Liverpool eased to victory towards LASK within the Europa League to verify qualification to the spherical of 16, with Toulouse’s failure to defeat Union Saint-Gilloise confirming Jurgen Klopp’s facet as group winners.
It was a largely snug affair that showcased the Reds’ blistering attacking energy, albeit if the hosts did squander a rating of alternatives.
However nonetheless, the rotated rearguard proved its value and Caoimhin Kelleher was a wall between the sticks, making some stellar saves with Alisson out injured.
Cody Gakpo was the shining star in assault, nonetheless, together with his talismanic efficiency clinching qualification.
Cody Gakpo vs LASK in numbers
Gakpo wanted that one. The Dutchman has not been under-par this season, per se, however has struggled to cement himself in Klopp’s facet with an announcement exhibiting.
It got here tonight, with a brace lifting his seasonal tally to 6 targets and an help from simply ten beginning appearances throughout all competitions, with reporter Neil Jones noting the 24-year-old’s “standout” show.
|
Cody Gakpo: Stats vs LASK |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistic |
# |
|
Minutes performed |
90′ |
|
Objectives |
2 |
|
Pictures |
6 |
|
Hit woodwork |
1 |
|
Penalties gained |
1 |
|
Move completion |
88% |
|
Touches |
50 |
|
Key passes |
2 |
|
Duels gained |
6/9 (67%) |
|
Lengthy balls |
4/5 (80%) |
|
*Sourced through Sofascore |
|
With Diogo Jota set for a spell on the sidelines after selecting up a difficulty throughout final weekend’s draw towards Manchester Metropolis, Gakpo’s return to goalscoring kind got here on the apt second, together with his boots certain to be wanted over the approaching weeks.
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The winter interval is gruelling at the most effective of occasions, and Klopp will actually be delighted together with his facet’s fidelity regardless of rotation, with Harvey Elliott proving as soon as once more that he could make the No. 8 function his personal within the engine room.
Harvey Elliott’s efficiency vs LASK
Elliott was a mainstay for Liverpool final season and accomplished 46 appearances throughout all competitions; this time period, he has began simply as soon as within the Premier League however has been integral in cup competitions, glittering as soon as once more final night time.
As per Sofascore, the dynamic gem took 75 touches throughout the 90 minutes he was on the pitch, making three key passes, unleashing 4 pictures (forcing one notably good save from Tobias Tobias Okiki Lawal), succeeding together with his sole dribble try, and successful two of his 4 contested floor duels.
Famous for his “visionary” distribution by TNT Sports activities’ commentator Ian Darke, the £40k-per-week Elliott has taken some spectacular strides this season and appears mature and at dwelling within the centre of the park, working the present together with his inventive, managed presence.
Handing him an 8/10 match ranking, the Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle was effusive in his remarks over the 20-year-old’s show: ‘Busy and efficient on the suitable of midfield three, selecting up plenty of unfastened balls and fired one free-kick large and compelled good Lawal save. Positive show.’
It was on no account a flawless night time for the rising star, who did lose the ball 22 occasions as he seemed to affect the movement, however Liverpool supporters – if they aren’t already – actually ought to begin getting excited.
Elliott is making incremental progress and, with the items beginning to slot collectively, might play a central function within the Anfield facet’s efforts over the approaching months.
