---
title: "Four Findings: HJK Helsinki 0-2 Liverpool"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/first-team/four-findings-hjk-helsinki-0-2-liverpool/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Fred Haas"
section: "First Team"
published: "2015-08-02T07:59:34Z"
modified: "2015-08-02T08:59:46Z"
---

# Four Findings: HJK Helsinki 0-2 Liverpool

As the final preparations for the new campaign come to close, Liverpool again struggled against inferior opposition to finally pull out a 2-0 win against HJK Helsinki on Finnish soil. While it extended the Reds’ unbeaten pre-season, there was still cause for concern.

While the two biggest marquee signings have yet to take to the pitch with their new squad, Liverpool continue to search for some synchronicity in attack and still labour to break down their opponents with efficiency. However, it is impossible to use this pre-season as a true barometer of expectations for the club, given the quality of opposition and the lack of minutes from key personnel.

Here are four findings from the match.

**Coutinho continues to conjure**

Not only did the midfield magician score the goal assuring victory, Philippe Coutinho produces exceptional moments and yet still brims with tantalising potential. Despite being the first live action with the team and lacking full fitness, the Brazilian is going to shine again this season.

[![John Powell/Liverpool FC/Getty Images](https://readeverything.co/readliverpool/readliverpoolfc/2015/08/Screenshot-2015-08-02-09.57.25.png)](https://readeverything.co/readliverpool/readliverpoolfc/2015/08/Screenshot-2015-08-02-09.57.25.png)

The key will be how Brendan Rodgers decides to best use the mini maestro, as he grows more familiar with the team mates at his disposal. Most effective with runners ahead of him, as his sharpness grows there should be no shortage of targets in this group of team mates.

**Racing right side**

Again, Jordon Ibe made a strong claim for finding a way for his inclusion in the starting XI. Still, only a teenager, there is no question that speedy wide man is going to push for minutes.

Not for the first time, he put in a man of the match quality shift this pre-season. Currently surging with confidence, the positives that he brings to the side are undeniable despite remaining raw and unpolished. He is another player that could be used in such a way by the gaffer to ensure a breakout season.

[![John Powell/Liverpool FC/Getty Images](https://readeverything.co/readliverpool/readliverpoolfc/2015/08/Screenshot-2015-08-02-09.58.21.png)](https://readeverything.co/readliverpool/readliverpoolfc/2015/08/Screenshot-2015-08-02-09.58.21.png)

Then there is the addition of Nathaniel Clyne, who offers Ibe both support and a powerful overlapping option. Clyne can attack in his own right and can deliver an even better ball into the box.

Yet, the combination of pace and power from the two players on the right flank has the makings of a panic inducing partnership. Their relationship on the pitch should be something to watch as it grows.

**Still searching for sharp striker play**

Most obvious for all to see last season was Liverpool’s lack of goals. The club regularly lacked the cutting edge that had so brilliantly opened up defences like the swashbuckling side that nearly won the league.

This transfer window saw a heavy price being paid to bring goals in the team, in hopes of rekindling some of the fine finishing that made the Reds one of the most entertaining teams in the Premier League.

However, the top strikers have yet to appear and the second strikers are young and seeking their own cutting edge. How quickly the club can return to scoring consistently is an open question as the campaign begins.

**Managing the midfield menagerie**

Apart from the biggest question regarding goals, this season Liverpool has a problem that has been less familiar in recent times. The club is loaded with quality midfield talent and how Rodgers manages to get the best out of the squad and strategy in midfield could be the key to solving the goal problems that plagued the team last season.

[![John Powell/Liverpool FC/Getty Images](https://readeverything.co/readliverpool/readliverpoolfc/2015/08/Screenshot-2015-08-02-09.59.19.png)](https://readeverything.co/readliverpool/readliverpoolfc/2015/08/Screenshot-2015-08-02-09.59.19.png)

The flexibility that the talent pool offers is a good problem to have. Who will play with who and in what combinations when will be the riddle.

How to maximise midfield play technically and tactically, while maintaining the pressing that provided the foundation for Rodgers’ greatest success with the club may be the most critical task of the season.