Liverpool 3-1 SV Darmstadt 98 – Five Things We Learned
The Reds rounded off pre-season in style with a 3-1 victory over Bundesliga side Darmstadt. Mohammed Salah and Diogo Jota made it 2-0 in the first seven minutes before the Germans replied with a goal of their own. Luis Diaz then sealed the victory with an impressive flick from a corner and ensured Klopp and his squad head into their Premier League opener on Sunday.
Plenty of positives can be taken but some questions still remain unanswered. Here are five things to take away from the game.
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• Attacking Fluidity
A common theme of pre-season has been strong attacking play combined with goals. Tonight was no different as three attackers were on the scoresheet meaning the Reds have now scored 18 goals in 5 games. The attacking unit of Salah, Nunez, Diaz, Jota and Gakpo has been devastating and the output rarely changes regardless of who is on the field. Supported by Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szboszlai, partnerships and quick link-up play have led to fluid attacking football and a nightmare for defences. The front five pose a variety of different threats and can each hurt the opposition in their own unique way.
• Defensive Fragility
At the other end of the field, there is a different story. With just one clean sheet in five matches, questions have to be asked. Darmstadt’s goal has also been a theme of pre-season with one long ball cutting the entire defence out. With Trent Alexander-Arnold playing the inverted role, there is lots of space behind leaving Konate isolated. Klopp and his coaching staff will be working on resolutions but it could be a point exploited at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Liverpool will need to be defensively sound to ensure any result from that fixture.
• Mac Allister In The 6?
Hours before the game, it was reported a third bid for Romeo Lavia had been rejected by Southampton. The Reds currently find themselves without a recognised defensive midfielder, which has resulted in Curtis Jones taking up the mantle but it was the Argentine tasked with that role versus Darmstadt. Liverpool’s new number 10 performed admirably; he controlled the tempo of the game with his crisp passing and ability to move into the open spaces. His strength in the tackle and defensive duties were positive and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him line up in that position at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. At Brighton under Graham Potter, the Argentine operated in this position which should help him if Klopp decides to utilise him there.
• Ben Doak Is Ready
The young Scotsman has taken this pre-season by storm and left Liverpool fans excited over his future. At just 17 years old, the right winger has showcased his speed and incredible dribbling ability and could serve as the perfect understudy to Salah and be the Reds’ 6th choice forward this season. His end product leaves a little to be desired but that will come with time and coaching. His potential is huge and he has made a strong claim to be part of the first-team squad moving forward. Opportunities in the Europa League and domestic cups will help further enhance Doak’s development. Once his decision-making begins to take shape, Liverpool will have some player on their hands.
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• New Signings Are A Must
The loss of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson has only intensified Liverpool’s desperate need to further bolster their squad. With no recognised defensive midfielder, it will be difficult for this side to reach their full potential. Romeo Lavia seems to be Klopp’s answer but the deal is still not over the line. Presently, other players are being asked to play a role that doesn’t get the best out of them such as Jones, Mac Allister and Gakpo. Defensively, a left-footed centre-back could help resolve some of the consistent issues that have been exposed in pre-season. Andy Robertson has become a make-shift centre back and Jarrel Quansah is only 20 years old. It would be a lot to ask of the Englishmen. Two more signings are definitely needed and possibly a third. If Klopp is given all the tools to do his job it could be a very exciting season.
