Liverpool won back-to-back victories on Monday in a friendly double header against Athletic Club in Anfield. Here we investigate some of the big points of their performance …
Ekitike offers a look in a role at Liverpool
Both prior to and since Hugo Ekitike's arrival at Anfield, the transfer is to ask how the French attacker fits best in the plans of Arne Slot, but as he told LFCTV after the game, he is “here to win”, regardless of where he is playing.
A reimbursement that may rise to £ 78 million removes every idea that the 23-year-old is bank-bound in Liverpool and suggests an increased role.
The interest in Alexander Isak has given rise to further debate, but when setting up the opener of Salah, Ekitike showed that he is more than just your typical no. 9.
Left on the left, after exchange with Cody Gakpo, showed his skills and pass in Salah that he is more than able to enter into Slots' flowing front line.
“I still try to find connections with the others,” Ekitke told LFCTV.
“But I like to play with them. It's a pleasure to play with them; we have small things to repair, but I really enjoy playing with them.”
If the early signs are something to enter into, the Premier League will have a lot to fear when he finally finds connections, because he has already made Anfield home. William Bitibiri
Rio Ngumoha is the real deal – is he the replacement of Luis Diaz?
“Rio [Ngumoha] Shows good things in every match in the preseason, “Arne Slot told LFCTV after the game.
That is a fairly modest assessment of the 16-year sensation of the Liverpool boss. Not only does he bring calm, quality and driving the ball when he is in possession, he also leads to a wave of excitement among the supporters.
A rare gift in football, which is still unusual with players in the very early stages of their career.
Without putting too much pressure on someone who can't even control a car, he feels like the real deal.
The output of Luis Diaz to become a member of Bayern Munich now offers the perfect opportunity for Slot to slowly integrate Ngumoha into the first team photo this season.
He only needed five minutes to register a goal and to help with this fixture. If he regularly gets opportunities on the higher side this season, I think it can be a very common event for the young talent. Patrick Rowe
Does Liverpool need a center back?
The shame of wealth within this Liverpool team is huge. However, if you would choose an area where they look light, it is in the middle of the back.
Captain Virgil van Dijk missed this fixture due to illness and should be fit for the Premier League opener against Bournemouth, Live on Sky Sports, on August 15. But more depth is needed.
The sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen and the injury of Joe Gomez meant that Wataru Endo started alongside Ibrahim Konate in the second game in Anfield.
Was it really a surprise when both Athletic goals came from set pieces? They missed the presence, leadership and physicality of Van Dijk at the back.
“Two set-piece goals is not what you want, especially if you come across Crystal Palace next week. It's something to work on,” Slot told LFCTV.
The investment in the team has already been enormous this summer and will probably continue. Apart from the Saga in which Isak is involved, signing a center must be back to offer coverage or competition for Konate and Van Dijk the priority. Patrick Rowe
Elliott and Nunez who was not raised by uncertain futures in Liverpool
Both Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott are confronted with uncertain futures in Liverpool, but everything, from their respective versions to the reception of the Anfield -you couldn't tell.
The couple started in the earlier 4-1 victory over Athletic Club, where Nunez scored the second and showed the instinct of his striker when he tapped home cushions.
The involvement of the Uruguay International did not stop there when he came up with Elliott's goal with a neat touch and pass.
Sky Sports News understands that AC Milan is the newest side who is enthusiastic about the signature of Nunez, but no love has been lost for the striker that ran through the doors of Benfica for a record costs at the time.
As for Elliott, he grabbed the badge and blew a kiss for the crowd, who can give some indication about where his head is on his future in the club despite the reported interest from elsewhere. William Bitibiri.