Liverpool goals – Origi 72′, Coutinho 77′
There are no player ratings as it’s pre-season, but here’s a look at the tactics and player performances from Liverpool’s pre-season game against HJK Helsinki.
All pre-season caveats apply.
Simon Mignolet
Didn’t have much to do. Came out for a corner early on and got nowhere near it. Made a routine save in the second half.
Nathaniel Clyne
Got forward well in support of Ibe.
Martin Skrtel
Carried the ball out well on the odd occasion when given space to do so. Had little to do in the way of defending.
Dejan Lovren
Like Skrtel, he didn’t have much defending to do. Kept it simple in possession and made a couple of clearances early on.
Joe Gomez
It’s hard to believe that Gomez only turned 18 earlier this year. The best footballer in Liverpool’s back four, and looks like he could do a job at left back, despite it not being a position he was widely known for playing before joining the club.
Jordan Henderson
Performed his favoured shuttling role in midfield, occasionally dropping back to receive the ball from the centre backs. Was on set-piece duty and delivered a few good balls into dangerous areas, as well as executing some pre-planned set plays.
James Milner
Played a similar role to Henderson, as the pair formed a pathway to Coutinho in front of them. Milner regularly looked to drop deep to take the play forward from the back, before moving forward to join Henderson and then Coutinho. The England internationals swapped roles in the second half, and both looked to have a more attacking brief as the game progressed, especially once the holding midfielder Chirivella came on in the last ten minutes.
His near post run when Ibe had the ball out wide led to Origi’s goal as it caused confusion in the opposition defence. He got the slightest flick on Ibe’s low cross as it went through, leaving Origi with a simple finish. He also assisted the second goal, playing a return ball to Coutinho who then scored from just inside the area.
Love how Milner creates goals from all angles. #promising #lfc #preseason #HJKLFC
— Ragnhild Lund Ansnes (@Liverpoolhjerte) August 1, 2015
Jordon Ibe
Found space on the right hand side throughout. Was often double marked by the opposition, but still managed to cause trouble on his flank. Set Ings up for a good chance in the second half, and despite making a few sloppy errors when trying to beat his man, he looked like Liverpool’s best chance of creating a goal, so it was no surprise when his cross found its way to Origi for the team’s opener.
Ibe continues to impress me with his strength and work rate. The young man is well on his way to being a star for us. #LFC
— Armando Angulo (@armandoangulo12) August 1, 2015
Philippe Coutinho
Looked to play in Ings behind the opposition defence, whilst also looking to burst forward himself from his central attacking midfield berth. It was a typical Coutinho performance, and despite looking rusty at times, he still managed a goal after a 1-2 with Milner following a Lallana corner.
Adam Lallana
Kept the ball well but couldn’t quite produce a telling end product. Had a decent effort from distance very early in the second half which just whistled by the post.
Danny Ings
Worked hard but lacked the quality in vital areas to make the most of his chances.
Substitutes
Divock Origi
(Ings 63′) Replaced Ings as the lone striker, and made an impact by scoring the side’s first goal. Luriking behind Milner, the ball came through to him and he finished convincingly from close range.
Joe McGuire
(Gomez 81′) Slotted in at left back in place of Gomez. Didn’t have too much to do.
Pedro Chirivella
(Coutinho 81′) Played in the deepest midfield role, allowing Henderson and Milner to move forward ahead of him
Tactics
1st Half
Last 10
