Liverpool suffered fresh final heartbreak as Sevilla lifted the Europa League for a third successive season.

Jurgen Klopp’s side had the better of the first period, with Daniel Sturridge opening the scoring on 35 minutes with a brilliant left-footed finish.

But second-half blitz from the reigning holders consigned the Reds to end their campaign with a second final defeat as Kevin Gameiro and a double from Sevilla captain Coke destroyed any hopes of a comeback.

Here were the main talking points from a forgettable night in Basel…

Wholesale changes needed for tired Reds

As Liverpool’s 63-game season came to an end, most players looked as though they had finally run out of fuel.

Their inability to track runners from midfield a particular worry as energy and stamina simply deserted them after the half-time interval, as they struggled to stem the flow of Sevilla attacks.

Jurgen Klopp recently stated that over the summer he intends to turn Liverpool into the fittest team in the League, and on the basis of their showing in Basel- stamina needs to be improved across the squad.

The biggest concern for Klopp will be that his entire starting line-up were rested for last weekend’s draw against West Brom, yet none of them appeared fresh.

Players better suited to the Gegenpressing philosophy implemented by the German in his formative months at Anfield is an absolute must as Liverpool look to make wholesale changes this summer.

Lack of midfield mobility proves costly

Sevilla’s second half turnaround was characterised by the ability of their midfield to adapt, alternate and support their attackers, a tactic Liverpool were incapable of replicating.

Vitolo, Ever Banega and goal scorer Coke were able to interchange positions, and make threatening runs in behind the Liverpool defence, and the Reds struggled to react to this.

Emre Can and James Milner, operating as the base of Liverpool’s midfield, looked trapped in the centre of the park as the speed of Sevilla’s football passed them by at times.

A multi-functional central midfielder is likely to be a priority purchase for Klopp this summer, as despite the quality the have in midfield, greater mobility is needed.

Attacking players lost in the spotlight

Despite a positive first half showing, attackers Adam Lallana, Phil Coutinho and Roberto Firmino tried in vain to exert an influence on the game as Sevilla grew stronger.

All three players starred against Villarreal in the semi finals, playing with tenacity and skill, constantly shutting down space and looking to create, however this was not the case in Basel.

Lallana appeared frustrated at the rough treatment he received from Sevilla, while his Brazilian teammates struggled to find the space they needed to cause problems.

In truth, both Firmino and Coutinho have carried Liverpool during the course of this season – but the occasion and the streetwise style of Sevilla appeared too much for them this time.

Sturridge proves that class is permanent

Daniel Sturridge had seen his season ravaged by injury, making just 26 appearances across all competitions, but the fact that he finishes the season as Liverpool’s top scorer, with 13 goals, is a reminder of his value.

After a quiet opening half hour, Sturridge burst into life to produce a wonderfully executed goal, worthy of the occasion.

His goal spurred him on for the remainder of the first half, and he was unlucky not to grab a second before the interval.

He did have less of an impact in the second half, much like his teammates, but he continued to pose a threat to the Sevilla backline, offering Liverpool’s most likely source of a route back into the game.