Liverpool faced yet more German opposition ahead of the 2023/24 campaign as SV Darmstadt 98 arrived at the home of Preston North End, Deepdale, for the final pre-season match of the summer for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The Reds were strong with the only real surprise seeing Alexis Mac Allister at the base of a midfield containing usual and often standout frontman following his arrival from PSV, Cody Gakpo – perhaps a nod towards a rethink of the Curtis Jones as a six-plan ahead of Chelsea?
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The pattern of the contest was set early on as Klopp’s charges dictated the opening exchanges and looked to get in behind on numerous occasions, only thwarted by some last-ditch defending and smart goalkeeping.
Following on from the early pressure, the first corner of the contest flicked on at the near post before it fell to Mohamed Salah inside the six-yard box with the goal at his mercy…1-0.
Moments later the visitors’ defence was breached all too easily once again and Salah laid the ball on a plate for Diogo Jota who never needs a second invitation and Liverpool’s number 20 cooly doubled the advantage.
Despite the commanding opening, The Reds were breached all too easily themselves just after the 10-minute mark and those defensive frailties were all too clear to see as Darmstadt immediately answered back to make it 2-1 in a lively clash.
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Having got a foothold in a frantic affair, the away side settled and the contest became a far more even affair with both sides enjoying spells of possession and forrays at each other’s defences.
Liverpool were always the most threatening side with the ball as Alexis Mac Allister and Trent-Alexander-Arnold pulled the strings but Klopp’s charges were kept at bay after what was an opening 20 minutes that those with a penchant for solid defensive displays will not remember fondly.
As the opening 45 drew to a close both Luis Diaz and Jota will feel they should’ve added to the lead but both were guilty of rushing their efforts on goal at the pivotal moment.
Contrary to many of the recent pre-season fixtures there were no changes for Liverpool at the break and after a spell of concerted pressure eventually the first big save came from Alisson as the fragile defence reared its ugly head once more and the Brazilian was called into unexpected action.
Scare averted, Diaz atoned for his earlier miss with a deft near post finish to extend the lead before Klopp run the changes on the hour mark and a new-look Liverpool took control.
Perhaps the star of the summer Ben Doak was introduced and with every touch the Reds within Deepdale became more attentive to the flying Scot and the teenager very nearly added further gloss to the performance.
Redmen Reacts
Albeit a convincing win in the end, Klopp’s side still have questions to answer heading into the season. However, with a frontline purring and additions hopefully not too far away now, there are certainly positives to take from the pre-season in Germany, Singapore and finally Lancashire.
One thing is certain – we will be seeing a lot more of Ben Doak!
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