Liverpool cruised from there and secured not only the win, but a direct berth to the round of 16 in the Champions League. Skipping the first round of the knockout stage will give the Reds time to regroup and focus on maintaining their pace in the Premier League amid challengers.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says the team are "very calm" after an excellent start to the season. The Reds are six points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand and wrapped up qualification to the knockout stage of the Champions League with a game to spare after beating Lille on Tuesday.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has said he believes his team can use the disappointment of last season to help propel them to silverware this term.