Liverpool claimed victory in Andoni Iraola’s first match in charge, with a topsy-turvy 4-2 win over Sunderland in Nashville.
Kieran Morrison, Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa and Lewis Koumas got the goals, setting the Reds up nicely for pre-season.
Iraola used 22 players on the day, with some eye-catching performances from senior and younger stars. Here’s how we rated the players at Geodis Park.
How important is that Andoni Iraola connects with Liverpool fans off the pitch?
He already sounds like the opposite of Arne Slot!
Defence
Giorgi Mamardashvili: 6 – Kept Liverpool in it with a smart save from the edge of the box at 1-1 and otherwise looked comfortable. Could do nothing about either goal.
Jeremie Frimpong: 5 – Just doesn’t look like the right-back Liverpool are badly needing. Having said that, there were some better moments in the second-half.
Joe Gomez: N/A – Captained Liverpool, but worryingly went off with an injury barely eight minutes in. A big worry for the Reds, who already saw Jeremy Jacquet ruled out before the match.
Mor Talla Ndiaye: 5 – Looked slightly shaky on his first Liverpool start, giving away the ball in a dangerous area which led to a Sunderland free-kick. Gave another away shortly after having run into trouble. Grew into the game and did better as it went on.
READ MORE: Five exciting players Liverpool could sign at right-back as mystery transfer confirmed as ‘likely’
Kostas Tsimikas: 5 -Didn’t do an awful lot wrong and showed why he’s still a decent option as back-up. Took the captain’s armband ahead of Curtis Jones after Gomez’s injury.
Midfield
Curtis Jones: 3 – A disappointing showing from Jones who perhaps has his head elsewhere Did not stand out at all amongst a fairly inexperienced XI.
Harvey Elliott: 5 – Picked up an assist for his simple ball to Kieran Morrison and was generally tidy. Nice to have him back.
James McConnell: 4 – Gave the ball away in the lead up to Enzo Le Fee’s goal, and couldn’t impose himself on the game enough.
Attack
Kieran Morrison: 7 – This could be a big season for Morrison and he’s done his chances of making an impact no harm by scoring the first goal of the Iraola era. Took it well, cutting in onto his left foot and curling home. Stayed on after half time and looked to get on the ball after the Reds went behind, almost finding Calum Scanlon at the back post and then playing Frimpong in behind with an inch perfect pass.
Will Wright: 4 – Couldn’t really get into the game at all, and was screamed at by Jones at one stage for not pressing effectively.
Which Liverpool youngster will make the biggest impact under Andoni Iraola and become a first-team member?
Four really talented young players…
Rio Ngumoha: 6 – As he often is, Ngumoha was Liverpool’s main outlet during his 45 minutes on the pitch. Worked hard but couldn’t find many openings as Sunderland shut him down well.
Substitutes
Ifeanyi Ndukwe: 6 – The Austrian came on far earlier than expected to replace Gomez, but settled into the match really well. Looks a massive physical presence and showed his composure on the ball. Did play Timur Tutierov onside for the second Sunderland goal, but otherwise did well.
Milos Kerkez: 6 – Came on and made a difference immediately with his energy, playing a part in Szoboszlai’s equaliser.
Trey Nyoni: 6 – A typically silky performance from Nyoni who gave the Reds more control in the middle of the pitch.
Dominik Szoboszlai: 7 – New season, same Szoboszlai, who pulled Liverpool level with a brilliant long-range goal. Looked a cut above.
Lewis Koumas: 6 – Brought far more energy and industry than Wright, and though the quality on the ball was not always there, the 20-year-old finished the game with a goal having finished nicely after being played through by Szoboszlai.
Federico Chiesa: 6 – Didn’t really get into the game initially, but deserves real praise for taking his goal brilliantly. Looked reinvigorated playing centrally thereafter.
Calum Scanlon: 6 – The left-back came on in a more advanced role and went at the full-back immediately, before almost getting onto Morrison’s ball across the face of goal. Looked lively a couple of times further.
Josh Abe: 5 – Great occasion for the 16-year-old handed his first involvement at senior level. Did not look overawed at all and played a part in Chiesa’s goal.
Calvin Ramsay: 7 – With Liverpool still yet to sign a right-back, Ramsay needs to make the most of the chances given to him this pre-season. Started well in that respect, picking out Chiesa with the best pass of the game for the third goal.
Luke Chambers: 4 – Offered another option at centre-back and strolled through the final part of the game.
Freddie Woodman: 4 – Not much to do for Woodman, who was saved with one clearance off the line.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
