Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate earned praise from BBC Sport pundit Jonathan Woodgate in Wednesday night’s Champions League meeting with Rangers.
The Reds went into the game at Ibrox hoping to make it three wins in a row in the competition
However, Liverpool ended up falling behind in the 17th minute, Scott Arfield sweeping a low shot into the corner of the net.
Rangers’ lead lasted just seven minutes, with Roberto Firmino equalising for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The Brazilian held off James Tavernier and sent a glancing header into the net from Kostas Tsimikas’ in-swinging corner.
Liverpool went into the break level, with Konate bailing the Reds out just three minutes before half-time.
Fashion Sakala had got past Tsimikas on Rangers’ right and cut the ball back to the unmarked Arfield.
His low, first-time shot was heading towards goal, but Konate got across to make a vital block.
And Woodgate, commentating on BBC Radio 5 Live, loved what he saw from the £71,000-a-week star.
“Ibrahima Konate is having a great game,” he said (12/10, 20:44).
“He’s such a solid defender. He has been magnificent in this half.”
Liverpool run rampant after the interval
Liverpool went on to run riot against Rangers in the second half.
In the 55th minute, Joe Gomez charged down Liverpool’s right flank and sent a superb low cross into the box.
Firmino was on hand to dispatch for his second goal of the night.
Then, the Brazilian turned provider with a deft backheel assist for Darwin Nunez to slot past Allan McGregor on 66 minutes.
By then, the floodgates had well and truly opened, and Rangers were unable to stop the red juggernaut.
In the 72nd minute, Mohamed Salah came on and scored a quickfire hat-trick, with just over six minutes between his first and third goal.
And three minutes from time, Harvey Elliott struck an emphatic finish – which stood after a VAR check – for his first Champions League goal.
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