???️ TRANMERE V LIVERPOOL REVIEW

Last night (12.07.17) Liverpool played their first game of pre-season, an away fixture against local rivals Tranmere Rovers. The game was the first chance to see Dom Solanke in a reds shirt, as well as some players that we didn’t see too much of last season, such as Jon Flanagan and Marko Grujic. Liverpool dominated proceedings and came away 4-0 winners, in what was an entertaining and fun game, it even had a pitch invasion at the end.During the first half Liverpool lined up with this starting 11:Karius Trent Matip Lucas Milner Henderson Grujic Wijnaldum Firmino Sturridge OjoFirstly, Karius didn’t have much to do during the first half, however, did claim a cross well and his distribution was good, Trent had a good game, didn’t do anything too flashy however he was solid, got up and down the flank well.Matip didn’t have much to do defensively, however his distribution was decent, nothing amazing, just got the job done. Lucas was a little terrier, getting stuck in and always winning the ball back, a good display from the Brazilian, shows why he should remain with the reds.Milner put in a good shift, poor corners, but did score his penalty and came close from another shot, reliable as ever. It was great to have our captain back. Henderson kept the back four safe and his distribution was great. However more than anything, it’s just good to have him back. Grujic had a good go, scored a cracker and was always looking for the ball and to go forward, it seems he is a player with a few party tricks up his sleeve. Wijnaldum played like he usually does. Dead Dutch.Firmino, it wasn’t his best game, but showed a few flashes of skill. Sturridge was involved and had a few testing shots during the first half, just hope he can stay fit and put a string of performances together. Finally, Ojo, I thought he looked sharp and bright, got the assist for Grujic’s goal, as well as almost scoring himself. He’s got a bright future. The first half was mostly a game of possession, however we didn’t really push forward enough in my opinion. Grujic pushed forward well. Trent and Ojo linked up well on the right and looked to cause problems, similar to Firmino and Milner.A highlight that will be taken from the game for Liverpool fans will be the half time flair and singsong, not was all in good spirits, everyone there loved it and was worth a mention.For the second half, Klopp made 10 changes and we lined up with this side:Karius Clyne Gomez Klavan Flanagan Kev Stewart Chirivella Woodburn Markovic Kent SolankeKarius started the second half, but was subbed off for Grabara half way through, he had virtually nothing to do and touched the ball maybe twice. Clyne was solid, got up and down the flank and was comfortable in possession. Gomez looked very good, made some tackles and was comfortable in possession. The same can be said for Klavan, however, the Estonian did lose out a few times to the Tranmere striker.Flanagan was up and down the flank, made an impact with his energy and determination if nothing else. Won the ball back a few times too. Kev Stewart really didn’t have much too do, so instead I’ll comment on his facial hair, he needs rid of it.Chirivella was a standout for me. I didn’t expect much, but he imposed himself physically and was comfortable in possession, made some good exchanges on the edge of the box, and a goal too. Woodburn is quality, just drifts past players, had the confidence to slot his penalty too. Markovic was shite and missed a sitter. Kent was promising, got loads of tricks which is boss, he’s fast too and had some good linkup with Flanagan and Woodburn, I want to see more of him this season.Finally onto Solanke. For me he played well, he occupied the defenders and hassled them, also latched on to a pass back and linked up well, some decent touches and dribbling. However I thought his finishing was poor. I really wanted him to bag a goal and he had two chances, but lashed them both at the keeper, he also could have gambled on a high ball. Although on the whole a promising debut, however he needs more service.Although the game was the first of pre-season, there where still things to take from it. Firstly the formation was 4-3-3, and so this shows Klopp will most likely be keeping it for the upcoming season. Secondly it was great to see the youth shine. Woodburn, Kent and Chirivella all put in good performances. Sadly for Randall it seems to be the end of his Liverpool career, as he was the only player not to get any game time out of 23 players. Keep your head up son. The reds next fixture is on the 14th July, against Wigan at the DW Stadium. And hopefully we can see more of the attacking fluidity as yesterday.