Liverpool wrapped up their trip to the Far East and Australia with an unremarkable 1-1 draw against Malaysia XI. It was an unimpressive performance in front of 40,000+ at the Malaysian national stadium, as the Reds were unable to secure their fourth victory of the tour.
The only action of the match was in the first 30 minutes. Liverpool conceded the first goal, when Patrick Wleh Ronaldinho was able to squeeze behind Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren to slot home the opener in the 13th minute. However, 15 minute later, Jordon Ibe equalized with a high, near post missile into the roof of the net.
Here are four findings from the match.
Ibe Alive
Jordon Ibe is young and talented but mentions of Raheem Sterling seem inappropriate and unfair. His speed, power, and skill on the ball vibrate with the kind of potential that excited Reds’ fans in the way Sterling began to, midway through the title-chasing 13-14 season.
Yet, he is a different kind of player. Even more naturally at home out wide, physically more robust, his instincts are even more direct and aggressive. Plus, despite the comparisons, he has a much better attitude and might have a slightly better finishing touch.
Limited Lovren
Regardless of money spent or even manager preference, Dejan Lovren continues to look lost and lacking. His play remains erratic to the point that it unsettles anyone that plays with him.
There can be no question, based on performance, that he is the third center half and could potentially fall beyond that, should one of the youngsters shine and force the issue. The Croatian will need to be content with cup and Europa League starts, but could potentially even fall out of those, if he cannot wrestle his confidence and quality back from the malaise he still finds himself.
Dulled Attack
Much like the issues that the Reds faced last year, the attack can look decidedly blunted. New personnel may provide a stronger possession-oriented team, but with some of the newest attacking options, like goal scoring hopefuls Roberto Firmino and Christian Benteke, unavailable on tour, the goals looked decidedly missing.
The same combination of profligacy in front of goal, unseasoned and youthful striker options, and occasional episodes of out of sync and disjointed play haunt the club as they did last season. Getting the full squad together is necessary to begin sorting out where the goals will be coming from.
Learning Required
The new squad is a young squad. The majority of signings over the last two years have been bought on potential. Players that struggled last year must now prove they warrant minutes in the first team. This goes for all the newest signings as well.
With so much youth potentially integrated into the side, this Liverpool side is learning. There will be erratic errors, confidence complications, and messy mishaps on occasion. However, the flexibility in the side looks inspiring, and the more potential realized by individual players, the more exciting the coming season will be and it may bring back the possibility of a return to the league’s elite company.
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