Liverpool decisively defeated Darmstadt 3-1 to cap off their preseason campaign.
Every game the Reds have played this season has had a strong start, and the match against Darmstadt was no different. The exceptionally offensive Liverpool lineup was eager to make a final impression before the regular season starts, hungry for goals, and prepared to run.
After Jurgen Klopp’s team took an early lead thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota, Mathias Honsak immediately responded with a goal down the other end right after kickoff.
But as Liverpool’s dominance increased, Luis Diaz’ spectacular goal in the second half sealed the 3-1 victory.
There is much to look forward to as the season approaches, especially with our goal scorers in outstanding form. Following are the three most important discussion points from Liverpool’s final preseason match.
If Liverpool’s final preseason game taught the fans anything, it’s that this season is going to be absolutely jam-packed with goals at both ends of the field.
GOALS GALORE
Liverpool has exceptional offensive ability. Diogo Jota is described as being sharp, clinical, and energetic.
Every one of Liverpool’s forwards is up the challenge this season, and whether they are starting, or coming off the bench, everyone from Mohamed Salah to Ben Doak is dangerous and could score at any moment.
But it’s obvious that there won’t just be goals to celebrate.
Although the Reds were in control today, every counterattack left the defense vulnerable, and despite scoring an incredible 18 goals in five preseason games, Liverpool has also allowed 11 goals.
If Jurgen Klopp is to stick with his new system, the team have to find a way to become more defensively secure and stop leaking countless easy goals.
Romeo Lavia’s acquisition and additional defensive reinforcement would undoubtedly aid in this effort, but they do not constitute complete answers, and until Liverpool finds one, high-scoring matches can be anticipated frequently.
The new number 10 for Liverpool has made a big impression during preseason play so far. He has already contributed his first assist and has played a lot of gorgeous through balls. His ability to control the ball and turn in small spaces makes for an exhilarating watch.
MAC ALLISTER AS A 6
One thing that stood out in particular about the 24-year-old after a standout season with Brighton and a victorious World Cup victory with Argentina was his incredible versatility. In the middle of the field, Mac Allister is a player who can essentially play anywhere and do it to a very high level.
Despite how exciting it’s been to watch him pulling the strings further up the pitch, it was certainly interesting to see this versatility put to the test on Monday night, as our new signing occupied the defensive midfield position against Darmstadt.
The Argentine adapted seamlessly to his slightly more defensive role as Curtis Jones was forced to sit out due to a very minor injury (don’t worry, he made the bench and entered the game in the second half).
While every Reds fan in the world is collectively praying the club signs a specialist defensive midfielder like Romeo Lavia this summer, it will provide at least some comfort that Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister both have the ability to play the role – even though most would, admittedly, rather see the former influencing the game higher up the pitch.
ATTACKING PECKING ORDER?
With Liverpool now just six days away from their Premier League opener against Chelsea, perhaps Jurgen Klopp has shown his hand in regard to what he considers to be the pecking order for his plentiful attack?
It’s hard to consider the line-ups of previous pre-season games as much of an indication into Liverpool’s best starting XI going into the season, as they have mainly been about regaining fitness and match sharpness – but the final friendly before the season begins is often a good benchmark.
Despite Darwin Nunez’ fine goalscoring form so far, he was the only one of Liverpool’s illustrious five attackers to be named on the bench Monday night, with Mo Salah, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz forming the front three, and the versatile Cody Gakpo performing brilliantly dropped into the midfield just behind.
This decision certainly paid off, with all three of Liverpool’s starting forwards registering a goal. You can’t help but feel sorry for Darwin Nunez, but someone had to miss out.
While this forward line isn’t guaranteed to start against Chelsea at the weekend, if it is the case, having an in-form Darwin Nunez coming off the bench full of energy and hungry to impress can only be a good thing. Liverpool are incredibly lucky to have him.
