Newsnow Liverpool presents Liverpool player ratings following a convincing 3-0 victory over Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round at Anfield on Wednesday.
The win propels Liverpool into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, where they will face their bitter rivals Manchester United in a highly anticipated clash.
Lewis Koumas made an immediate impact by finding the back of the net on his debut while teenage substitute Jayden Danns contributed two goals to secure the comfortable victory over the Championship side.
With this triumph, Liverpool maintain their pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple, keeping their hopes alive as they progress further in the FA Cup. Here is how we rated the performance of the players
Caoimhin Kelleher 8
Excellent stop from Mara as Southampton threatened constantly early on and another fine save denied Sulemana second half. Supremely confident showing.
Conor Bradley 7
Struggled to make much impression going forward in opening quarter and hands full with Sulemana but much better after that. Shot forced the third goal.
Jarell Quansah 7
Gave away one ball in a dangerous position and beaten by Sulemana for one opportunity. One of many to improve markedly second half, with some good long distribution.
Virgil van Dijk 6
Appeared to still be celebrating his Wembley winner during a very strange opening before settling. Subbed.
Kostas Tsimikas 7
Probed forward regularly but positionally wayward at times, but tightened that up in second half and crossing began to cause problems for Southampton.
Joe Gomez 8
Extremely busy as an emergency number six first half and helped recycle ball quickly to maintain attacking pressure. Very impressive after the interval and tried some shots, which obviously did not go in.
Bobby Clark 8
Good run and pass to create the opener and fashioned another chance for Gakpo first half and excellent after break. What a talent this young man is.
James McConnell 6
Dispossessed for one early Southampton chance but remained steady and some crunching tackles first half. Understandably tired massively after break. Subbed.
Harvey Elliott 7
Among many Liverpool players to appear jaded initially but livened up before half-time and one shot from range saved before good assist for second. Subbed.
Cody Gakpo 6
Declined one opportunity to shoot and tough time leading the attack. Dragged shots wide either side of half-time, but didn’t stop working. Subbed.
Lewis Koumas 7
More than happy to take on the Southampton defence, offered himself regularly and took his goal well on a fine debut. Subbed.
SUBS
Ibrahima Konate (for Van Dijk 46) 8
Heavily involved defensively throughout the second half with interceptions, blocks and challenges as Southampton pressed.
Jayden Danns (for Koumas 62) 8
Built on his Wembley cameo with a well-taken goal added to by a proper striker’s reaction for Liverpool’s third.
Alexis Mac Allister (for McConnell 62) 7
Brought some class and composure to the engine room.
Trey Nyoni (for Elliott 78)
Fantastic moment for the 16-year-old on being handed his debut.
Kaide Gordon (for Gakpo 89)
Welcome first-team minutes for the young winger.
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