MS TECHNOLOGIE-ARENA, FÜRTH // Liverpool continued its preparations for the 2023/24 season with another goal-heavy fixture against second-tier German opposition, with Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez both on the scoresheet and looking sharp.
The match was delayed slightly by poor weather but Liverpool wasted no time in getting going once the referee's whistle had been blown, with Diogo Jota and Ben Doak also among those looking in good shape.
There was once more a couple of different teams fielded in each half by Jürgen Klopp, as was the case against Karlsruher, with Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott making their returns to action after winning the U21 European Championships this summer.
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Marcelo Pitaluga, Bobby Clark, Melkamu Frauendorf and Calum Scanlon played the final 15 minutes, in place of Lewis Koumas, Adrián, Jones and Elliott. Everyone else involved played 45 minutes.
WINNERS
Luis Díaz and Ben Doak were among those who were the sharpest. Diogo Jota was also a stand-out, though he missed what was, for him, a sitter. Mohamed Salah (who scored once) and Darwin Núñez (who scored twice) linked up well in the second half to good effect, in what could become a devastating partnership.
LOSERS
Dominik Szoboszlai was missing through a minor injury, though he could have played had it been a competitive fixture. The Hungarian will be fine for the trip to Singapore later in the week but sat this was out as a precaution. Defensively, Joël Matip and co were not great, conceding four times.
FIRST HALF TEAM PLAYER 'RATINGS'
Alisson Becker
Touched the ball a few times with his feet, but only once with his hands (in the 40th minute).
Conor Bradley
Playing the hybrid role again and looked confident. Able to stand up to his opponents physically, as proven by last season's loan at Bolton.
Ibrahima Konaté
Gave away a few fouls that looked to be harshly awarded. Good in possession but not really tested that much.
Virgil van Dijk
Stood strong and looked confident.
Andy Robertson
Adapting well to the left-sided role in the defense. Still gets forward at times but a different role is not necessarily a bad thing.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold
Another easy afternoon for him with little to do other than casually knock the ball about in the middle. Remains to be seen whether he will play as a lone number six when other players who can do the role are fit again or signed from elsewhere.
Alexis Mac Allister
Picks up some really nice positions in the final third between the lines. A big talent who will make a big impact at Anfield.
Cody Gakpo
Playing as a midfielder, he was able to move the ball forward from deep with his dribbling. It would be nice to see him in his sort of position moving forward as an extra attacking midfield option.
Ben Doak
So, so confident. Every time he gets the ball, he just drives forward. When he gets the final touch right more consistently, he is going to be some player.
Diogo Jota
Looked sharp. Missed a big chance with a one-vs-one when he should have made it three goals in two games.
Luis Díaz
Very sharp and looked lively down the left side of the pitch. His goal was a great finish after some good footwork.
SECOND HALF TEAM PLAYER 'RATINGS'
Adrián
Not great for the equalizing goal but did play a part in Liverpool scoring a few moments later with a good throw out. Took a good few chances in possession and made a good save from close range. Conceded three times in half an hour.
Joe Gomez
Got into some decent positions in the final third. Right-back could be where his minutes come in the next few months, but there were big gaps at the back at times.
Joël Matip
Good on the ball but hard to judge him without first-choice options around him. Liverpool were left exposed at times and Matip was often too slow to close down.
Jarell Quansah
Stood strong again, like he did against Karlsruher. Confident young defender, but still has work to do in order to gain first team minutes in competitive games.
Kostas Tsimikas
Picked up a yellow card early on but calmed down a bit. Out of position a couple of times.
Lewis Koumas
Very confident and played from the left. One snapshot showed his goalscoring instinct.
James McConnell
Recovered well having given possession away for a goal a couple of minutes after coming on.
Curtis Jones
Few good touches on his return for pre-season action.
Mohamed Salah
Looking sharp again and found the whole thing a bit easy. Couple of shots sailed over the bar. Scored from close range late on.
Darwin Núñez
Lively. Took his two goals well and has really started to combine nicely with Salah.
Harvey Elliott
Similar to Jones, a good return but nothing spectacular. Much more to come.
Marcelo Pitaluga
Barely touched the ball. Confident when he did.
Bobby Clark
Great talent but not on long enough to show that much.
Calum Scanlon
Bright on the ball. Booked for a late challenge on the goalkeeper.
Melkamu Frauendorf
Similar to Clark, was solid enough but didn't do anything much to stand out in a disjointed period of the game.