Pre-season is a time for learning, not just for the players, but also us supporters, especially when there are so many new players involved.
Two friendlies in one afternoon at Anfield on Sunday certainly provided us with plenty of interesting insight from Arne Slot, with a ‘things learned’ article for once actually being relevant!
Here are not five, not 10, but 18 things we ‘learned’ on Sunday…
- 1. We definitely play 4-2-3-1 now
Asked about his formation in his first press conference last summer, Arne Slot somewhat laughed at the suggestion his side plays 4-2-3-1.
With Florian Wirtz now very much in a central No. 10 role, Slot’s Liverpool certainly look more 4-2-3-1 than 4-3-3. If it really matters!
We can pretty much bury the idea of Wirtz playing from the left now, too. The German talisman is very much in a central role – and his defensive side of the game is also impressive.
…in the very best possible way!
When Owen burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old, there were similar reactions – or should we say disbelief. Owen was the last Liverpool player to win the Ballon d’Or and it isn’t too ridiculous to think that Rio might be the next.
Generational talents force themselves into the first-team no matter their age.
- 4. Rio isn’t the only teenager with a very big future
Rio wasn’t the only teenager to impress. Trey Nyoni also was superb in an unnatural position at centre-back. He plays things simple, understands the different roles and looks so tidy on the ball.
- 5. There’s a defensive shortage
Speaking of which, with Van Dijk missing due to illness and Joe Gomez injured, it left Ibrahima Konate as the only senior centre-back.
Konate lined up alongside Wataru Endo as the senior centre-back pairing, while Nyoni – a midfielder by trade – played alongside left-back Andy Robertson at centre-back in the first game.
The refusal to pay Crystal Palace‘s asking price for Marc Guehi rumbles on, but a centre-back this month is absolutely imperative.
The right-back completed 90 minutes just once in the league last season and his injury record will continue to be a concern going into the new season.
The 22-year-old missed this game with an unexplained injury, with it unclear how long he may be on the sidelines for.
The new Mr Versatile at LFC, the 21-year-old has played at right-back, centre-back and in centre-midfield. He could be a handy squad option to keep around. He certainly applies himself well wherever he is asked to play.
This was surely Nunez’s final Anfield appearance, signing off with a goal in the first half.
He looked like a player who knows his time is up.
Simple! He’s very fast isn’t he – adds a whole new dimension, not just going forward but going back, he gets back and defends with effort, which is nice to see from your right-back, eh!
- 10. Szoboszlai in deeper midfield role
Some people have foolishly been making ‘best XI’ predictions without Dominik Szoboszlai in them.
And while a ‘best XI’ doesn’t really matter or exist, it’s pretty clear the Hungarian will remain an absolute key part of this Liverpool side – now more often in the ‘double pivot’ in midfield, a deeper role that might actually suit him even better.
- 11. Use of full-backs isn’t always how you’d expect
It was easy to assume that Frimpong and Kerkez would be flying full-backs, overlapping outside the wingers, surging down the wing.
But oftentimes they actually move infield, with the winger – Salah or Gakpo – holding wide. It seemed to interchange depending on the play. It’s an interesting tactical development.
- 12. Salah’s passing is a joy
Our Egyptian King has become an elite playmaker in recent years and showcased that again. Could his creative qualities go up a notch with the likes of Wirtz and Ekitike around him?
- 13. There are high hopes for Liverpool’s newest striker
Liverpool announced their deal for 17-year-old striker Will Wright hours before kickoff – albeit with his arrival having actually come days previous – and with 16 minutes to go he was brought on for Wirtz.
While he may have been unable to convert his big chance in the closing stages, Wright’s involvement alone shows there are high hopes for the new signing from Salford City.
- 14. And less so for some of those left out!
Slot called upon a number of academy players to fill out his squad for the two games, but many were notable in their absence.
Remember Kaide Gordon? How about Calvin Ramsay? Or even Rhys Williams? They are still with the U21s as they await summer moves.
- 15. Ekitike’s elegant and can play on the left
The Reds’ new No. 22 looked superb, with close control and balance on show. One thing that’s clear is he can definitely play from the left in the front three… which would accommodate a certain Mr Isak in the central role.
- 16. The red arrows are back
Slot had said he wanted to add pace to the team and he’s certainly done that. At times the speed of the attack on the counter – a front four of Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike, Salah – was reminiscent of the peak Jurgen Klopp years.
- 17. Elliott waves goodbye
A nicely taken goal in the first game for Harvey Elliott, but it certainly looked like a goodbye wave as the boyhood Red left the pitch.
His quality is clear but the 22-year-old needs a move for his own personal ambitions. We’ll be sad to see him go but maybe the time is right now.
It just looks right, Liverpool in Adidas. It looks like proper Liverpool heritage.
