Liverpool signed off their pre-season preparation with a resounding win over Athletic Club at Anfield. After an emotional pre-game tribute to Diogo Jota, Arne Slot’s side got off to a flying start as Rio Ngumoha put them ahead with a superb curling effort two minutes in.
Moments later, the 16-year-old turned provider as he crossed for Darwin Nunez to steer in from close range. Ben Doak’s deflected shot on the brink of half-time then effectively ended the contest, beforre Harvey Elliott made it 4-0 just before the hour mark. Gorka Guruzeta did strike a late consolation for the visitors, but Slot would have been satisfied with his side’s work.
Express Sport rates the Liverpool players….
Liverpool player ratings (4-3-3):
Freddie Woodman 6: A virtual spectator before being replaced at half-time.
Curtis Jones 8: One of his side’s best performers. Assured on the ball, didn’t waste possession, and linked regularly with his forward players.
Luca Stephenson 7: Looks a find. Comfortable on the ball and coped well with the Athletic attack, but then blotted his copybook as his poor headed clearance led to the Guruzeta goal.
Andy Robertson 7: Unfamiliar centre-back role but he led by example in defence. One excellent close-range block in the first half, and later recovered from a poor touch to make a svital sliding clearance.
Kostas Tsimikas 7: Was able to push forward at will, and went close in the first half with a 20-yard shot that deflected wide. Helped set up Elliott for his goal.
Alexis Mac Allister 6: Quiet evening for the Argentinian, but was workmanlike before being replaced early in the second half.
Trey Nyoni 8: A mature display. Helped control matters in the middle and could have a big future on Merseyside.
Harvey Elliott 7: Maybe his last game in a Liverpool shirt and a decent one. Buzzed around and took his goal well from close range.
Ben Doak 9: A statement display. Attacked down the right flank at pace and went close with a stinging 35-year shot that was saved by Alex Padilla. Got the goal he deserved before the break, albeit via a big deflection.
Rio Ngumoha 9: What a talent his 16-year-old looks. A stunning early strike and then turned creator for Nunez. A constant threat and although he faded slightly in the second half, Arne Slot would have taken note.
Darwin Nunez 7: His last goal at Anfield? Neat finish and was involved in the build-up to Elliott’s strike.
Subs:
Armin Pecsi 7: Came on at the interval and immediately made a decent save.
Wellity Lucky 6: Was given 34 minutes but struggled to make any real impact.
Tommy Pilling 5: Found it hard to to get involved in his 23-minute cameo.
Trent Kone-Doherty 6: Replaced Ngumoha as the game was petering out and showed a willingness to make himself available. But should have done better as he failed to get a shot away after going clean through.
Lewis Koumas 6: Only had 10 minutes after replacing Nunez, but so close to an immediate goal as his low shot was saved by Padilla.
Jayden Danns 6: Came on in the second half for Doak but didn’t have the same influence.