Top 5 Highlights from Liverpool Secret Friendly Match Against Preston

Liverpool faced Preston North End in a behind-closed-doorways friendly match on Friday, resulting in a 1-0 loss. Arne Slot was given a chance to evaluate his players in these semi-aggressive surroundings, with key gamers like Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliott participating.

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First Half Line-Up:

Jaros, Bradley, Van den Berg, Quansah, Tsimikas, Jones, Elliott, Szoboszlai (Endo, 33), Doak, Salah, Carvalho.

Second Half Line-Up:

Davies, Stephenson, Nallo, Phillips, Chambers (Beck, 75), Endo (Nyoni, 75), Bajcetic, Morton, McConnell, Koumas (Blair, 75), Gordon.

Slot will need more time to paint with his complete roster, as gamers like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alexis Mac Allister are still on excursion after reaching the finals of Euro 2024 and Copa America. Next, the Reds will head to America to face Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United. Here are 5 key takeaways from the fit on the AXA Training Centre.

Szoboszlai Plays, But No Robertson

Both Dominik Szoboszlai and Andy Robertson returned to training this week after their Euro 2024 campaigns. However, only Szoboszlai played in this friendly. Kostas Tsimikas, Luke Chambers, and Owen Beck took turns at left-back, while Robertson was likely focusing on his pre-season fitness elsewhere.

Young Talents Get Their Chance

Several young players had the opportunity to showcase their skills. Amara Nallo, a center-back signed from West Ham United, and Trey Nyoni, a talented young midfielder from Leicester City, were among those who played. Harvey Blair, who made his senior debut in 2021, was also involved. Kaide Gordon and Ben Doak, who might benefit from loan spells next season, also got some minutes, along with Lewis Koumas and Tyler Morton.

Bajcetic Aiming for Full Fitness

Stefan Bajcetic, who spent most of last season sidelined, is working his way back to full fitness. If he can return to his previous form, he could become a key player in Slot’s midfield. Bajcetic played half a game in this friendly, continuing his progress toward a full return.

Salah Steps Up as Senior Leader

With several senior players absent, Mohamed Salah took on a more prominent leadership role. At 32, Salah remains a top performer and an essential part of Liverpool’s attack, despite having only a year left on his current contract.

Key Players Still on Holiday

Liverpool is still waiting for the return of key players for friendly match like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alexis Mac Allister, who are on holiday after their international duties. Their absence gave Slot a chance to assess other squad members and young talents in this friendly.