Liverpool defeated Sparta Prague 6-1 at Anfield on Thursday, cruising into the Europa League quarterfinals.
After the decisive 5-1 victory in the Czech Republic last week, a lot of people anticipated that Jurgen Klopp would choose a far weaker team for Merseyside. However, the German took a more brutal tack.
And he was rewarded as his team scored goals from Darwin Nunez, Bobby Clark, Mohamed Salah, and Cody Gakpo to shoot them to a 4-0 lead in under fifteen minutes. Before the half, the visitors gave their supporters cause for celebration, but Dominik Szoboszlai and Gakpo added to the enormous total.
On a fantastic night in Europe, Mail Sport’s TUM BALOGUN looks at which Reds players gave their all.
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
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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
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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.