Very happy that preseason has started and that I can see the lads play again! Great to see our captain back on the pitch and hopefully Sturridge is able to have a proper preseason with the squad.
First half:
Lots and lots of wing play which left Wijnaldum and Grujic looking a bit lost in the middle. Both were picking up good positions between the lines and making good runs into the box though. I really like the look of Grujic, he has a good football brain. Good movement and runs, strong lad and an eye for goal, those are the things you look for in an attacking-minded midfielder.
Trent-Alexander Arnold also seems to have spent a bit of time in the gym, he looked quite a bit bigger than I remember him from last season, certainly has put in the hard work in the offseason. Quite surprising to see him in the first half line-up along with the other first team players. A subtle warning for Clyne there from the gaffer? Let's hope he ups his game.
I also really hope we keep hold of Lucas for another season. He can be a very useful player in some games and distributed the ball well again.
Second half:
A great display by some of the younger players, Woodburn and Kent in particular. I love the way they run at players and do their thing. Solanke looked pretty good too, he has quite quick feet for such a tall lad and he has good movement in the box. Looking forward to see more of him.
Other than that, as one of the commentators said about Markovic, I feel for the lad. It just won't work for him with us. Still think he's a talented player and I hope he finds a team that suits his style of play and a manager that can make him confident in his own abilities again.
I also wonder why Wilson isn't getting some gametime in preseason. I saw him in the inside anfield videos so I assume he is fit? He has always looked good for the U23's and has a great left foot. Must be hard for him to see all his teammates getting gametime in preseason.
Logged