Liverpool, under the management of Arne Slot, secured their first win of their US tour with a 1-0 victory over Real Betis in Pittsburgh. The Reds’ new style of play, influenced by Dutch coaches, showcased a possession-based approach rather than the high-intensity gegenpressing style associated with former manager Jurgen Klopp. Slot’s tactics saw Liverpool play without a traditional striker, instead opting for two attacking midfielders in the number 10 role. This tactical adjustment was successful given the limited personnel available and allowed players like Harvey Elliot and Dominik Szoboszlai to shine.
The match saw Liverpool dominate early on, with shots from Fabio Carvalho, Mohamed Salah, and Wataru Endo. Conor Bradley, who impressed on the right flank, created several goal-scoring opportunities. However, it was Szoboszlai who opened the scoring in the 34th minute, sweeping in a through ball from Salah. The second half saw a host of young substitutes take the field, disrupting the flow of the game. Nabil Fekir and Carvalho had chances to extend Liverpool’s lead, but the match ultimately ended as a 1-0 victory for the Reds.
One standout performer was Bradley, who linked well with Salah and created the majority of Liverpool’s best chances. Carvalho, fresh from a loan spell at Hull City, also impressed with his determined play. However, it was 17-year-old Trey Nyoni who stole the show among the substitutes. Nyoni came on for the injured Curtis Jones and dictated play in the midfield while creating a big chance for Harvey Blair.
Jones, who had expressed his enjoyment of Slot’s approach before the match, was forced off the field in the 28th minute due to injury. Slot downplayed concerns about the midfielder’s fitness, stating that it was too early to determine the severity of the injury but acknowledging that Jones was not at 100%.
Overall, the match served as an important exercise in building fitness and introducing Slot’s style of play to the players, supporters, and the football world ahead of the upcoming Premier League season. Though there are areas for improvement, Liverpool’s first win under Slot provides optimism for the team moving forward.