The two talismen proved their worth once again by netting in a 4-0 rout of Spurs that gives Arne Slot a chance to lift a trophy next month
There's a rumour doing the rounds on Merseyside right now that Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have agreed new contracts with Liverpool. The fans are praying that's the case, as both men underlined their astronomical value to the club in Wednesday night's 4-0 rout of Tottenham, which saw the Reds progress to the Carabao Cup final 4-1 on aggregate.
The currently unstoppable Salah created the game's opening goal for Cody Gakpo and scored the second himself from the penalty spot, after Darwin Nunez had been felled by Tottenham's atrocious new goalkeeper, Antonin Kinsky.
The impressive Dominik Szoboszlai made it 3-0 after taking a clever pass from Conor Bradley in his stride before Van Dijk capped a fantastic win for the hosts with a towering header reminiscent of his winner in last year's final.
GOAL rates all of the Liverpool players on show as the reigning champions set up an intriguing Wembley showdown with Newcastle United on March 16…
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Caoimhin Kelleher (6.5/10):
A deserved start for Alisson's wonderfully reliable No.2 and he couldn't have hoped for an easier clean sheet. Truth be told, he probably would have liked a little more to do. Son Heung-min did hit the bar at one point but the Irishman didn't actually have a save to make!
Conor Bradley (8/10):
As expected, replaced the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and the England international would have been proud of the first-time through-ball that Bradley played into Szoboszlai. One superb sliding challenge on Son also evoked memories of the right-back's 'reducer' on Kylian Mbappe a couple of months back.
Ibrahima Konate (7/10):
Little was asked of the France defender but he impressed with his aggression and anticipation.
Virgil van Dijk (8/10):
Really enjoyed his duel with Richarlison before the Brazilian was forced off injured. Coasted through the rest of the game before emphatically heading home the fourth.
Andy Robertson (7/10):
There were a few misplaced passes but the Scot kept Dejan Kulusevski quiet and also put over a couple of decent crosses. Robertson is definitely starting to look a little like his old self in the past few weeks.
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Ryan Gravenberch (7.5/10):
Such a classy operator. As well as doing a fine job screening the back four, the Dutchman's distribution was excellent and his footwork fantastic. He's got this wonderful ability to jink past opponents and he was very unlucky not to get what would have been a deserved goal with a well-struck drive that hit the post.
Curtis Jones (7/10):
Came in for his first start since getting injured against Lille last month and performed with his characteristic energy and composure. Ran himself into the ground before being wisely replaced with 20 minutes to go.
Dominik Szoboszlai (8/10):
Offered a constant goal threat, going close twice to scoring before coolly slotting home the killer third. His relentless pressing also played a pivotal role in Tottenham having no time on the ball.
AFPAttack
Mohamed Salah (8/10):
The man is on fire. Another goal-and-assist contribution from the Egyptian King, who is easily the most effective forward in world football right now. If he stays fit, anything is possible for the Reds this season.
Darwin Nunez (7/10):
No goal once again but the Uruguayan more than justified his inclusion with a dynamic display. His work-rate was exceptional and he created a number of chances for his team-mates before being taken off.
Cody Gakpo (8/10):
Causes constant chaos on the left wing with his ability to fly past his man and dig out a cross from the byline – or cut inside onto his favoured right foot. Took his goal really well, too, as it was not an easy shot to control and he's not netted 10 times in his past 10 appearances at Anfield.
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Diogo Jota (6.5/10):
Took over up top from Nunez and had a couple of half-chances.
Alexis Mac Allister (6.5/10):
Replaced Jones in midfield and bagged a late assist with his corner for Van Dijk's goal.
Harvey Elliott (N/A):
Only came on with less than 10 minutes to go.
Luis Diaz (N/A):
Part of a late double substitution with Elliott.
Jarell Quansah (N/A):
Brought on just before the finish to give Van Dijk a deserved ovation from an adoring Anfield crowd.
Arne Slot (8/10):
Things couldn't have gone much better for the Dutchman, with both Jones and Nunez vindicating their recalls as Liverpool reached a cup final in his first season in charge. He's now got a glorious chance to lift a trophy before we even reach the business end of the season.
