Liverpool’s Sunday Double: Creating Optimism & Competition
Following a 4-1 win over Sevilla and a behind closed doors 0-0 draw with Las Palmas (shortly afterwards) this past Sunday afternoon, the reds closed out their preseason fixtures with a solid double header at Anfield, leaving an expectant fan base eager to see more from their illustrious team. The days and minutes are ticking by until the mighty reds arrive at Portman Road, as match day one sees the giants of European football take on newly promoted Ipswich Town.
What Should We Take from These Games?
With a few players unexpectedly demoted into the second-string encounter (versus Las Palmas), it appears there may be some much-required competition thrown into a squad which was once dominated by a handful of untouchable assets. the likes of Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konaté, Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo, Harvey Elliott, and Darwin Núñez, all started in front of an empty stadium, after goals from Diogo Jota, Trey Nyoni, and a brace from the Columbian flyer, Luis Díaz.
That main event and glorious victory was undertaken within a vibrant Anfield, before the crowd was ushered away to enable game number two. Under new stewardship and selection policy, famous shirts will have to be earned and reputations reasserted under the new Head Coach, Arne Slot. A far more considered and strategic on ball endeavour is being displayed by the Anfield assets, something which is looking both refreshing and encouraging. Though the rock n roll football of old was delightful and exciting, the dawn of a new age is upon us and that Sunday of football has created great promise for what is to come.
What Line Up Can We Expect Next Saturday?
The main question marks appear to surround the left back, right centre back, and defensive midfield positions. As it stands, Kostas Tsimikas, Jarell Quansah, and Ryan Gravenberch, appear those most likely to start next Saturday, with all three roles being subject to transfer speculation throughout the summer. The new system of play has been taken on by the players and now comes the opportunity for various squad members to either immerse themselves in what is being built, or find themselves looking on from the deep outskirts.
The long season ahead will require multiple options and strategies to be incorporated, however, the early indications cannot be dismissed, even if it is only friendlies that have thus far been undertaken. The former Feyenoord manager, Slot, is looking as happy as he is determined, which leads me to believe that he can be the silent assassin that will not suffer fools. As the sales or nearly departures of a good few squad members filter around the gossip pages, there must now be a notion that those that do not represent what is needed for Liverpool v2.0, will be moved on and replaced accordingly.
The time is nearly upon us to welcome a new Premier League season and the chance to challenge for major silverware. Where once I was concerned about what came after a legendary German departed, now I cannot wait to see what an exciting Dutchman may deliver.
