Darwin Nunez has "quality coming out of his ears", says Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after the player warmed up for Manchester City with two more goals.
Nunez's double came in a 5-1 Europa League win over Sparta Prague.
The Uruguay forward has scored 16 club goals this season and provided a further 11 assists despite derogatory chants from opposition fans.
"He is not bothered by it and just keeps going," added Klopp, who lost defender Ibrahima Konate to injury.
Leaders Liverpool host Manchester City, who are one point behind in second, at Anfield on Sunday (15:45 GMT) in a game of huge significance to the Premier League title race.