Liverpool v Lyon: 3 Talking Points as the young guns dazzle to give Reds 3-1 win

Liverpool registered a well deserved 3-1 win against Lyon
Liverpool registered a well deserved 3-1 win against Lyon

As the reigning European Champions prepare to begin their campaign with a showdown against Manchester City in the community shield, they finished their pre-season preparations with a morale-boosting 3-1 victory against Lyon.

The likes of Alisson Becker, Naby Keita, Xherdan Shaqiri, Roberto Firmino, and Mohamed Salah returned as Liverpool got back to winning ways.

The Reds looked uncharacteristically shaky in pre-season and were winless in four games before key players returned to give them a timely victory.

Despite Alisson's early error, Liverpool grew in stature as the game progressed as Roberto Firmino equalized with a well-taken goal with his weaker foot.

A Joachim Anderson own-goal put Liverpool ahead and Harry Wilson capped off the victory with a brilliant hit from long range.

On that note, let's look at some talking points from the game.


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#1 Adam Lallana impressed as a holding midfielder

Adam Lallana was the standout player in the first half
Adam Lallana was the standout player in the first half

Adam Lallana's career has been on a bit of a standstill in recent seasons as he's struggled with injuries and poor form.

In an attempt to turn his fortunes around, Jurgen Klopp has given him a new lease of life as a No.6 and the Englishman has grabbed the chance with both arms.

Having re-invented himself as the deepest midfielder on the pitch, the 31-year-old has impressed in an unfamiliar position as Liverpool weathered an early storm from Lyon to dominate proceedings.

Starting in the center of the park alongside Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri, Lallana continued to grow in stature as the game progressed and was the standout player as the Reds went into the break with a 2-1 lead.

Klopp confirmed earlier in pre-season that he plans to use Lallana as a No.6 for the forthcoming season and the midfielder gave a good account of himself with an assured performance.

#2 Liverpool looked much better up front

Salah's return galvanized Liverpool's attack
Salah's return galvanized Liverpool's attack

Liverpool's pre-season hasn't gone plan as the reigning European champions have struggled in recent games.

Although goals haven't been hard to come by, the Reds lacked quality up front and were guilty of being too predictable at times.

Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah returned after their extended holidays and the pair added some much-needed quality to Liverpool's attack.

Liverpool went behind early in the second half owing to Alisson Becker's uncharacteristic error but the Reds showed quality up front as they leveled the score-line in double-quick time.

Firmino got himself on the score-sheet with a well-taken finish on his weaker foot and Salah showed flashes of his brilliance as the Reds returned to winning ways in Switzerland.

Liverpool looked galvanized up front and their strong performance comes as a much-needed boost as they look set to take on Manchester City in Community Shield next week.

#3 The young Reds dazzled once again

Rhian Brewster featured again as Liverpool ran out 3-1 winners
Rhian Brewster featured again as Liverpool ran out 3-1 winners

In their final pre-season outing before their big showdown against Manchester City in the Community Shield, the young Reds came of age and showed glimpses of what the future holds.

Yasser Larouci started as a left-back and the Algerian staked a claim for a spot in the first-team with as assured display on the left flank.

The likes of Sepp van den Berg, Rhian Brewster, and Adam Lewis also did their reputation no harm as they all had exciting cameos at different stages of the game.

Harry Wilson, who has been linked with a move away from the club, produced the moment of the game as his sweetly struck shot from distance gave the goalkeeper no chance.

The Welshman is known for his long-range shooting and enhanced his reputation further with a screamer that put the Reds 3-1 up.

Teenage sensation Harvey Elliot also showed flashes of brilliance in his brief cameo as Liverpool ran out comfortable winners.

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