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Liverpool 4 – 0 LASK – Europa League Group Stage Ratings

The Thursday evening visit of Austrian Bundesliga side, LASK, came after a very important draw against current Premier League champions, Manchester City. Jürgen Klopp went with a strong starting lineup, with a desire to get the game won as clinically as possible.

Starting XI;

Caoimhin Kelleher – 8.0

After confirmation of Alisson Becker’s injury, this represented the start of the Irishman’s run as the starting keeper. He was busy in the opening period, as the game progressed from end to end. A busy opening 45 minutes was replaced by an important second half for the stand in keeper, as a flurry of impressive stops were needed. This kind of outing was so important for the confidence of the 25-year-old, as he will be called into action for the foreseeable future.

Kostas Tsimikas – 8.0

Started once more, as his manager clearly wants some on pitch momentum in the Greek fullback’s game. He started very well, offering great width and a constant outlet for the reds fast paced attacks. A thunderbolt struck the bar at 2-0, as he continued to look for a goal.

Subbed – 82 mins

Joe Gomez – 7.0

The Liverpool hybrid for the evening, he started with a clear intention to get forward as much as possible. That endeavour brought the opening goal, as his cross met the head of Luis Díaz. The versatile defender nearly saw a long-range effort fly into the bottom corner, only for the strike to slide past the outside of the post. A busy second half ensued, as the game was thrown from end to end, however, the former Charlton man played well in what is beckoning a very fine bounce back season.

Ibrahima Konaté – 7.0

The monstrous defender is hoping to get his first team shirt back, as he started as the rearguard leader of the midweek cup side. The giant Frenchman on hand for a couple of first half moments to intercept the away team’s counters, as his side swarmed forward with urgency. He was withdrawn shortly after the restart, yet the minutes remain solid after his most recent injury.

Subbed – 56 mins

Jarell Quansah – 7.0

Another opportunity for the breakout player of the team. Was alert within a frenetic opening exchange, as his teammates surged forward. A mature performance in what proved to be an open game of football. The manger has a real star in the making on his hands.

Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0

After a solid cameo against Manchester City, the Dutch prodigy started as the attacking midfielder. Looked to travel with the ball at every opportunity, as the home side capitalised on their superior quality. The final ball was the only thing missing in a good outing.

Subbed – 82 mins

Wataru Endō – 7.0

The certified cup competition enforcer, his job was to occupy space and allow others a license to take the game to the lesser team. He was busy in his work and offered the perfect balance for the continual movement around him.

Harvey Elliott – 8.0

Another midweek start for the England under-21 star, he was involved in plenty of first half build up, as a playmaker amongst so many attacking assets. His role in the second half was about recycling possession and supplying the assets ahead of him in a very good and mature performance.

Man of the match

Mohamed Salah – 8.0

The Egyptian King was given the armband for the evening, with a clear intention to get the game won early. He was relentless from the opening minute, as he was able to assist Gakpo for the games second goal. The penalty was crisp and well deserved in a very fine outing.

Subbed – 56 mins

Luis Díaz – 7.0

The Colombian flyer started once more for the secondary group, which allowed him to grab the opening goal with a solid headed goal. The maverick wide man was a constant threat, with a pace and purpose that the visitors could not handle.

Subbed – 56 mins

Cody Gakpo – 8.0

A game where the utility forward would have hoped to make a strong impression. That strong impression was rewarded with the games second goal, as he tapped in from close range. You could see his self-belief elevate from that point onwards, as his interplay and smart movement created the penalty, before he blasted home for his second and the games court goal. Gakpo is back.

Subs;

Curtis Jones – 6.0 (on 56)

A poor game where more desire was required.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.0 (on 56)

A good outing and fine assist for the final goal of the night.

Darwin Núñez – 6.0 (on 56)

Came in to add chaos, should have scored.

Conor Bradley – 6.0 (on 82)

Nice minutes.

Luke Chambers – 6.0 (on 82)

Will have enjoyed the final moments.

The Manager;

Jürgen Klopp – 9.0

The manager went with a strong side, standing by a desire to end the contest in the first half. The decision paid dividends early on, as his side portrayed an attacking variation that the Austrian side could not live with. He would have been delighted with the energy and fight, especially with such a critical juncture of the season incoming. Individual performances and link up play were in effect across the pitch, as a solid European night unfolded before enthusiastic eyes.

The second half substitutions were on point and allowed game management to be explored at will. The minutes were handed out according to load as well as player momentum, which is a good sign for someone who was only last season so uncoordinated in his changes. Much like his team, Jürgen Klopp is enjoying a very fine campaign and the confidence throughout is brimming right now. The fact that both Caoimhin Kelleher and Cody Gakpo excelled in the aftermath of recent injuries would have been a welcome sign.

Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 5 – 1 LASK

 

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