In a Week of Mixed Emotions, Reds Return to the Pitch

In a week that’s been dominated by potential outgoings, a knock to a new signing and an issue around French Bulldogs, it was nice that the reds were back in action again. Germany was again the setting as Liverpool faced off against second division side Greuther Furth in their final friendly before they head off to Singapore. We should never read too much into a pre-season outing, but there was plenty to be happy about in one area and some worries from others. We look at the lessons earned from another game in which the reds hit four.

Nothing In Starters Or Positions

With two senior midfielders set to depart any day, there was an interest who’d be in the middle of the park to start. With Szoboszlai carrying a minor knock, Gakpo and Mac Allister played either side of Trent in the six. It was his second game in a row starting there and there’s been the odd suggestion on-line he could occupy that position on a regular basis starting against Chelsea. Even Gakpo’s start on the left gave ruse to questions of whether four attackers could become a serious option for Jurgen Klopp week in, week out. Whilst it’s not impossible, with a number of absentees for various reason and Liverpool likely to head into the market soon, it’s hard to read too much into it.

Forwards Continue to Shine

After Gakpo and Jota netting last time out, it was an all South-American scoresheet this time out. First Luis Diaz cut inside and then curled a great finish with his right foot into the corner. Then Darwin Nunez stole the show in the second half with expert wnd composed finishes when played through. The new number nine even got the assist for Salah’s equaliser, who himself notched two assists for the Uruguayan on the day. Gakpo stood out in the midfield and Jota looked lively despite missing a sitter when it doesn’t matter. Ben Doak showed the level of trust his senior team mates have in him with another eye-catching display and if he can get his head up more often…but it’ll come. Liverpool will score a lot of goals this season, of that there’s no doubt.

Keystone Back Ups

Again it’s pre-season, but again the same concerns remain around the same players. If we’re honest most reds will be hoping we only see Joel Matip and Joe Gomez in cup competitions and Adrian only in videos from LFCTV that start ‘inside’ something. The Spanish stopper gave youngster James McConnell little chance for their equaliser whilst another experienced campaigner in Matip was one of the key reasons we shipped four in a half, repeatedly giving it away cheaply. Jorg Schmadtke was watching on and he like most fans must surely have been thinking about defensive options on the market as well as a senior six. Its easy to say pre season, but If Liverpool have to rely regularly on these players during the campaign…hold onto your hats.