knitting together play. Was a keen component of the home side’s devastating press.
MOHAMED SALAH – 9.5
Had a wonderful evening scoring and providing, as he has done all campaign. Played the full 90 and grabbed a goal to go alongside a hat-trick of assists.
DARWIN NUNEZ – 7
Vintage Nunez night for the Uruguayan. Scored the opener before missing an absolute sitter before coming off at the break.
CODY GAKPO – 9
Ended the night frustrated despite bagging a brace. Took both goals well but squandered opportunities to add to his tally. Went searching for the match ball late on, but nevertheless performed well.
Cody Gakpo bagged a brace to take his tally in the Europa League this season to four
MANAGER: JURGEN KLOPP – 7
Decision to play the big guns was rewarded and managed to get through the night without any additional injuries.
SUBS
Kostas Tsimikas (for Gomez, 46) – 7
James McConnell (for Endo, 46) – 6.5
Harvey Elliot (for Nunez, 46) – 8
Virgil van Dijk (for Quansah, 66) – 7
Mateusz Musialowski (for Clark, 73) – 6.5
