'Shaqiri a dazzling creative force' - the media on LFC 4-0 Red Star

Mohamed Salah netted twice to take his tally to 50 goals for the Reds, and Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane were also on the mark.

Here’s what the media made of the display…

David Lynch, Evening Standard

It isn’t just the fans who felt it: Jürgen Klopp dedicated a large chunk of his programme notes to the idea that Liverpool’s performances haven’t quite matched up to their results of late. And so this game against a Red Star Belgrade side dominant in the Serbian league but often found wanting in Europe looked like the perfect time to start correcting the anomaly. Klopp will hope that this is just the start of his pre-match promises regarding ‘more to come’ from his team being delivered upon. Having been forced to wait so long for another look at summer signing Fabinho, fans could be forgiven for feeling slightly unnerved by his start to this game. The Brazilian was passed with ease in the early stages and looked to want too much time on the ball - something Red Star were not willing to grant him. But, as was the case against Chelsea in the League Cup, Fabinho began to assert more and more influence on the game as it wore on. By the end, the 25-year-old had put in a performance punctuated by clean ball recoveries, drive from the middle of the park, and incisive passes. Supporters will hope that, much like his first two starts for the club, Fabinho gets better and better as time goes on. For those not au fait with Liverpool’s rich musical history, Pete Best is one of a number of men commonly referred to by pop culture fans as ‘The Fifth Beatle’. The band’s first drummer, Best was famously ousted to make way for Ringo Starr shortly before their transformation into superstars. Poor luck, eh? Watching Shaqiri follow up his weekend assist at Huddersfield by serving as architect for the hosts’ first two goals on Wednesday evening, one could not help but wonder if the Swiss was making a case for himself as the Reds’ Starr. Liverpool supporters were heartbroken to see their own ‘Fab Four’ of Salah, Firmino, Mane and Philippe Coutinho broken up halfway through last season as a result of the latter’s move to Barcelona. However, should Shaqiri continue showing this sort of form as the season progresses, he will establish himself as a worthy replacement for Coutinho - even if the brilliant Brazilian isn’t quite Pete Best!

James Pearce, Liverpool Echo

The Reds' attacking mojo has been rediscovered. Finally, this was Klopp's side performing with the handbrake off and Kopites lapped it up. The swagger and the fluency returned as an emphatic victory – coupled with Paris Saint-Germain's 2-2 draw with Napoli – lifted Liverpool to the top of Group C. This was a night packed full of positives for Jurgen Klopp as the frontline that fired the Reds to Kiev provided a timely reminder of what they are capable of. Mohamed Salah has another record for his collection as he became the quickest player in Liverpool's history to reach a half century of goals. He marked his 65th appearance with a clinical double. It's a remarkable achievement, especially considering the array of legends he has beaten to that milestone. The Egyptian winger is getting back to his brilliant best and that spells danger for defenders across the continent. There was plenty else to admire about the Reds – not least another majestic display from Xherdan Shaqiri. Much was made about Liverpool's extravagant summer spending but at £13million he's proving to the bargain of the year. Shaqiri is exactly what the Reds have been missing – a dazzling creative force. With his quick feet, vision and technique, he's a joy to watch and he got Liverpool going after a difficult start. There was no shortage of power on the field with Fabinho grasping his chance to shine in the absence of injured captain Jordan Henderson. The £40million summer signing from Monaco excelled as he shut down space, snapped into tackles and surged forward with intent. This was a massive step forward for the Brazilian. This was the Liverpool of last season. Welcome back.

David Maddock, Daily Mirror

There was a moment, mid-way through the first half, when Anfield hushed in expectation, and then broke into awed applause. It wasn’t for Mo Salah, or the instinctive brilliance of Roberto Firmino’s audacious flicks and touches, but a burst from the back by Fabinho, that ultimately came to nothing...but promised so much for the future. The Brazilian is not the story of this night, yet still he offered a powerful message to his manager Klopp – and to the impatient Liverpool support. Played in the holding role, his first contribution was to win a header against the towering Richmond Boakye – and aerial ability is an attribute that Klopp is desperate for in front of his defence. There were some tidy interceptions; a couple of decent, aggressive tackles, and some intelligent shielding. As well as a good old-fashioned foul at the right moment. But it was a dip of the shoulder, a ghost past the Red Star marker, and a burst forward to break the lines and take the ball into the danger area that so encouraged the crowd. Then there was his passing. Crisp. Incisive. Always looking forward. And with the pace of Salah, the intelligence of Firmino, the trickery of Mane, that is an asset much needed at Anfield.

Neil Jones, Goal.com

Was this the night the ‘real’ Liverpool returned? Having seen his side struggle for fluency for much of the season, this will have been a welcome sight for Klopp. Modest opposition, granted, but Liverpool made light work of the Serbian champions. Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-2 draw at home to Napoli adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Group C picture, but either way Liverpool, who visit Belgrade in a fortnight, are in prime position to reach the last 16, and will have designs on going far beyond that for sure. This was a good night indeed, a night when Mohamed Salah reached yet another landmark. The Egyptian’s two goals take him to 50 in a red shirt. He has reached that milestone in just 65 games, faster than anyone else in the club’s history by some distance. Suddenly, Salah has six goals for the season, and questions over his scoring can be parked. He is on the right track, and so are Liverpool. This was their ninth win from 13 games in all competitions, and achieved with plenty to spare. Klopp could also reflect on the promise of Shaqiri and Fabinho, both of whom impressed on their first Champions League starts for the club. Shaqiri played a big role in Liverpool’s first two goals, while Fabinho grew into the game strongly after an uneasy start. The Brazilian’s tenacity, physicality and passing ability was notable. As for Shaqiri, he was given a standing ovation when replaced by Adam Lallana midway through the second half. He deserved it; the Swiss star is making a big impact at Anfield, his touch, work-rate and creativity standing out. At £13 million ($16.7m) he already looks a bargain. Liverpool’s squad looks as strong as it has for a long time.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.