David Lynch’s 5 Key Takeaways from Liverpool’s 6-3 Win at LASK
Liverpool’s emphatic 6-3 Champions League victory over LASK provided Andoni Iraola with plenty of encouragement, particularly after the disappointment of Manchester City’s visit to Anfield.
Speaking on his YouTube channel following the match in Austria, Liverpool journalist David Lynch identified several outstanding individual performances, significant contributions from young players and reasons for optimism ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Brentford.
Here are five key takeaways from Lynch’s post-match analysis.
1. Liverpool Deliver a Historically Impressive Attacking Performance
Lynch was quick to acknowledge the quality of the opposition, although he insisted Liverpool’s performance deserved considerable recognition.
“I don’t think you should ever sniff a 6-3 win away from home in the Champions League.”
Liverpool registered 26 shots, nine on target, 51 touches inside the opposition penalty area, five big chances and 3.34 expected goals.
Perhaps most remarkably, their 19 first-half attempts represented a Champions League record for shots in the opening 45 minutes of an away fixture since records began in 2003/04.
“It was a historically good first half in particular from Liverpool.”
Iraola made four changes to his starting XI, rotated his central defenders during the second half and secured valuable minutes for several squad players.
Lynch suggested the manager had achieved virtually everything he wanted, despite conceding twice late on after Liverpool had established a 6-1 advantage.
2. Bradley Barcola Announces Himself With a Champions League Hat-Trick
Bradley Barcola’s three goals provided the outstanding individual contribution of the evening.
The French winger produced five shots, registered 19 touches inside the opposition box and completed five of his ten dribbles.
Lynch had previously questioned whether Barcola was attacking space aggressively enough, particularly following Liverpool’s defeat against Manchester City.
Against LASK, that changed dramatically.
“Every chance he got to kind of aggressively run in behind, he took it.”
Lynch also questioned whether criticism of Barcola had arrived prematurely, suggesting expectations surrounding Florian Wirtz might have influenced supporters’ patience with another expensive attacking arrival.
The journalist highlighted Barcola’s pace, finishing ability and previous Champions League experience with Paris Saint-Germain as reasons to believe this performance could translate into domestic football.
“This was a top top top performance in all aspects from Barka and a great way to really announce himself as a Liverpool player.”
For Lynch, the immediate challenge is maintaining that confidence against stronger opposition.
Photo: IMAGO
3. Florian Wirtz Shows the Confidence Liverpool Have Been Missing
Florian Wirtz provided another significant positive.
The German recorded an assist, created three chances, attempted six shots, completed two of three dribbles and won five of six ground duels.
However, Lynch was particularly encouraged by Wirtz’s willingness to attempt difficult passes, dribbles and combinations while the match remained goalless.
“He was playing with arrogance.”
Lynch believes that adventurous quality has become increasingly absent from Wirtz’s Premier League performances.
“It was the trying of those things more than anything which I think has completely kind of dried up out of his game in the Premier League.”
The journalist wants Wirtz to rediscover the confidence that made him so effective at Bayer Leverkusen, where his quick feet, movement and creativity regularly unlocked defences.
“I want to see a version of Floren Viet where he tries things.”
Brentford will provide a considerably more physical examination, although Lynch made clear that he would welcome Wirtz taking greater risks in possession.
4. Liverpool Youngsters Make Their Champions League Opportunities Count
Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas all received substantial praise.
Lynch described Ngumoha’s display as one of his best for Liverpool, highlighting six successful dribbles from eight attempts and his involvement in Barcola’s opening goal.
“He’s one for the future, but he’s also one for the present as well, isn’t he?”
Nyoni impressed in central midfield, completing 83 of 90 passes, including six of seven long balls, alongside ten line-breaking passes and six defensive contributions.
Lynch believes the midfielder is ready for meaningful senior involvement.
“He is a very very good young footballer.”
Koumas also justified his selection in the absence of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.
The forward assisted Barcola, scored himself and impressed with his movement, link-up play and relentless running.
“He absolutely ticked the boxes.”
Lynch reserved particular praise for Koumas’s finishing and composure, suggesting the debate about his eventual ceiling could wait following such an accomplished performance.
Photo: IMAGO
5. Frimpong and Tsimikas Highlight Liverpool’s Squad Strength
Liverpool’s full-backs offered further encouragement, although Jeremie Frimpong’s defensive contribution remained a concern.
The Dutchman registered a goal and two assists, while Lynch observed that LASK’s three goals appeared to originate from his side.
“He’s not a great defender, but he can really hurt sides going forward.”
Kostas Tsimikas also contributed two assists, captained the team and delivered an improved performance following his difficult previous outing against Fulham.
Both players helped Liverpool rotate their squad while maintaining attacking productivity.
Lynch stressed the importance of having dependable options available while several first-team players remain unavailable.
Looking ahead, the journalist identified Brentford as the next significant examination of Liverpool’s progress.
“That’s going to be a horrible game. It’s going to be physical, difficult.”
Nevertheless, following six goals, several encouraging individual displays and valuable opportunities for younger players, Lynch believes Iraola will have been delighted with Liverpool’s evening in Austria.