Liverpool 6-1 Sparta Prague (agg. 11-2) Player Ratings

The start of this game was ferocious and full of attacking intent from the six-time European champions. Goals came thick and fast and this game under the famed Anfield lights was certainly something to behold.

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 7.0

The 25-year-old Irishman kept his place in the team, despite the aggregate score potentially pointing towards a midweek rest. From the outset of this encounter, the deputy stopper was very much a spectator that recycled play and offered an option for his team to maintain possession. At 4-0 (9-1 on aggregate) in the first half, a relative consolation goal was a nice moment for the visiting fans, which the Liverpool keeper could do little to avert. On resumption of the second half, the impressive and temporary number one was untroubled and able to watch his mates go about their business.

Conor Bradley – 8.0

The 20-year-old fullback is now the starting right back and is holding onto his shirt on merit. Through the initial stages of the tie, the right back was a roaming and penetrating prospect on the flank, which allowed him to link play with Mohamed Salah and the surrounding cast. His very high position means an open and exciting game ensued, with the youngster revelling through a brilliant first half. After the break, his play was once more controlled and ambitious as he pushes to keep his place in the side.

Andy Robertson – 8.0

The experienced Scotland captain came back into the starting eleven after an impressive second half against Manchester City on Sunday. As the skipper for the reds, the 30-year-old was marauding and energetic with so much competition at the full back positions. His first half showing was that of a man on a mission to impress and he was a continual option on the flank. As the second period commenced, he was able to drive forward more and more as his teammates took the game to their visitors.

4 – Liverpool were 4-0 up against Sparta Prague by the 14th minute of this match – the quickest a team have been four goals up in a game in major European competition since Chelsea in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in September 1971 (13th minute vs. Jeunesse Hautcharage). Flash. pic.twitter.com/zOSxEplMH2

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 14, 2024

Joe Gomez – 8.0

The England international defender continued to show his positional flexibility with a move back to centre half. From the opening whistle, the 26-year-old was commanding and assured as the senior central defender. His power and pace were needed on a few occasions, as he enjoyed his first half on the pitch.

Subbed – 45 mins

Jarell Quansah – 8.0

The England under-21 defender continues to stand out and there is never a fear when he is included in the starting eleven. From the moment the game began, the 6ft 3inch defender was calm and confident, with a grace to his presence on the pitch. In the second half, he became the senior central defender and led his defensive line superbly.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 9.0

The Hungarian skipper started once more, with a clear desire to play the explosive midfielder into form before Sunday. From the moment the game kick off, the former RB Leipzig man was involved in everything and strode around the pitch with venom in his boots. His smart assist for Darwin’s opening goal was cute and his first half display untouchable. He got his goal early in the first half as he drove at the defence and struck a deflected shot in at the best post. A continued show of power and pace consumed his second period.

https://twitter.com/BenBocsak/status/1768390717490041302

Bobby Clark – 9.0

The talented youngster is now starting on merit and his controlling instincts seemed to mesh wonderfully with his midfield partners. His goal was one of both hard work and intelligence, as he passed the ball into the net from the wedge of the box to take the score to 2-0 on the night. The assist for Mohamed Salah’s first goal was clever and it showed that he knows where to move the ball to in certain areas. A tremendous first half of on and off ball endeavour was laid out and the teenager continued the trend into the second half where he dominated possession with a level far beyond his tender years.

Man of the Match

Subbed – 73 mins

Wataru Endō – 8.0

The captain of Japan has been a revelation since returning from the 2024 Asia Cup, with his no nonsense style intertwining with some more electric assets in the side. His role from the outset was to hold the middle ground, where he snapped and used the ball effectively. The continued success of the former Bundesliga star is offering superb opportunities for others in the knowledge that he will add coverage. Was unlucky for the goal conceded in the first half, as the runner edged goal side off a break.

Subbed – 45 mins

Darwin Núñez – 8.0

The Uruguayan raging bull kept his place after an explosive 1st leg double last week. The 6ft 2inch striker opened the scoring with a fortuitous strike and was a menace through his half on the Anfield turf.

Subbed – 45 mins

https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1768370211537723744?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ

Mohamed Salah – 9.0

The Egyptian King was unplayable and brilliant in this game, with the first half seeing him offer a clinical goal and two assists. The second half was a continuing success as he laid on the assist for his Hungarian teammate, Dominik Szoboszlai. Every time he received the ball his teammates could sense something would happen, which makes this is a wonderful moment for the world class abilities of the magician to come to the fore.

Cody Gakpo – 9.0

The Dutch forward sometimes struggles to make the same impact of his teammates; therefore, continual opportunities have been chosen to try and force some form into the former PSV attacker. The 6ft 4inch enigma would have been delighted with his crisp goal in the first half, as he very much immersed himself within the attacking crusade of his team. The second goal was a culmination of his work and intelligence, as he deservedly doubled his tally. Was unlucky not to get the third as he pushed to make the breakthrough.

Subs:

Kostas Tsimikas – 7.0 (on 45)

Came on to support the team as the shape adjusted through alteration.

James McConnell – 7.0 (on 45)

Came on to take on a good role for the team as certain assets were withdrawn.

Harvey Elliott – 8.0 (on 45)

Came on to assist a good goal and contribute to a powerful team effort.

Virgil van Dijk – 7.0 (on 66)

Came on to lead his team to the finish line.

Mateusz Musiałowski – 6.0 (on 73)

Came on to add more exciting youth to the fray.

The Manager:

Jürgen Klopp – 10.0

The German manager was sensational in his efforts and chose a team that enabled some players to gain valuable minutes, before making the intelligent substitutes that his squad needed most.

Enjoying a magical final season on Merseyside.

Steven Smiths’ Pre-match Prediction:

Liverpool 4 – 2 Sparta Prague