Liverpool player ratings as Virgil van Dijk dominates and two others outstanding vs Tottenham
Liverpool sealed their place in a second successive League Cup final with one of the great semi-final performances at Anfield. Having trailed 1-0 from the first leg, the Reds demolished Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 to win 4-1 on aggregate and set up a Wembley date with Newcastle United on March 16.
Cody Gakpo scored in the first half before Mohamed Salah's penalty on 51 minutes put Liverpool ahead in the tie for the first time. Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk later sealed a memorable triumph.
And here the ECHO rate the Reds players on another impressive night under Arne Slot.
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Caoimhin Kelleher 7
Faced precisely zero shots on target and it may have been until the 74th minute he first touched the ball with his hands. Good distribution, however.
Conor Bradley 8
Pushed forward when possible before break and roused crowd with crunching tackle on Son. More of same second half, and excellent run and pass to fashion third.
Ibrahima Konate 7
Somewhat nervy with distribution at times but very solid in the day job, particularly in the air. Fan favourite.
Virgil van Dijk 9
Having none of it from Richarlison early on and began to feel comfortable joining the attack on occasion. Dominated the Tottenham attack and popped up with the fourth. Subbed.
Andy Robertson 8
Fine work raiding down the left first half with Liverpool dominant and very few issues with Kulusevski. Enjoyed himself after break and had one goalbound effort blocked.
Ryan Gravenberch 8
Pounced on loose ball in midfield to spark the opener and ability to drift into space started to cause problems. Hit woodwork with one second-half effort.
Curtis Jones 7
Playing in a deeper role, performed increasingly well in picking up pieces apart from one iffy pass to Van Dijk before half-time. Subbed.
Mohamed Salah 9
Rewarded for relentless running at Spence with assist for opener and later had shot turned on to crossbar. Tucked away penalty expertly and worked so hard. Subbed.
Dominik Szoboszlai 8
Covered plenty of ground and some good touches in attempting to get Liverpool going, and several shots blocked. Led the press second half as Tottenham began to push forward and fine finish for third.
Cody Gakpo 9
Dug out a cross for Nunez header first half and thumped in great first-time finish for opener, and struck post in second half in another excellent showing on the left. Subbed.
Darwin Nunez 8
Provided focal point to attack and held ball up well, and excellent work defensively at set-pieces. Alert to win penalty and later shot into side-netting. Subbed.
Diogo Jota (for Nunez 72) 7
Barged a Tottenham player over with his first action. Never change, Diogo.
Alexis Mac Allister (for Jones 72) 8
Excellent pass released Bradley to set up third and curled in corner delivery for fourth.
Harvey Elliott (for Salah 82)
Nearly had a shot.
Luis Diaz (for Gakpo 82)
Ran around a bit.
Jarell Quansah (for Van Dijk 87)
Wembley awaits.
