Liverpool’s mixed side finished off the pre-season at the County Ground against Swindon Town, winning 2-1. The fixture provided auspicious debuts for new boys Roberto Firmino and Christian Benteke, as well as the return of Emre Can. All three put in solid shifts and featured as positive talking points.
Given that much of the first team played the day before in Helsinki, the side was an interesting mix of starters and youth. Regardless, the Reds dominated for long stretches as expected. Uncharacteristically for this pre-season, some sloppy defending allowed the home side into the match. Sheyi Ojo, in his final audition before a loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers, eventually netted a late and lucky winner.
Here are four findings from the match.
Big Benteke Belts a Beauty
If there are truly omens in football, then Christian Benteke’s first goal for Liverpool is a welcome sign for all Reds. The big Belgian showed class with a soft touch, bringing a cross down with his chest, before belting a wonder strike into the goal’s upper corner.
It wasn’t all sensational play from the striker, and there is clearly a lot of work to do as the big man grows familiar with the side and his role in it. Most of the match he was searching for a way into it, lacking some decisiveness and mobility.
Still, glimmerings of why he was brought in were visible. Given that it was his first action with a new, slightly makeshift, team, in a new shirt, having presence to score with such flair at all should buoy the faithful.
Firmino’s Forward Flowing Play
Granted the competition was not Premier League standard, but Roberto Firmino quickly proved why he was a long-time target.
There was an almost effortlessness to his opening performance. His flair and finesse, from both wide and central positions, in support of the striker demonstrated the kind of creativity that could help Liverpool’s attack find that gilt edge that has sometimes been missing.
Far from full fitness, the Brazilian’s work rate and flexibility will go a long way to endearing him to team mates and supporters. Surely, the possibility of Firmino and Philippe Coutinho linking up in midfield, swirling across the width of the pitch, each with an eye for devastating runs and passes, will cause the kind of chaotic defensive play that leads to breakdowns.
Can Claims a Central Place
Having showcased himself in the Under-21 European Championship, Emre Can returned to his first action with the club. Young and still growing in his craft, the German will no doubt bring some diesel to Liverpool’s engine room.
Capable of making marauding runs from deep, sharp passing, and considerable energy, not to mention his physical presence and flexibility, will force manager Brendan Rodgers to find ways to use him in a crowded midfield selection.
He can look vulnerable defensively on the turn and still has a rawness to his game but playing in front of a reliable defence can mitigate that. He will need to be managed but will unquestionably have a lot to offer this new look Liverpool side.
Lucas Lingers with Leadership
The elder Brazilian statesman divided opinion when he arrived at Anfield, but Lucas Leiva is now a rock of stability for Liverpool. The Reds lack a true defensive midfielder and there is some debate if Rodgers even wants one, yet they have Lucas.
Few players are capable of playing as well within their limitations. Injuries have robbed the midfielder of some speed and he lacks a physical ruggedness. Still, he wins balls defensively nearly as well as any natural destroyer and has a poise and presence on the ball that can contract the moment of transition with one touch.
Should he stay healthy all campaign, he will prove invaluable. Jordan Henderson may be the captain of Liverpool Football Club but Lucas, leading his cadre of South Americans, is as worthy a lieutenant as any other player in the squad.
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