5 Things We Learnt From Liverpool 4-2 Karlsruher SC | OneFootball

The contest ended 4-2 for the Reds with Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota all on the scoresheet. New signings Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai played their first minutes in the famous shirt whilst the rest of the squad was full of familiar faces and academy youngsters hoping to make an impact.

Jurgen Klopp can be happy with his side, a performance and a result that should set them off on a positive step for the rest of the summer.

Here are five things we can take away from the game:

Trent As A Midfielder All the speculation surrounding Liverpool’s No. 66 was put to rest as the line-ups were announced. Alexander- Arnold started the evening in the middle of the park assuming the vacant role Fabinho has left. The 24-year-old played well, dictating the game with his world-class ability on the ball but also covering the spaces left by others who joined the attack. This has been something Liverpool’s fans have wanted to see and it did not disappoint. He has shown for England and towards the end of last season that he has the ability to make the change into midfield. The next match will be telling as to where Klopp sees Alexander-Arnold playing in the upcoming campaign.

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New Signings Both new boys got 45 minutes each to showcase their abilities and what they can bring to the squad moving forward. Szoboszlai started the match on the left-hand side role of the midfield interchanging well with Andrew Robertson and Luis Diaz. He then showed his versatility moving over to the right side. The Hungarian was calm on the ball and displayed a strong range of passing as well as his counter-pressing qualities. In the second half, it was Mac Allister’s turn. Liverpool’s new no.10 occupied the spaces well with good link-up play. The Argentine played on the right side of the box midfield and worked well with Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota. The 24-year-old then proved why the money was spent on him as he produced a fine assist for Jota after closing down a defender and winning the ball back. Both players seemed to fit in seamlessly to the squad which is a huge benefit given the likely exits of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.

Sticking with the 3-2-2-3 Each of Klopp’s line-ups were set up to play in the new 3-2-2-3 formation using an inverted fullback. Only this time it wasn’t Alexander-Arnold. The first half saw returning loanee, Connor Bradley, attempt the role before Kostas Tsimikas took over at half-time. It was interesting to see Klopp try both a left and right back as he figures out this system. Both performed an admirable job but it clearly signalled the need for more signings. With Fabinho already halfway out the door, news broke during the game that Liverpool had agreed a deal for Jordan Henderson to leave the club. This only signified the need for Liverpool to bring in replacements ensuring they don’t leave themselves short for the new season.

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Attackers in form With the quality of the Reds’ attacking options, no player is a guaranteed starter (apart from Mohammed Salah). Liverpool have five strong capable players all vying for a starting place, therefore, it is vital they endure a good pre-season. Nunez, Jota and Gakpo all scored whilst Luis Diaz produced a lively display. Nunez was more comfortable with the ball into his feet whilst also stretching the defence with his runs in behind, he took his goal confidently. Gakpo played just behind Jota and delivered a solid performance with good linkup play whilst providing an effortless finish, spinning his man before firing into the top corner, to bring the Reds level in the match. He also grabbed an assist for Jota’s first goal. The Portuguese was energetic and calm as always with his finishing. His assist for Gakpo is an underrated part of his game, heading an inch-perfect pass to the Dutchman before he eventually inspired Liverpool to victory with two late goals. Each player will be giving their all in the hope to start against Chelsea, but for Liverpool and Klopp it is the perfect headache.

Ben Doak The Scottish starlet impressed the most from the academy in his 45 minutes. The 17-year-old showed no signs of letting the occasion get to him as he took on defenders with ease and was a constant threat to the German side. His tricky feet, electrifying pace and fearlessness could mean he plays as an understudy to the ever-present Salah. With Europa League on the cards and domestic cup opportunities it is likely Klopp will turn to the former Celtic player which could prove to be a pivotal season in his development and potential breakthrough into the first team.