It may have just been a Carabao Cup Third Round clash for Liverpool but for several of their players, this was way more than that. They were playing for their future while the majority of the first team squad minus Virgil van Dijk watched on from home as the Premier League champions ran riot.
The side fielded by Jurgen Klopp was not bad at all though, another sign that they’re in the midst of something special at Anfield.
Young prospects Neco Williams, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones were given another chance to flourish and it was Jones who caught the eye with an impressive first half brace.
Takumi Minamino, Kostas Tsimikas, Van Dijk and Fabinho were also given the chance to get more fitness under their belts while new signing Diogo Jota came off the bench and the Japanese star also bagged a double as his development continues.
Meanwhile, Marko Grujic, Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi were fighting to keep their place at Anfield amid strong competition for places.
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As for Divock Origi, the writing appears to be on the wall for the Belgian despite his late strike in the 88th minute.
This was a dismal display from him against lower league opposition and he failed to stake his claim to stay put, despite his fine finish.
With Jota now in the fold, Origi’s minutes will already be limited and his performance did not help matters.
He looked disinterested and now may be the right time for him to move on if an offer arrives.
As for Grujic, it was a performance that may help Liverpool move him on and bring in some additional funds.
For his stature and physique, he should be bossing games but he was rather timid with and without the ball.
He did score a fine strike in the second half but like much like Origi, he does not look ready to play for Liverpool regularly.
Borussia Monchengladbach are reportedly interested and there’s every chance he could be heading for the exit door.