Atalanta 0-5 Liverpool: 5 Talking Points as Diogo Jota hat-trick propels Reds | UEFA Champions League 2020-21

#3 Liverpool have the perfect preparation ahead of Manchester City clash

Liverpool managed to rest key players ahead of the clash against Manchester City

Liverpool face a massive Premier League clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Jurgen Klopp's team selection may not have shown it, but the Reds surely would have had one eye on that game, given its potential ramifications on their whole season.

With the Reds five goals to the good before the hour mark, it gave Klopp the opportunity to make changes with that game in mind.

Both full-backs, captain Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum and Jota were taken off before the 90-minute-mark.

It was not just about the resting of players though, in which the Reds looked ahead to the game against Manchester City at the weekend.

Jota's performance now gives Klopp a headache in terms of Roberto Firmino's position in the squad. With Liverpool definitely not wanting to sacrifice their pressing against Manchester City this weekend, it is likely that Klopp will bring Firmino back into the starting XI for that game.

---

#4 The Liverpool kids stake their claim

Rhys Williams made his first Champions League start for Liverpool

It says a lot about how much Klopp rates Curtis Jones that the young midfielder has now started in two away games in the Champions League - against Ajax and Atalanta.

After middling performances so far this season, Jones was outstanding in this game. He took the game by the scruff of the neck in midfield. He carried the ball forward with a swagger, his passing was crisp and confident, and he linked up superbly with Salah, in particular.

Jones also got himself an assist, with the pass for Salah's goal. That is bound to do the youngster's confidence and development a world of good.

For Rhys Williams, making his first Champions League start, this was another giant stride in his development. He was playing against a difficult opponent in Duvan Zapata, but he was hardly fazed, and confidently won the duels that he had to.

With Joel Matip reportedly fit, and Fabinho not far away from returning to the Liverpool fold, Williams's opportunities may be few and far between, but he has shown that he has the potential to be an able deputy if necessary.

---

#5 Liverpool shut down Papu Gomez in midfield

Papu Gomez had a difficult evening

Frequent watchers of Atalanta would now know that the best way to beat them is by ensuring that their captain - Papu Gomez - is kept as far away from creating chances as possible.

Liverpool's midfield was terrific against Gomez tonight. The night started off a little naughtily for both Henderson and Wijnaldum, as they made blatant tactical fouls on Gomez.

But as the game went on, Liverpool did not resort to any such tactics on Gomez. Henderson's positioning was superb, as he cut passing lanes to Gomez, and ensured that the Argentine had to go deep to receive possession.

When Gomez dropped deep, Liverpool cut his passing lines, and more often that not, regained possession from there.

It was a proper tactical job from the Reds' midfield that kept out Atalanta's best player from creating too much.