Pre-season is a time for studying, not only for the gamers, but in addition us supporters, particularly when there are such a lot of new gamers concerned.
Two friendlies in a single afternoon at Anfield on Sunday actually supplied us with loads of attention-grabbing perception from Arne Slot, with a ‘issues discovered’ article for as soon as really being related!
Right here will not be 5, not 10, however 18 issues we ‘discovered’ on Sunday…
1. We positively play 4-2-3-1 now
Requested about his formation in his first press convention final summer time, Arne Slot considerably laughed on the suggestion his facet performs 4-2-3-1.
With Florian Wirtz now very a lot in a central No. 10 function, Slot’s Liverpool actually look extra 4-2-3-1 than 4-3-3. If it actually issues!
We will just about bury the thought of Wirtz taking part in from the left now, too. The German talisman could be very a lot in a central function – and his defensive facet of the sport can be spectacular.
…in the perfect doable means!
When Owen burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old, there have been related reactions – or ought to we are saying disbelief. Owen was the final Liverpool participant to win the Ballon d’Or and it isn’t too ridiculous to suppose that Rio is perhaps the following.
Generational abilities drive themselves into the first-team regardless of their age.
6. Rio isn’t the one teenager with a really huge future
Rio wasn’t the one teenager to impress. Trey Nyoni additionally was excellent in an unnatural place at centre-back. He performs issues easy, understands the completely different roles and appears so tidy on the ball.
7. There’s a defensive scarcity
Talking of which, with Van Dijk lacking attributable to sickness and Joe Gomez injured, it left Ibrahima Konate as the one senior centre-back.
Konate lined up alongside Wataru Endo because the senior centre-back pairing, whereas Nyoni – a midfielder by commerce – performed alongside left-back Andy Robertson at centre-back within the first recreation.
The refusal to pay Crystal Palace‘s asking worth for Marc Guehi rumbles on, however a centre-back this month is completely crucial.
The best-back accomplished 90 minutes simply as soon as within the league final season and his damage report will proceed to be a priority going into the brand new season.
The 22-year-old missed this recreation with an unexplained damage, with it unclear how lengthy he could also be on the sidelines for.
The brand new Mr Versatile at LFC, the 21-year-old has performed at right-back, centre-back and in centre-midfield. He may very well be a helpful squad choice to maintain round. He actually applies himself properly wherever he’s requested to play.
This was certainly Nunez’s remaining Anfield look, signing off with a objective within the first half.
He seemed like a participant who is aware of his time is up.
Easy! He’s very quick isn’t he – provides an entire new dimension, not simply going ahead however going again, he will get again and defends with effort, which is sweet to see out of your right-back, eh!
12. Szoboszlai in deeper midfield function
Some individuals have foolishly been making ‘finest XI’ predictions with out Dominik Szoboszlai in them.
And whereas a ‘finest XI’ doesn’t actually matter or exist, it’s fairly clear the Hungarian will stay an absolute key a part of this Liverpool facet – now extra typically within the ‘double pivot’ in midfield, a deeper function which may really swimsuit him even higher.
13. Use of full-backs isn’t at all times the way you’d anticipate
It was simple to imagine that Frimpong and Kerkez could be flying full-backs, overlapping exterior the wingers, surging down the wing.
However oftentimes they really transfer infield, with the winger – Salah or Gakpo – holding broad. It appeared to interchange relying on the play. It’s an attention-grabbing tactical growth.
14. Salah’s passing is a pleasure
Our Egyptian King has develop into an elite playmaker lately and showcased that once more. May his artistic qualities go up a notch with the likes of Wirtz and Ekitike round him?
15. Ekitike’s elegant and may play on the left
The Reds’ new No. 22 seemed excellent, with shut management and steadiness on present. One factor that’s clear is he can positively play from the left within the entrance three… which might accommodate a sure Mr Isak within the central function.
16. The crimson arrows are again
Slot had mentioned he wished so as to add tempo to the crew and he’s actually executed that. At occasions the pace of the assault on the counter – a entrance 4 of Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike, Salah – was harking back to the height Jurgen Klopp years.
17. Elliott waves goodbye
A properly taken objective within the first recreation for Harvey Elliott, nevertheless it actually seemed like a goodbye wave because the boyhood Crimson left the pitch.
His high quality is evident however the 22-year-old wants a transfer for his personal private ambitions. We’ll be unhappy to see him go however possibly the time is true now.
It simply seems to be proper, Liverpool in Adidas. It seems to be like correct Liverpool heritage.
