Liverpool 3-0 Southampton FC: Daily Echo's player ratings

Lewis Koumas and a brace from Jayden Danns at Anfield earned Jurgen Klopp's side progression to the quarter-final of the contest.

Southampton were left to rue a number of missed chances with Liverpool's 18 year old wonderkids proving more efficient. 

It is a difficult match to assess - but he here is how we graded each Saints player's performance on a wet Wednesday night...

Starters 

Joe Lumley - 6. 

Not a problem in the net. Made a really good save on a dipping Harvey Elliott shot with the score at 0-0 and the third Liverpool goal was unlucky after a decent diving stop. Couldn't do anything about the first goal. Some misplaced long passes but good with the ball at his feet. 

James Bree - 7. 

Solid 60 minute performance on his return from injury to make a first appearance since December. Won all of his duels and had a couple of moments moving up the pitch. Was caught trying to run out just ahead of half-time and would be talked about differently if Cody Gakpo had finished. 

Jack Stephens - 6. 

Looked good on the ball and defended well until the backline lost all protection in the final 20 minutes. Playing Danns onside for the second goal but hard to lay the blame at his door after the possession was lost in a dangerous area. 

Jan Bednarek - 6.

Almost completely dependable in possession once again and a reliable operator for Martin. However, struggled in all of his duels and had the ball stolen by 16 year old Trey Nyoni in a dangerous area in the closing stages leading to a big chance for Liverpool. 

Ryan Manning - 6.

Decent performance for the Irishman, despite being involved in one of the Liverpool goals. He was stitched up by Smallbone for the decisive second and it is unfair to blame him for it. Only Aribo and Charles won more duels than Manning in 90 minutes. 

Shea Charles - 7.

Good night for him. Looked really slick in possession and excelled taking the ball while facing his own goal and turning his man to advance the play. A couple of chances were created from this. However, also had a few misplaced passes and missed a sitter in the Liverpool box at 1-0 down. 

Joe Rothwell - 7. 

Improved on recent outings and nothing to complain about with Rothwell. Had one or two opportunities to open up and drive toward the Liverpool defence. Not too much offered defensively. 96 per cent pass success rate before he was substituted in the 68th minute. 

Joe Aribo - 7.

Southampton's best performer. Started the game really brightly, playing Mara through for disallowed opener. Continued that for much of the first half and into the second, setting up Kamaldeen to hit the post. Strong and quick on the ball and a key part of free-flowing midfield. 

Sam Edozie - 6. 

Quieter than Kamaldeen on the other side but looked sharp and strong with his touches. Was unsuccessful with all dribbles and crosses according to stats. Sent one good ball into the six-yard box for Mara and Kamaldeen right at the start of the second half, which could have yielded a goal. 

Kamaldeen Sulemana - 6. 

One of the dangerous outlets and a difficult player to assess. Hit the post with an early chance and constantly looked like a threat. However, had too little end product. Missed one big chance at the back post at 1-0 down before he was substituted. Suffered from Ibrahima Konate's introduction. 

Sekou Mara - 5.

Involved a lot but will not be happy with his output. Good finish for the offside goal in the first minute but it never got better than that. Hit the keeper with two big chances - but won one of those himself with a ball-win in a dangerous area. Should have had a goal.

Kamaldeen Sulemana struggled after Ibrahima Konate's introduction (Image: PA)

Substitutes 

Adam Armstrong - 5.

Played more than 30 minutes and did not offer enough in that time. Struggle to pinpoint an impact at either end. Fired wide with his only shot deep into added time. 

Kyle Walker-Peters - 6.

Only played 15 minutes due to injury. Recorded really good involvement stats in that time but difficult to assess a player over such a short period. 

Che Adams - 5. 

Came on for the final 20 minutes. Was uninvolved, touching the ball just seven times in that time. Perfect in possession when he had it but made no impact on the game. 

Will Smallbone - 4. 

Came on for the final 20 minutes. Gave the ball away for Liverpool's second and definitive goal. Poor in possession with a 56 per cent pass accuracy and did little to prevent Reds attacks. 

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 7.

Replaced Walker-Peters for the final 15 minutes. Was heavily involved in possession and made one big sliding tackle in his own half. Did very well considering the situation.