Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola praised his side’s attacking performance after Bradley Barcola scored a hat-trick in their Champions League clash with LASK Linz.

The Reds raced into a four-goal lead before conceding twice in the second half, but Iraola was delighted with the way his players approached the game in possession.

The Liverpool boss also singled out Florian Wirtz for his creativity, while young forward Lewis Koumas earned praise after getting on the scoresheet.

“I’m very happy with the performance,” Iraola said.

“Today I think we were very aggressive with the ball, sometimes you talk aggressiveness without the ball but I’m talking about with the ball.

“I think we took good positions, we moved the ball well, attacked the spaces well. We conceded those goals, but overall I think the performance was very good.”

Barcola was the standout performer in attack, completing his hat-trick after causing problems for the opposition defence throughout the evening.

“I think he played so well today and not just the goals,” Iraola added.

“He had more chances to score, he was always a threat attacking the spaces in behind.

“In training sometimes you feel when a player is in the zone, and fortunately tonight for us he has shown the level that he has.”

Wirtz and Koumas earn praise from Liverpool boss

Iraola was equally impressed by Wirtz, who played an important role in Liverpool’s attacking moves and helped dictate the tempo of the game.

“I think he was amazing in possession,” the manager said.

“I think he had lively passes, good assists, he helped us to control the game.

“Especially in the first half where he was roaming around and finding good spots. It was a good game from Florian.”

There was also a memorable moment for Koumas, who finally got his goal after having two earlier efforts ruled out.

Iraola praised the youngster’s persistence and felt he deserved the opportunity to celebrate in front of the Liverpool supporters.

“He has to enjoy it because he deserves it.

“I think he scored two disallowed goals which is unlucky for him but he kept pressing, making the runs in behind and doing his job.

“I think it’s fair that he score his goal and can have his moment of celebration with the supporters.”