Liverpool 5-1 Sparta Prague: Player ratings

Liverpool hammered Sparta Prague 5-1 in the first leg of their Europa League Last 16 clash. Here's how we rated the players.

Caoimhin Kelleher: 10

Not sure how you can give less than a 10 to Kelleher, who frustrated Sparta Prague as much as any Liverpool player. A truly world-class save in the first half kept Liverpool in front, and they he produced another fantastic stop to tip a looping ball over the bar. The Irishman is in the form of his life - and desperately unfortunate not to get a fourth consecutive clean sheet here.

Joe Gomez: 7

It was a difficult game for the defenders - Sparta were very aggressive going forward and caused trouble for the Reds' high line. Gomez did pretty well, though, even if he was caught out on a couple of occasions. His goal-line clearance was a highlight of the first half.

Ibrahima Konaté: 7

As above, really. Konaté was often isolated here but his pace and strength kept Sparta at bay - mostly. Went off early, unfortunately, so we'll see how that affects Sunday.

Jarell Quansah: 6

On the whole, Quansah was decent in a difficult defensive game. He did have a couple of moments where he struggled, though - particularly up against the press. Still, held his own in a European knockout game.

Andy Robertson: 7

A solid game from Robertson, who didn't get too many chances going forward. No complaints.

Wataru Endo: 8

Liverpool needed Endo here. Starta were incredibly aggressive in both their press and their desire to leave players forward. Endo was the destroyer in the middle keeping the Reds from being overrun as they left players up top themselves.

Alexis Mac Allister: 10

Brilliant from the Argentine, who forced the opening goal all on his own and created the third with a wonderful pass. He was also Liverpool's most composed presence in the middle - something much-needed against Sparta's intense pressing.

Harvey Elliott: 8

A good game from Elliott in the end, despite a relatively quiet first-half. Assisted the needed fourth goal well on a night where he played three different positions.

Cody Gakpo: 6

Another night where little went well for Gakpo. He was very unlucky not to score at one stage but stood out as the others found the net.

Darwin Nunez: 10

Nunez played 49 minutes here but still found the time to score two brilliant goals. A fantastic performance and the early exit keeps him fresh and in form to face Manchester City.

Luis Diaz: 8

Diaz got his goal but struggled a little for space in this one. But that's usually a positive sign - even in a game where things didn't necessarily go his way, the Colombian contributed well.

Subs

Conor Bradley: 5

Scored Sparta's only goal. These things happen, of course, but one he'll want to learn from.

Virgil van Dijk: 7

Liverpool were noticeably more solid once he entered the fray. Of course, that's not exactly a shock.

Dominik Szoboszlai: 8

Unlucky not to assist Salah here but then popped up with a great goal for the fifth. Exactly what he needed ahead of City.

Bobby Clark: 7

Showed plenty of fight when he came on.

Mohamed Salah: 6

Pretty quiet on the whole but also unfortunate not to have a goal. Much-needed minutes that might see him start against Man City.