Liverpool Conclude Pre-Season with 3-1 Win Over Darmstadt
Liverpool concluded their pre-season on a winning note, putting three beyond Darmstadt as Luis Diaz dazzled and Mohamed Salah found the net and assisted, again.
Liverpool 3-1 Darmstadt
Pre-season Friendly (5), Deepdale
August 7, 2023
Goals
Salah 5′ (assist: Van Dijk)
Jota 8′ (assist: Salah)
Honsak 10′
Diaz 59′ (assist: Szoboszlai)
The Reds kicked off their pre-season friendly against Darmstadt with news of Curtis Jones starting on the bench with a knock. This came only hours after another bid for Romeo Lavia was rejected, meaning Alexis Mac Allister started as the No. 6.
Nevertheless, the Reds picked up from where they left off when it came to finding the back of the net, with Salah needing only five minutes to do so. The Egyptian was alert to the drop of the ball after Virgil van Dijk‘s attempt to steer Dominik Szoboszlai‘s corner goal-bound.
And in keeping in the theme of his summer, Salah notched his seventh assist after brilliantly pressing Darmstadt on the edge of their area, teeing up Diogo Jota for a tidy strike for 2-0.
But while the Reds may look potent in attack, the same concerns remained at the back as a simple ball over the top left Mathias Honsak one-on-one with Alisson, which was duly punished. It was their first goal in six pre-season matches.
A word must be reserved for Mac Allister, who looked impressive in all facets of the game, creating time and space for himself and making it look easy in the process. A big season ahead for the No. 10.
Half time: Liverpool 2-1 Darmstadt
Jurgen Klopp made no changes immediately after the interval for the first time this summer, pushing his side closer to the demands that will be required in six days’ time at Chelsea.
The manager will not have been too pleased with the immediate start to the second half, with the German side exposing the possible routes to goal against Liverpool, but he will have loved Diaz‘s magical finish from Szoboszlai’s corner for 3-1.
On the hour changes were inbound, the crowd immediately buoyed by the introduction of Darwin Nunez and company, and Ben Doak did his chances of being a regular fixture in the first team no harm.
That wraps up pre-season as the Reds sign off with a victory, now all eyes turn to the trip to Chelsea and, hopefully, at least one new signing!
Next Match: Chelsea (A) – Sunday, August 13, 4.30pm (BST)
Conclusion
Liverpool concluded their pre-season on a winning note with a 3-1 victory over Darmstadt. Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota both found the net while Luis Diaz dazzled with a magical finish from Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner. Alexis Mac Allister also impressed in all facets of the game and could be set for a big season ahead.
The Reds now turn their attention to their opening Premier League game of the season away to Chelsea on Sunday 13th August. With no new signings yet, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to add some new faces before then.