Liverpool ended pre-season with a 3-1 victory over Darmstadt and now players’ eyes are on the bigger things to come.
Goals from Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz were enough to secure a third win in five games this summer, but concerns remain about the top line that has emerged on numerous occasions during friendlies.
Ben Doak was one of the bright lights of pre-season for the Reds and hopes to continue adding minutes for the senior side in 2023/24.
The teenager took to social media after the match to stress that “real work” is about to happen, indicating that he believes he will be more involved with the first team this season.
His feelings have been echoed by new Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who hopes he will have the chance to lift some trophies for the club in May. Alexis Mac Allister has quickly settled into life at Liverpool and put in some impressive performances all summer in a red shirt.
The World Cup winner was joined by fellow South American Diaz to put his pre-season behind him and turn his immediate attention to the start of the new season this weekend.
Young James McConnell has emerged as another exciting talent to emerge from the summer performances and one of the experimented options in the No. 1 position. 6 due to the absence of a defensive midfielder recognized by the team.
Cody Gakpo has also found himself playing in a new position this summer, dropping into midfield in several places, allowing Jürgen Klopp to bring in an extra member of his striker.
The Dutchman was once again justifiably pleased with his night work and claimed a place on the scoresheet against Chelsea on Sunday. Another man also hoping for a place in the top three is Jota, who scored his fourth pre-season goal in a 3-1 win to level with Darwin Nunez in five summer games.
Like the players, fans will now be fully focused on the start of the Premier League season this weekend as the Reds seek a quick start against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The coach gave us some hints about his team selection, picking a solid squad from the start against Darmstadt and giving them all at least an hour before turning things around.
Mac Allister was the last player to be relegated to the No.6 position and seemed extremely comfortable with it. Will we see the same starting XI on Sunday?
