Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez shine, Alexander-Arnold plays well in midfield, but Liverpool’s defense is terrible when conceding 4 times even though this is just a rubbing match. Liverpool have put in quality training in the second of five pre-season friendlies.
HLKV Juergen Klopp’s team can only hold Second Division team Greuther Furth according to an unexpected scenario. The Kop took a 3-1 lead in the second half thanks to a double from Darwin Nunez and a goal from Luis Diaz.
But Klopp needs to question the defense when the opponent scores three goals in a row and takes a 4-3 lead. Mo Salah then equalized in the 89th minute. This Thursday, when Klopp’s men will travel to Singapore to play Leicester and Bayern. Liverpool will then play their final pre-season friendly against Darmstadt at Preston’s Deepdale.
Coach Klopp changed the entire squad in the first half, alternating first-class stars with young players. Rookie Dominik Szoboszlai was sidelined after dislocating his ankle in training but the Hungarian star will still be available for the tour to Singapore. Currently, we can see 5 things to be drawn from this Liverpool match.
The first is the good form of Diaz and Nunez. Diaz missed six months of last season with a knee injury and has never really gotten back to his best form, scoring just one goal in 2023 so far. But the Colombian shined in the first half, combining well with his teammates and scoring the opener.
Nunez is also poised for a big season after disappointing last season by making a disproportionate contribution to Liverpool’s expenses. He had two goals and assists to make Salah 4-4.
The second is the role of “conductor” of midfielder Alexander-Arnold, who holds the middle line of Liverpool. Klopp admires young defender Conor Bradley and the Northern Ireland international could have a key role next season. With Alexander-Arnold in midfield, Bradley could be playing regularly.
Alexander-Arnold has performed well the role of Liverpool’s midfield player
The 20-year-old scored five goals and assisted five more as a full-back at Bolton last season (on loan). He made a good impression in two friendlies in Germany.
Bradley completely replaced Alexander-Arnold’s right-back role, when the senior was promoted to midfield. Liverpool, if so, will have more money to buy central midfielders to replace Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
The third is a very refreshing versatile midfield. Diaz played on the left wing in the first half with Diogo Jota. On the opposite wing, Ben Doak, a 17-year-old Scottish player, is a bright light when showing quick footwork and rolling play.
Obviously, Liverpool have introduced a very new midfield with Trent Alexander-Arnold in the No 6 with Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo on either side. Gakpo will start his first full season at Anfield as a versatile player, having played on both flanks, as a No 9 striker and now as a deep creative midfielder. He made some nice one-touch passes and provided a nice assist for Andy Robertson.
The fourth problem is that Liverpool need to strengthen their defence. They lacked depth in central defence, and the back four did not perform well. Joel Matip made a mistake on the first goal, and could not stop Armindo Sieb from scoring. Even though this was a friendly match, 4 goals conceded raised Liverpool’s problem.
Finally, is the advancement of Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott. Jones and Elliott have just returned from winning the championship with England U21. That experience can make this couple thrive in the future. They will have a big role at Liverpool next season, especially after the departure of many first team pillars.