It was as expected a much-changed Liverpool side for the second game of the day against yet more Spanish opposition in the shape of Las Palmas from La Liga this time.
Darwin Nunez led the line with Cody Gakpo and Ben Doak on either side, Wataru Endo sat at the base of the midfield as Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones played further ahead.
The backline was perhaps the most intriguing selection however as captain Andy Robertson and Conor Bradley took up their familiar full-back berths whilst Nat Phillips was chosen to partner Ibrahima Konate ahead of Sepp van den Berg and Joe Gomez.
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The Reds started well with much of the early threat coming down the right side with Doak and Bradley showing off their dynamic speed. But, the first effort on goal came from Las Palmas moments before Elliott was booked following a 50/50 challenge that resulted in a mini-scuffle around the halfway line.
Doak continued to be a threat and almost found room for his own effort on goal moments after he thought he had assisted the opener for Nunez only for the Uruguayan’s acrobatic finish to be ruled offside.
Elliott cut a frustrated figure throughout and sought advice from Slot early in the first half having been unable to get the ball as promptly as he would’ve wished. The attacking midfielder and the rest of the team all looked a little miffed at the break.
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There were no changes at the break for Liverpool and there was little change in the early intensity either as The Reds strived for their spark or rhythm to bring them to life in an empty Anfield.
Flying winger Doak was easily the biggest threat in terms of outlet for Slot’s side, seeing another left-footed effort blocked after quick feet found half a yard of space in the area.
Phillips donned his obligatory bandage following a collision with McBurnie but it was shortlived as the central defender was one of three players to leave the pitch along with Nunez and Gakpo as Harvey Blair, Tyler Morton and Amara Nallo entered after Calum Scanlon had already been introduced in place of captain Robertson moments earlier.
It was once again Doak going closest for Liverpool as the Scottish winger cut in from his new position on the left to fire at goal, however, the effort was inadvertently blocked by Morton who was attempting to offer his services with a run across the box, rather summing up the game up until that point.
Conor Bradley
On pre-season and being back at Anfield: “It was lovely to be back, I love playing here so, obviously it was empty but still good to be back, raring to go for the season now and can’t wait for the first game.”
On Arne Slot’s methods getting across to the squad: “Definitely, especially the ones like myself who came in earlier, I think I’ve had nearly a month with him now so I’ve been able to learn quite a lot. Obviously he wants me to do different roles in the game and different games will ask for different things but I’ve really enjoyed it and I’ve got to keep learning.”
On his aims for 2024/25: “Obviously just keep playing, get as many games as I can and obviously push Trent for the position but I just want to get as many games as I can, play as many games for Liverpool and play well whenever I do get the chance.”
