Arne Slot made his Anfield debut as Liverpool faced Sevilla in the first of two back-to-back friendlies with Spanish opposition on the same day to close out a successful first pre-season for the Dutch Head Coach.
The Reds were somewhat split in two with the likes of Darwin Nunez, Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson and Cody Gakpo all sitting out the first clash under the Merseyside sunshine, thankfully brought to us by our Spanish visitors.
There was a familiar name in the opposition ranks as former Liverpool man Suso lined up as captain for the visitors, a return to Anfield for the attacking midfielder.
All You Need To Know About Liverpool Transfer Target MARTÍN ZUBIMENDI | The Deep Dive
Despite the additional personnel, it was more of the same for Slot’s side as Alexis Mac Allister, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz and co got their first run out under the new man.
Interestingly with all the talk of a six and a certain Martin Zubimendi, Ryan Gravenbercghwas the midfielder tasked with sitting deepest of all and receiving the ball on the half turn to bring the ball forward.
Albeit a positive start, Sevilla had the first big chance as a mistake playing out from the back went unpunished as the attacker blazed a golden opportunity over and into the Kop.
Moments later the Kop attempted a first rendition of ‘ARNE SLOT NA NA NA NA’ moment before Diaz had Liverpool’s first meaningful effort on goal, shortly followed by a curling attempt from Salah in his trademark position.
A string of set pieces led to a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross which was sumptuously fired home by Diogo Jota, a player surely at the very top of the ‘protect at all costs’ list for Liverpool this season when it comes to fitness.
Just moments later the lead was doubled as a quick counter found its way to Diaz who fired home emphatically in front of the Anfield Road stand. The Reds were purring…
Before the second half it was 3-0 as a familiar Liverpool counter-attack resulted in Dominik Szoboszlai squaring the ball to an unmarked Diaz to tap home for his second and The Reds’ third.
“FOOTBALL IQ IS HIGH” – SPANISH FOOTBALL JOURNALIST ON LIVERPOOL TARGET MARTIN ZUBIMENDI
The second half began in much the same fashion as the first with Slot’s side on the front foot and looking to find more goals to what had already been a display full of attacking dynamism.
Somewhat against the run of play following a host of changes, Sevilla pulled one back for the two-goal deficit was shortlived as a fresh-faced and fresh-on-the-pitch Trey Nyoni fired home a delightful volley for his first senior strike.
More changes came as the contest fizzled out somewhat in the closing stages but overall it was a hugely positive performance from The Reds with goals aplenty and high-quality football to boot.
Virgil van Dijk
On pre-season: “So far so good. A lot of work that we do on the training ground, tactical, obviously physical. That was the last big test before we start with the real deal.”
Asked about updates on his own contract situation, Van Dijk said: “There’s no change, no update.”
On the transfer front and the season: “I’m confident. Obviously I think we should make some signings based on how long the season will go but I think they’re working behind the scenes. I trust in the club that they will do the right thing for us. Get the best possible squad to compete in every competition. That’s the main thing I’m focussing on. We will see what happens, I think they’re working very hard behind the scenes and we will see how that pans out.”
