After two weeks of pre-season training, Brendan Rodgers’ men got the ball rolling ahead of the new campaign last Saturday, with a 0-4 win over Preston North End at Deepdale.
I for one was extremely impressed by the Reds’ display, and there were several positive signs to take in to the pre-season tour and beyond.
Brendan Rodgers decided to field two different teams in each half (bar Simon Mignolet, who played just over 75 minutes). It was noticeable, though, that each side Rodgers fielded played and approached the game in exactly the same way. The coaching staff’s philosophies seem to be really rubbing off on the players now. Our opposition were a League One outfit, yes, but it was encouraging to see such a clear strategy and style in our game so early in our preparations for the new season.
Liverpool’s four new signings made their debuts, with Simon Mignolet and Kolo Toure starting, and Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas coming on at half time. Our new Belgian keeper didn’t have too much to do, but when he was called upon he was solid and professional. It was also encouraging to see him frequently shouting instructions at the outfield players. His communication is not something he is always credited for, but he was regularly shouting orders to his defence. Kolo Toure partnered Daniel Agger and produced a typically professional performance. He looked good on the ball, and like Mignolet, was not afraid to instruct other teammates at all. You could say that the shape of the second XI differed slightly from the first. Lucas anchored the midfield, with Luis Alberto and Dani Pacheco alongside him making regular forward runs. I was slightly surprised at the positions Alberto was popping up in, he took up a deep role and looked to dictate the play, a role which didn’t seem to faze him at all. He looked extremely comfortable on the ball and could easily have got himself on the score sheet. The early signs are that he’ll fit in to Rodgers’ system brilliantly, and I’m certainly looking forward to seeing him progress.
It was Iago Aspas who, a lot of people would argue, was the debutant that impressed the most. Aspas took up a central striking role, but enjoyed drifting out wide to collect the ball. A nutmeg on the edge of the box halfway through the second half from the Spaniard summed up his performance – lively. His goal, a terrific 20 yard effort that flew in past the helpless Preston keeper, topped off an extremely impressive debut, and I believe Aspas has a real chance of cementing a place in the side for the new season if he carries on in the same vein.
Aside from the debutants, there were three other players that I thought played extremely well. Philippe Coutinho tore Preston North End to shreds the same way he tore most Premier League defences to shreds in the second half of last season. The boy is pure magic and I can’t wait to see him in action in the coming season. Jordon Ibe bagged his first goal for Liverpool’s first team, following on from an extremely impressive debut on the last day of the season vs QPR. Ibe is a player who impressed me a lot last season, and I’m very happy to see him making strides with the first team. I think this summer will be crucial for Jordon. It could be the difference between him playing a regular part in match day squads for the first team, or still spending most of his time with the U21s. There is no pressure on him though, and at just 17 years of age, the progress he is making is extremely encouraging.
However, it was Raheem Sterling who I thought was our best performer on the day. The Jamaican-born winger looks extremely keen to prove any doubters wrong in this coming season. Sterling brought his impressive form from the first two weeks of pre-season training in to a match day situation, and took his goal very well. I think Sterling will have a big part to play in the coming campaign, and it is good to see him impressing the coaching staff.
Brendan Rodgers’ comments regarding a potential transfer for Luis Suarez oozed class and I think the club are handling the whole situation extremely well.
Liverpool will be pleased with the beginning of their pre-season preparations and will now look to step up their work as they continue their tour through Asia, and eventually into Australia.
