Taking on Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich in Singapore presented a difficult preseason test for a strong Liverpool team. These are the six things that we noticed.
Jürgen Klopp selected a strong Liverpool team for the team’s penultimate preseason matchup this summer against Bayern Munich at the National Stadium in Singapore. The Reds fell short of their German opponents 4-3 in a nail-biting match in Singapore.
With Cody Gakpo’s goal just over a minute into the match, Liverpool wasted no time in asserting itself against the Bundesliga champion. Midway through the first half, the Reds would double their advantage when newly-elected captain Virgil van Dijk headed in from Andy Robertson’s corner.
However, Bayern was able to tie the score before halftime thanks to goals from Leroy Sané and Serge Gnabry, exposing once more Liverpool’s defensive shortcomings. Luis Dáz, a second-half substitute, gave the Reds the lead back, but Bayern soon equalized when Josip Stanii turned the ball home after Matthijs de Ligt’s header was saved. Frans Krätzig then gave Thomas Tuchel’s team the win.
With less than two weeks until the start of the new Premier League season, Klopp made a noticeable shift in strategy by starting with only senior first-team players.
Alisson Becker, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Gakpo were among the players who were re-inserted into the lineup following the victory over Leicester on Sunday, while Jol Matip received a somewhat unexpected start in place of Ibrahima Konaté alongside Van Dijk in the center of defense.
The six observations Liverpool.com spotted as the game unfolded.
Chelsea hints?
With less than two weeks until the start of the Premier League season, all eyes were on the starting XI to see if any hints could be gleaned as to Klopp’s side for Chelsea. Bayern presents by far the biggest challenge Liverpool will face during preseason.
The Reds manager’s choice to start Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield alongside Curtis Jones and Alexis MacAllister was perhaps the most notable.
In the front three, Diogo Jota remained on the left, and Cody Gakpo replaced Darwin Nez as the number nine.
Following the victory over Leicester, Klopp emphasized the need for Nez to sharpen his pressing technique. However, if this team is to give Chelsea an early hint, it appears that Nez still has some work to do before moving to the front of the line, especially in light of Gakpo’s outstanding performance.
Jones confirms Klopp’s assertion.
It’s looking more and more likely that Curtis Jones will start as the number six against Chelsea after a second offer for Roméo Lavia was turned down this week (according to The Athletic).
The ability of the Scouser to fill Fabinho’s void has already received Klopp’s endorsement.
In possession, Curtis can undoubtedly make a significant impact from that position, according to Klopp (via the Mirror). His growth over the past few months since he’s been with us, in my opinion, has been truly remarkable.
He makes sense to be on the field. If no one else is available, he can play this position without a doubt.
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There were times when Jones’ challenges came at the wrong time and it was obvious that we needed a more natural number six. Thoughtfully summarizing Klopp’s performance in possession, the academy graduate displayed excellent composure under pressure, even when facing his own goal.
Transfer Reminder
When in possession, Liverpool continued to display encouraging traits and appeared dangerous almost every time it attempted to advance. However, there were some lingering concerns about defense.
Jol Matip was chosen to rekindle his previous alliance with Virgil van Dijk, but against strong opposition, Ibrahima Konaté’s absence may have stood out more.
Due to Matip’s slower speed compared to Konaté, Bayern was able to score both of its goals in the first half by taking advantage of the space normally occupied by a right-back.
Jones appeared at ease handling the ball, but Sané was given plenty of room for the second goal, so Jones was found wanting in his defensive responsibilities.
If it wasn’t already obvious, Liverpool must address its problems in defense and the number six position as soon as possible through the transfer market.
what’s in a name?
The fact that Dominik Szoboszlai has joined Liverpool is unquestionably positive news, even though it has given some of the club’s reporters some trouble.
And it appears that whoever is in charge of the kits might be experiencing a similar issue with the Hungarian’s name.
Injury worry
An injury to a midfielder, especially one who has made such a strong impression this summer, is the last thing Liverpool needs right now.
Therefore, it was easy to see why there was more than a little worry when Alexis Mac Allister collapsed holding his knee just before the break and didn’t appear to be in any particular hurry to get back up.
Following a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the issue, Andy Robertson informed Klopp that it was likely just a knee-to-knee collision rather than something potentially more serious.
The Argentine was able to leave the field of play on his own accord, but no chances were taken as Mac Allister was replaced at the break. But it will still cause more anxiety than both fans and Klopp would like at this point.
Gravenberch surveillance.
Klopp likely kept a close eye on more than just his own team.
This summer, Liverpool has been linked with a few Bayern players. Benjamin Pavard, Joshua Kimmich, and Ryan Gravenberch have all been mentioned in connection with Liverpool at various points.
Given Liverpool’s current need for a new midfielder and Gravenberch’s current circumstances in Germany, the latter of those three players may be of the most interest to the Reds at this time.
Just after the hour mark, the Netherlands international came off the bench and nearly tied the score for Bayern as he forced Alisson into a save following a deft run into the penalty area.
Gravenberch might provide another alternative option as Liverpool looks for a new midfielder because he appears to be lower on the food chain.
