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Liverpool brought the curtain down on the pre-season as Liverpool welcomed Torino at Anfield. Liverpool Boss Jurgen Klopp handed Alisson Becker, Keita and Fabinho their Anfield debuts. Klopp named a strong line-up for the clash, with the attacking trio of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah joining forces from the off after scoring 91 goals between them last season. The Reds rounded off their pre-season with a comfortable 3-1 win as Sturridge scored a late third goal of the match to seal a win in front of their own fans.
Liverpool XI - Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Phillips, Moreno, Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Keita, Mane, Salah, Firmino
Substitutes - Karius, Clyne, Henderson, Sturridge, Grujic, Lallana, Shaqiri, Robertson, Ings, Jones, Johnston, Camacho, Grabara.
Trent Alexander-Arnold started for the first time since returning to training last week, while Nathaniel Phillips got another opportunity at centre-back. Milner was the notable absentee having received 15 stitches on his head in the last match against Napoli. Alberto Moreno started the game wearing the captain's armband.
The Reds struck twice inside three minutes midway through the first half to go 2-0 up. Although the visitors pulled one back as Belotti bulleted in a header from six yards out from Di Silvestri's delivery from the right, the main question was how many goals would Liverpool score in the second half.
Goal Scorers:-
Firmino - 21'
Wijnaldum - 24'
Belotti - 31'
Sturridge - 87'
Here are 4 crucial takeaways from the game -
#1 Firmino Was Running The Show
Liverpool's number 9 Bobby Firmino was up and running as he scored a goal and set up Gini Wijnaldum for the second as he dominated proceedings in the first half.
Firmino's right footed shot from the centre of the box to the top left corner gave Liverpool the lead in the 21st minute of the game courtesy of a Mohammad Salah assist. It was a classic Firmino goal as he showed off his footwork inside the 18-yard box and wrong-footed Torino goalkeeper Sirigu before slotting the ball home.
Liverpool really needed this goal as Fabinho missed a penalty just 4 minutes earlier. A right-footed strike by the Brazilian which was aimed for the bottom left corner missed the target altogether. After scoring 16 straight penalties for Monaco, he earned himself the title - "Penalty Specialist" but failed to score from the spot in his Anfield debut.
In the 24th minute of the game, Firmino was it again as the Reds carved open Torino in style. Salah controlled the ball and laid it off for Firmino, who passed it through into the path of Wijnaldum's run. Wijnaldum responded as he put the ball in the back of the net, beating Sirigu at his near post.
#2 Wijnaldum's Outstanding Performance leaves Klopp spoilt for choices
Gini Wijnaldum was on the scorer's list as he found the target again today in a 3-1 win. After scoring in the last match against Napoli, Wijnaldum said in the post-match interview that he wants to score more goals this season. Well, it looks like he's off to the right start having scored 2 in 2 games.
Liverpool's depth in midfield is just unbelievable as Keita, Fabinho and Shaqiri will now share the dressing room with Wijnaldum, Lallana, Oxlade Chamberlain, Milner and the captain Henderson. With The Ox out for the most part of this season, it looked as though Keita and Fabinho would play alongside Henderson in the midfield. However, Wijnaldum has really stepped up his game will probably start in Sunday's season opener against West Ham.
The 27-year-old Dutchman had fallen down the pecking order at Anfield this summer following the arrivals of new big-money signings Keita and Firmino. Wijnaldum, a £25million signing from Newcastle in 2016, made 50 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool last season, scoring two goals providing four assists. But with his recent performances, manager Jurgen Klopp has left Klopp spoilt for choices.
#3 Daniel Sturridge Is Back!
Daniel Sturridge has been the biggest positive of Liverpool's pre-season. He has finished as the highest goal scorer of the pre-season for Liverpool.
Sturridge scored a late header in the 87th minute to round off an excellent summer work-out for the Reds. As Liverpool reached the Champions League final last season while Sturridge was on loan at West Brom amid injury problems, the striker’s future at Anfield appeared all but over. But he impressed the Liverpool fans and Klopp after an incredible shift in form.
"Daniel is an outstanding player. If he is fit, he will play a role in the team,” - Klopp after Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Manchester United.
Daniel Sturridge looks fit and lean and ready for some action next season! There was never a question about his technique and abilities and Dan The Man looks like he's back at the peak of his power. The English International looks hungry for goals - Are we going to see some more iconic Daniel Sturridge Celebrations this season?
#4 Xherdan Shaqiri Continues To Impress - Bargain Transfer Of The Summer?
Shaqiri provided a beautiful assist for Sturridge late in the game and has continued to impress everyone with his scintillating performance. He looked sharp throughout the match and his amazing link-up play with Daniel Sturridge throughout the last few games has created a buzz amongst the Kop.
The Reds signed Shaqiri on a five-year contract as a back up for their front three, for just £13 Million. While many fans and pundits were unimpressed by the signing, this may very well be a Klopp masterpiece. He contributed an impressive eight goals and seven assists last season and after today's performance, Liverpool fans can stand reassured of a similar performance provided he gets enough chances.
Shaqiri’s averaged 2.1 chances created per match was actually better than anyone in the Liverpool squad following the sale of Phillipe Coutinho.
Liverpool have lacked that creativity in midfield and it is safe to assume that Xherdan Shaqiri will bring a little magic of his own to Anfield next season.
