The Reds’ comprehensive attacking display against Hoffenheim on Wednesday saw them comfortably into the Champions League Group Stages, thanks to goals from Firmino and Salah, as well as two from Emre Can.

Firmino and Salah linked up brilliantly with Mane as the attacking trio were backed up by Can, Adam Lallana and Gigi Wijnaldum as the Anfield attack showed no signs of missing Coutinho, who has so often been their chief puller of strings.

Liverpool vs Hoffenheim player ratings Show all 11 1 /11 Liverpool vs Hoffenheim player ratings Liverpool vs Hoffenheim player ratings Simon Mignolet - 6 out of 10 Not his most commanding of displays in between the sticks. Could have done more for Hoffenheim's first goal and nearly conceded after a hairy moment under the high ball. Liverpool vs Hoffenheim player ratings Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7 Another magical night for the youngster who thrilled with his confidence going forward down the flank. Possibly a bit eager in some of his challenges but a mature and rounded display nonetheless. Liverpool vs Hoffenheim player ratings Dejan Lovren - 6 Beaten in the air for Hoffenheim's second. Could have been much tighter and disciplined in his defensive performance. Getty Liverpool vs Hoffenheim player ratings Joel Matip - 6 Suffered from the same issues as his partner. Not totally in control but still got the job done. Liverpool vs Hoffenheim player ratings Alberto Moreno - 6 Threatening on the front foot and assured on the back. Some of his deliveries were found wanting, though. Liverpool vs Hoffenheim player ratings Georginio Wijnaldum - 6 Missed a number of clear-cut chances and got caught in possession here and there. Still, linked up with his teammates and kept the Liverpool midfield unit ticking over. Getty Liverpool vs Hoffenheim player ratings Jordan Henderson - 7 Showed his captain's credentials to set up Firmino for Liverpool's fourth. Happy to do the dirty work as the men in front added the finishing touches. Liverpool vs Hoffenheim player ratings Sadio Mane - 8 Explosive from the off. His pace and energy proved too much for the visitors, while his passing and vision was influential in a number of Liverpool's goals. Liverpool vs Hoffenheim player ratings Emre Can - 8 A fine evening for him, too. Took his goals very well and was a constant presence in Hoffenheim's final third. Liverpool vs Hoffenheim player ratings Mohamed Salah - 7 Lively all game long in his pressing and movement. Provided Liverpool with a constant source of deliveries and threatened from his position on the flank. Even snatched a goal too. Liverpool vs Hoffenheim player ratings Roberto Firmino - 9 A fantastic performance from the Brazilian. Made all the right passes and his movement was exceptional. Assertive on the ball and was eventually rewarded with a well-taken goal in the second half.

And Klopp rejected suggestions in Germany that it was Hoffenheim who handed Liverpool the win rather than the Reds taking it, instead highlighting how his players have grown to become the attacking force which caused the German to turn around and yell “this is football” on Wednesday night.

“I think since we were together a lot of the players have improved, and that's because of the group,” Klopp said. We played Hoffenheim and people are now saying in Germany they were naive (against us), let me say we were outstandingly good.

“I really trust these players and I really like developing with them. Yes Sadio made a big step, but first of all because it was possible for him to do it. Being more clear in all the situations, passing in the right moment, dribbling in the right moments, be always a goal threat.

“You can see Mo (Salah) is on the way there. Not that used to it. Not using the body that much, different player, same speed, but different player. He played a completely different position last season, he was a second striker at Roma.

“He is a winger - he can play this. He has defended 500 per cent more already than he did last season, but another player who needs to adapt.