If there was ever a moment for Liverpool to emphatically restore confidence following the crushing 3–2 defeat to Bournemouth, it came on Wednesday night at Anfield in the Champions League against Azerbaijani side Qarabag.
The Reds made no mistake, cruising to a 6–0 win in which nearly every player enjoyed a standout moment.
From a potent attack to a defense that kept a clean sheet, it was a completely comprehensive performance— one that has cemented Liverpool’s place in the Champions League league phase’s top eight.
It’s no small feat, as the Reds can now sit out the opening stage of the knockout rounds, buying valuable time to focus on a top-four push in the Premier League and their FA Cup campaign.
With sparkling performances across the board, how did the Reds fare on an individual level?
Starting XI:
Alisson Becker: 8/10- His services were rarely required tonight, but he still made two solid, decently skillful saves. He must have enjoyed watching his teammates rack up the goals.
Virgil van Dijk: 9.5/10- A complete turnaround from his poor outing against Bournemouth. He anchored a dominant clean-sheet performance and marshaled a backline featuring two out-of-position players, helping them gel seamlessly. He also grabbed a whopping trio of assists and came close to scoring from a couple of corners, culminating in a commanding MOTM display from the captain.
Ryan Gravenberch: 7.5/10- Conceded a foul in the 25th minute that could have been a penalty to my eyes, but otherwise adapted very well to an unfamiliar role. Once again, he proved why he remains one of Liverpool’s most versatile players, capable of contributing in the back four, midfield, and even on the scoresheet occasionally.
Andrew Robertson: 7.5/10- One of his best attacking performances in some time, as the Scotsman was consistently involved on the ball whenever it came through the left in the final third. He absolutely cannot be for sale, especially with the soon-to-be-determined nature of Frimpong’s injury potentially making an already thin backline even thinner.
Jeremie Frimpong: N/A- Picked up a non-contact injury three minutes into the game. A brutal break for the in-form Dutchman. Hoping it's not severe.
Alexis Mac Allister: 8.5/10- The Argentine delivered a pair of long-awaited goals, opening the scoring and the floodgates in the process. He was in the right place at the right time for both finishes, and his spatial instincts deserve credit— it's also fascinating for such a short player to score so many headed goals. Nearly grabbed a hat trick late on as well. Hopefully, this breakout performance can spark renewed confidence in domestic competition.
Dominik Szoboslai: 8/10- Didn’t need to carry the attack (for once) tonight, as Dom blended into the background a bit but still managed to record an assist. His feint to take a free kick— which Salah ultimately converted— and small touch to Mo confused the defense, showing that his recent scorching form can still influence matches, even subtly.
Florian Wirtz: 8/10- He initially held onto the ball too long and passed up shooting opportunities early, but made amends in style with a well-taken goal to double Liverpool’s lead— his first European strike for the club. Over the past month, he’s truly begun to unlock the player fans believed he could be, and he’ll be a vital part of the side if the Reds are to make a deep Champions League run.
Cody Gakpo: 7/10- He constantly found himself in dangerous areas, but a lack of clinical finishing prevented him from getting on the scoresheet. In a tighter contest it might have been a more frustrating display, but in a win of this magnitude, his involvement in generating the attack still counts for something.
Mohamed Salah: 8/10- Salah ended his nine-match goal drought with a beautifully curled free kick after largely operating as a provider in the first half. The strike marked Liverpool’s third straight match with a free-kick goal, following Dominik Szoboszlai’s recent set-piece brace and the second dead-ball goal of the night. It was encouraging to see Salah back on the scoresheet, even as his role has shifted toward creating, and it feels as though Liverpool’s set-piece prowess is finally turning a corner.
Hugo Ekitike: 8.5/10- His link-up play with Flo has been devastating of late, as Hugo used his excellent on-ball ability to set up the German for yet another assist. He then added a goal of his own, coolly finishing a well-worked breakaway to cap a magnificent performance for the Frenchman as he continues to shine.
Substitutes:
Wataru Endo: 7.5/10- Came on early for Jeremie and adapted impressively to playing out of position, further marking his second consecutive match subbing in for an injured teammate. He could see even more minutes as Liverpool’s injury issues continue to mount.
Rio Ngumoha: 7/10- Came on with the match already decided, but still looked to get involved whenever possible. He continues to play with a “live-wire” style on the edge of the box, which could develop into something truly special as the years go on.
Trey Nyoni: 6.5/10- Played ok in a cameo largely aimed at rotating starters and keeping the squad fresh for upcoming matches. At just 18, he’s shown poise, though he hasn’t quite left his mark on brief appearances in the way some other youngsters, like Jayden Danns, have over the years. An extremely minor— and perhaps unnecessary— nitpick on an otherwise great night for the team.
Federico Chiesa: 8/10- A standout individual moment for the Italian, who scored his first Champions League goal in roughly four years to give Liverpool their sixth. He looked to get involved on the ball whenever possible, further supporting the “Chiesa super-sub” theory.
Amara Nallo: N/A- Not much to report during his 15-minute cameo, as defensive duties were largely unnecessary at that stage.