Brisbane brought much tougher competition than Bangkok, with the Roar jumping to an early lead in front of their 50,000 faithful. While the goal may have split the surprised two centre-backs, it looked more a function of rust than a return of concern. The Reds would quickly dominate and then come from behind for a 2-1 victory at the Suncorp Stadium.
Goals from Adam Lallana and James Milner sealed the win but enough chances were created to never cause doubt that the Merseysiders would rise above their pre-season opponent. Danny Ings is still searching for his finishing touch and nearly scored on a couple of occasions. Jordon Ibe also impressed with his speed and power, despite lacking the polished finish. Overall, it was a stronger side that showed positive steps in what will be a quick pre-season.
Here are four findings from today’s match.
All-Action Duo
Early indications are that a midfield combination of newcomer James Milner and newly-appointed captain Jordan Henderson will be a formidable tandem in the middle of the pitch. Both box-to-box midfielders cover staggering distances and never seem to drop the intensity or urgency of their game. Additionally, Milner brings some much needed steel along with his technical talent. Henderson continues to develop facets of his game and grow going forward. With a third defensive midfielder at the base between them, each look liberated for timely drives into the penalty area or attacking as a late runner.
Milner’s winner proved a testament to the late arrival, coupled with some clever skill and industry, leading to a goal. It was not as pretty as Adam Lallana’s earlier side net strike, but it was timely and finished the match for the Reds. Interestingly, it was Hendo who slid the ball centrally, its path paralleling the top of the box a few yards out. It is no surprise Brendan Rodgers exclaimed, “I think James Milner and Jordan Henderson could run to Adelaide!”
Tactical Flexibility Realised
For all the tactical flexibility promised by last year’s squad, it may be this one that reveals the realisation. With Steven Gerrard’s departure, the manager no longer has the burden of fitting a legend into the side. Consequently, the dynamic and fluid interchange of players in the midfield looks more likely. Given the varied looks in Thailand and the stronger side fielded in Brisbane, not to mention that Phillipe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, and Emre Can are all yet to arrive, Rodgers has a number of options to shape the team week in and week out.
While the Rodgers flexibility has courted controversy, this squad now looks capable of lining up in a number of formations with effectiveness. Whether it is a 4-4-2, wide or with a diamond, a more typical 4-3-3 with wingers, some combination of a boxed 4-1-2-2-1 or even a 4-2-3-1, with the arrival of Christian Benteke. The only thing that seems certain is that three at the back may have exceeded its usefulness. The gaffer looks like he truly has a depth of moving parts to fashion the side that he wants the way he wants. Goals may still be a concern, but early indications suggest that they may finally come from multiple areas on the pitch.
Gomez Gleaming
Granted it is only pre-season and very early days for 18-year-old Joe Gomez, but his first two appearances have definitely impressed. The £3.5m fee paid to Charlton could prove a steal if the talented youngster is able to secure a place in the squad or fantastically a regular place in the first team at left full-back. It may not be his natural position, but he would not be the first young centre-half hopeful to break into a side as a full-back. In his first two appearances, he has yet to look completely out of place out wide.
It is beyond premature to suggest the kind of success Gomez might have, but given the competition at left-back and prospects of cup ties and the Europa League, it is no surprise that Rodgers has already announced that the England youth international will not be leaving on loan. Plus, with Jon Flanagan still sidelined, there is no doubt he will get games. What he does with them will be an interesting development.
Better in Both Boxes
Again, dominating and beating Thai All Stars and Brisbane Rovers is no indicator of Premier League fortunes, but between the performances and players yet to be integrated into the side, there is reason for optimism. For all the questions and concerns about the new strikers, Divock Origi, Danny Ings, and now Christian Benteke, all three tallied nearly enough goals individually to lead last year’s Liverpool.
In spite of all his struggles, Origi scored eight Ligue 1 goals, which would have been second only to Gerrard’s nine, most of which were from the spot. Ings scored 11 and Benteke netted 16, both enough to easily be the team leader. What’s more, all three played for struggling teams that created far fewer chances than the Reds. Add the eventual return of Daniel Sturridge, and he looks increasingly like a bonus instead of a saviour.
Defensively, the tandem of Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho may not set hearts racing. However, few centre-halves in the league have been as durable as the Slovak the last two seasons and the Frenchmen is arguably the best all-around central defender in the team when healthy. The addition of Nathaniel Clyne is a massive upgrade at right-back in defence and attack. On the left side, Alberto Moreno is serviceable and looks to be challenged by the likes of Joe Gomez, not to mention competition from any other defenders in the squad looking to gain some minutes.
Last year’s defence was better than the previous one and this season already looks like an improvement. There may not be quite the depth, should key injuries take a toll, but that may be mitigated if others begin to make a stronger case for inclusion in the side.
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