Liverpool analysis – Darwin Nunez takes challenge as £95m program comes concurrently
Nunez challenge approved
Approximately two minutes. That was all it took for Darwin Nunez to issue a campaign announcement for the upcoming election.
In typical fashion, the Uruguayan’s goal was anything but simple, as he initially passed up the opportunity to fire when Mohamed Salah fed him before converting on his second attempt.
Nunez, who has taken over the number nine jersey from Roberto Firmino, displayed some encouraging link-up play and subsequently had a header saved in what will likely be a pivotal second season at Anfield.
However, he is not Jurgen Klopp‘s only option as a central striker. In addition, his two competitors for the position presented their own persuasive evidence in the second half.
Cody Gakpo, a lively midfielder, created an excellent turn and finish for Liverpool’s second goal, which was assisted by Diogo Jota’s deft header.
And then, in stoppage time, the Portuguese continued his excellent form from the end of the previous season by securing the victory for Liverpool with two clinical goals.
The competition to lead the Reds’ offense will be a compelling subplot of the preseason schedule.
Szoboszlai as Mac Allister is impressively steady.
Liverpool fans who want to see Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai play together in the midfield will have to wait a bit longer.
Jurgen Klopp elected to replace one player with another at halftime, allowing each 45 minutes to adjust to their new teammates.
As a member of the superior first-half lineup, Szoboszlai completed 44 of 46 passes while maintaining a low profile. While nominally beginning on the left side of the midfield trio, the Hungarian international appeared on both sides of the engine room.
And he was not bashful about directing teammates, at one point directing Alexander-Arnold back into a defensive position to intercept a pass.
Mac Allister was, however, more immediately remarkable, aided by his Premier League experience and knowledge of what to expect from Jurgen Klopp’s side.
His passing, both short and long, was impeccable, and after creating an opportunity for youthful Calum Scanlon, it was his pass that allowed Jota to score the game-winning goal.
Initially, of course. However, this was a promising debut for the new duo.
Children seize their opportunity
Preseason has historically been a rare opportunity for Academy candidates to impress the first-team coaching staff, with Stefan Bajcetic being the most recent to do so last summer.
Despite the fact that a number of the youngsters on display had prior senior experience, all can take heart from their performances in front of a boisterous crowd of 34,000. This was not a typical ambiance of friendliness.
First-half starters Conor Bradley and Bobby Clark performed admirably as part of an otherwise familiar lineup, with Bradley demonstrating the lessons he learned during his successful loan stint at Bolton Wanderers last season and Clark adding to the attack with assurance.
However, it could be argued that those in the second half were the most impressive. Both Scanlon and James McConnell played in unfamiliar positions on the left flank and in defensive midfield, respectively, but made significant contributions, including a late challenge that prevented a goal.
Lewis Koumas was involved in the third goal’s buildup, Jarell Quansah was composed at center-back, and Ben Doak once again benefited from his thrilling direct running and dribbling. Everyone is expected to return this summer.
Liverpool analysis – Darwin Nunez takes challenge as £95m program comes concurrently