Well I've finally watched the game in full, not much to add to what others have posted but just a few observations.
1st half.
Karius didn't have much to do but I had to do a double take when he was on or outside the penalty area to collect long balls over the top. One of things that does my nut in with Migs is waiting for the CBs to play the ball back to him and having to kick it, instead of coming to collect it. It was like having Pepe back
Matip has had surgery to remove a screw from his ankle since the end of the season, which has hampered him due to getting an infection. He was struggling to jump and surprisingly was played on the right rather than his natural left, still it was nice to see him bringing the ball out from the back rather than lumping it forward.
Ejaria had a very good game once he got going and considering he was still playing u18s level last season, it was a big step up for him. He's a very good ball player and is intelligent in what's happening around him which helps at that level as sometimes the u18s aren't always on his wavelength, making his talents not stand out so much.
Branners did what Branners does, links defense and attack quickly and crisply. Always shows for the ball, distributes well and his dead ball deliveries were far better than what we usually see.
Kent and Mane both had good games, we were just missing a proper striker as Firmino seemed a bit off the pace although again improved once he got going.
2nd half.
Was nice to see Wisdom playing at CB again and I thought he did very well alongside Ilori. Considering he's not played there for at least 3 seasons he was commanding and controlled the defense well. Ilori is lovely to watch but I'm not sure his languid style suits Jürgen. He's so nonchalant it gives the impression of not caring.
It was a strange midfield, more of a two and a half than a definite 2 or 3 but they did well. Stewart obviously the sitter with Pedro and AA alternating who stayed and who went. Considering Trent has been playing at RB and again only at u18s level he certainly impressed. Again another calm and intelligent player.
The baby of them all, little Ben Woodburn, still only 16 but you wouldn't believe it watching that game. He took the u18s by storm last season but hopefully he'll remain there again this season rather than be pushed through to the 21s where he could struggle due to his size.
Was nice to see Marko back and he did well considering he wouldn't have known one of the players he was with.
And what can you say about Ingsy. Great to see him back, being a pest, getting annoyed, never giving up and finally getting his goal. He'll do well under Jürgen.
I've probably missed or forgotten loads of points I wanted to make as I watched it at 7am this morning, am cooking dinner and watching the F1 and had a bevvy or two
Good game though for a pre season warm up, bring on Fleetwood
