Player ratings for Liverpool's win over Sparta Prague

Liverpool have put themselves in a strong position to reach the Europa League Quarterfinals after a comprehensive win away from home over the Czech champions, Sparta Prague.

It was a breathaking first half of end-to-end action in which both sides had an argument that four goals apiece could have been scored. As it were, that was not the case and the Reds were far more efficient with their chances in front of goal.

The end result though was exactly what Jurgen Klopp would have been looking for as we project to the return leg at Anfield.

Let's get to the player ratings.

Caoimhin Kelleher - 8/10 - Kelleher continues to raise his game in the absence of Alisson as he made some crucial stops in the first half as Sparta tried to respond to Liverpool's opener. He made some excellent one-on-one saves that kept the momentum with the Reds. Nothing he could do about the own-goal,

Joe Gomez - 6/10 - Starting in the right-back position, Gomez did not find a lot of opportunities to attack down the wing and put dangerous balls into the box. A lot of the Liverpool attack came through the middle.

A professional, albeit not exciting, performance from Gomez in this one.

Ibrahima Konate - 7/10 - Konate had some shaky moments in the first half where he lost track of Sparta runners. Cleaned things up after that though before coming off just after halftime with an apparent hamstring problem. Hoping it's not serious.

Jarrell Quansah - 6/10 - Quansah did just enough in this one to get the result. Liverpool's defense was caught out numerous times and the young Englishman was at fault on a few occasions. Solid recovery in the 2nd frame, but not his best night.

Andy Robertson - 6/10 - Robbo had the armband to begin the evening, but he was largely invisible for much of the action packed match. There were not many trademark marauding runs down the wing. A professional performance, nothing more.

Alexis Mac Allister - 8/10 - Mac Allister maintained his strong run of play in this one. His constant pressing high up the pitch won the penalty that he converted for the opener. Dictated play from the front and back. Instrumental player he is. Subbed.

Harvey Elliott - 7/10- Elliott once again ran his heart out in this one. He was popping up all over the field as he always made himself available. His energy and drive in the midfield was needed in this topsy-turvy affair.

Wataru Endo - 7/10 - Not the most memorable night for the Japan Captain, but he stuck into his challenges when the moment arose. With the game so stretched, it was hard for him to break up play as consistently as we have seen him do. Overall, a solid shift.

Cody Gakpo - 7/10 - Some loose touches and heavy passes in the early going, but the Dutchman grew into the game. Unlucky not to have sored but he was dangerous and threatening as the match wore on. Created some nice chances for himself.

Luis Diaz - 6/10- Lucho played second fiddle to his attacking partners in this one. He was not able to carve out a lot of solo chances, but he did convert his biggest opportunity via a slight deflection. Outside of finding the net, was largely floating in and out. Subbed.

Darwin Nunez - 9/10 - Darwin got the start and made the most of his chances as he scored two worldies in this one. He was dangerous and energetic as always. Continued his rich vein of finishing form. His confidence is sky-high. Subbed early 2nd with an eye on City on Sunday.

Substitutes:

Conor Bradley - 5/10 - Conceded an own goal almost immediately after coming on at halftime. Looked shaky in defense throughout, but made some decent attacking pushes forward. Not his best evening.

Bobby Clark - 6/10 - The youngster got a nice half hour after coming on for Mac Allister. A good experience away from home in a European tie for the lad. Some nice ball recoveries.

Virgil van Dijk - 6/10 - The Captain was needed to come on in the second half after Konate's hamstring problem. Not as much action in the second half, but he calmed things down and most importantly, got through feeling fine. Ready for City.

Mohamed Salah - 7/10 - It was a wonderful sight to see the Egyptian get a nice 20+ minutes in this one as he was instantly a threat. Had a goal disallowed for offsides, but showed he has not lost an iota of his attacking knowhow. Should be ready for City.

Dominik Szoboszlai - 7/10 - The Hungarian, also getting some important minutes, was contantly driving the side forward after coming on. Assisted Salah's disallowed goal before bagging one for himself in the dying moments. A lively cameo that will have instilled confidence in himself and Klopp.