Liverpool player ratings for 6-1 win over Sparta Prague
Liverpool put on a show on Thursday as they obliterated Sparta Prague to book their place in the Europa League Quarterfinals 11-2 on aggregate.
A four-goal barrage inside 15 minutes was enough to ice the affair of any semblance of drama. Goals from Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, Bobby Clark and Cody Gakpo capped an enthralling explosion right out of the gate.
Let's see how all the Reds rated on this superb European night at Anfield.
Caoimhin Kelleher - 6.5/10 - Kelleher did not have a whole lot of work to do in this one, but the biggest chance, he was beaten by a rather tame effort. Overall, solid when called upon though. Ready for Sunday.
Conor Bradley - 7/10 - Bradley was rock solid as ever in this one as he made his probing runs forward. Spent a lot of time floating into the central midfield...not unlike our No. 66. A good shift.
Jarell Quansah - 7.5/10 - The big Englishman continues to impress and look like a player well beyond his years. He was calm and smooth as ever. Cleaned up at the back when asked. Received a questionable yellow before being subbed.
Joe Gomez - 6.5/10 - Gomez only played the first half in this one but he was professional with his 45 minutes on the pitch. Started alongside Quansah in the heart of the defense and did the job. Subbed.
Andy Robertson - 7/10 - The Scot had the armband to start the night and he was heavily involved from the start. He appears to be getting back to his best as he got the full 90 in this one as well. Professional performance.
Dominik Szoboszlai - 8/10- This is the kind of performance we need to see more of from the Hungary captain. Szobo created the opener for Darwin with an inch-perfect pass before he got his own goal late on via deflection. Keep this up.
Wataru Endo - 6/10 - Endo only played the first half of this one so there was not many chances for him to dictate much with Liverpool on the front foot so much. Nice pressing. Subbed.
Bobby Clark - 8/10 - The youngster got another start and he made the most of it once again as he looks like a true star in the making in central midfield. Bagged his first Senior goal before his pressing led to the 3rd. Great night for the lad.
Mohamed Salah - 8.5/10 - Salah got an unexpected full 90 tonight but he made the most of it as he was at his creative best from start to finish. Got a goal and created a plethora of chances. He's back.
Darwin Nunez - 7/10 - Darwin was the third player to only get the first half on the evening, but he still made his mark. His clean first-time finish got things rolling. Ready to run at United on Sunday. Subbed.
Cody Gakpo - 8.5/10 - This might have been the best game we have seen from the Dutchman in a long time. He bagged two goals, came close to the hattrick, but was always putting Sparta under pressure. More of this!
Subs:
Harvey Elliott - 7/10 - He got the second half to run and was his industrious self as ever. His long range effort was redirected by Gakpo for the Dutchman's second. Created some chances for himself late on.
James McConnell - 6.5/10 - He replaced Endo at the base of the midfield and was solid enough in the second 45. Nice pressing and moved the ball along well enough. Not his most memorable night, but great experience.
Kostas Tsimikas - 6.5/10 - He was brought on for Gomez and he made some semi-threatening runs on the wing. It was done and dusted in the 2nd frame so not much work to do defensively.
Virgil van Dijk - 7/10 - Was not a fan of him suiting up tonight, but it was a relatively easygoing 30 minute cameo for our Captain.
Mateusz Musialowski - 6/10 - It was a perfect time to bring on the young Polish starlet to give him a taste of Anfield on a European night. Tried to move forward with his limited chances. More to come.