Liverpool's African duo of Sadio Mane and Naby Keita both took it upon themselves to pull the strings and on their returns to their former club RB Salzburg.

A frenetic first half saw chances at either end with Alisson the busier of the two goalkeepers but the Brazilian was equal to all of highly-rated Erling Haaland's efforts.

Mane and Keita linked up after the interval for the Guinea star to break the deadlock with a fine headed goal.

Mohamed Salah was in the mood too, netting a second from an almost impossible angle after the Salzburg keeper came unnecessarily rushing out to the edge of his penalty area.

There were exactly 100 seconds between Keita giving Liverpool the lead and Salah doubling the score, providing a cushion that meant Liverpool won Group E by just one point from Napoli.

Starsport evaluated the Liverpool players on a night which will have left Jurgen Klopp beaming.

Alisson 8

Unflappable behind a Liverpool back line who were exposed by the pace of Haaland and Takumi Minamino a number of times.

Andy Robertson 8

Back to his best based on tonight's display. Had his work cut out defensively but still managed to provide dangerously link ups in attack too.

Liverpool progressed to the knockout stages of the Champions League in Austria

Dejan Lovren 5

Couldn't handle Haaland and Liverpool looked more solid once he came off injured and was replaced by Joe Gomez.

Virgil Van Dijk 7

Tank-like performance from the Dutchman. Displayed calm assurance and dealt with most things sent his way in his usual serene style.

Trent Alexander-Arnold 7

Trademark cross-field ping of a pass had Liverpool on the move to initiate their opening goal. Looks like he is loving every moment under Klopp.

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Naby Keita 9

Once of his best performances in a Liverpool shirt. Played like he had a point to prove and could be a pivotal figure in Fabinho's absence.

Jordan Henderson 7

The latest classy display from the skipper. Barely put a foot wrong and it was his searching ball that found Salah for the second goal.

Georginio Wijnaldum 6

Not at his best but didn't need to be because others were. Will need to sharpen up in the Round of 16 however.

Sadio Mane 8

A constant thorn in Salzburg's side but spurned some chances and really should have capped his night with a goal against his former club.

Mohamed Salah 7

Missed abut three easier opportunities than the one he eventually scored. Fluid movements and crafty backheels illustrating how confident he feels right now.

Roberto Firmino 6

Quiet night for the Brazilian and his lack of goals might be starting to give Klopp some worries. Divock Origi is knocking at the door.