Revealed: First Impression After Liverpool’s First Pre-Season Game | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Pre-Season Impressions: Behind-Closed-Doors Action at AXA Training Centre

Szoboszlai Steps Up, But Where’s Robertson?

Liverpool’s recent behind-closed-doors friendly against Preston North End at the AXA Training Centre proved insightful for new coach Arne Slot, as noted by Liverpool.com. The game, which ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat, allowed Slot to evaluate his squad, particularly the involvement of players like Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliott. Interestingly, while Dominik Szoboszlai made an appearance after his Euro 2024 duties, Andy Robertson was conspicuously absent, stirring curiosity about his preseason activities.

Young Talents Shine in Early Test

The friendly also spotlighted Liverpool’s young talents, an exciting prospect for the future. Among them, Amara Nallo and Trey Nyoni were particularly notable. Harvey Blair, who has been under the radar since his senior debut in 2021, also got a chance to prove his mettle. Kaide Gordon and Ben Doak, both potentially on the cusp of loan moves, showcased their readiness for more challenging competitions.

Photo: IMAGO

Bajcetic’s Road to Recovery

One of the standout narratives from the game was Stefan Bajcetic’s return to fitness. Having missed much of last season, Bajcetic’s participation in half of the game signals a promising comeback. As Liverpool.com pointed out, Bajcetic is battling to secure a definitive spot in Slot’s midfield, a position that is up for grabs and could well be his if he returns to his pre-injury form.

Photo: IMAGO

Leadership Role for Salah Amidst Squad Changes

With several senior players still unavailable, Mohamed Salah took on an even more significant leadership role, wearing the captain’s armband during the match. At 32, Salah remains a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s setup, exemplified by his top performance in the club’s six-minute race test (6MRT), a new preseason fitness assessment introduced by the physical performance staff.

Auditions for Carvalho and Van den Berg

The friendly was also crucial for Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg, both of whom are at crossroads at Liverpool. Van den Berg, as mentioned in the original article by Liverpool.com, is considering his options away from Anfield to secure more regular playing time. Similarly, Carvalho, whose best position within Liverpool’s tactical setup remains uncertain, is at a juncture where every performance counts.

In conclusion, Liverpool’s behind-closed-doors friendly was more than just a preparatory match; it was a revealing look into the team’s current dynamics and individual player developments. As Liverpool heads to the United States for upcoming friendlies against high-profile teams, these insights will be invaluable for Arne Slot as he shapes his team for the challenges of the new season.