6 talking points from Liverpool’s Anfield friendlies: Ekitike, Ngumoha, Nyoni and more – Liverpool FC

Liverpool beat Spanish side Athletic Club twice in the space of five hours on Monday night, with Rio Ngumoha one of those to star in the Anfield friendlies.

1. Liverpool looking ominous

If Liverpool’s Premier League title rivals hoped that the amount of player turnover at Anfield this summer might lead to a slow start, then these pre-season friendlies have given them little cause for optimism.

Despite all the change, the Reds have looked remarkably slick, and they seem primed to take teams apart in attack straight from the off.

That surely owes much to Arne Slot‘s experience in dealing with squad churn at Feyenoord, who often lost their biggest talents every summer.

But it certainly doesn’t hurt when the players you are adding are world-class talents like Florian Wirtz.

 

2. Ngumoha gets first big Anfield moment

He has been one of the stars of Liverpool’s pre-season campaign, and so it should have come as no surprise whatsoever that Ngumoha grasped his chance yet again here.

But who really thought the 16-year-old would clock up that sort of goal, and then quickly follow it with a clever assist?

If there were any doubts remaining that Ngumoha is capable of playing a genuine role for the first team in the coming season then they have surely been answered by him bringing his brilliance to the Anfield stage.

Despite his tender years, this kid is the real deal and deserves to be given the chance to compete with Cody Gakpo this season.

 

3. Nyoni evidences potential in unfamiliar position

Putting young players in uncomfortable situations can be a good way of testing their mettle and it is for that reason that Trey Nyoni‘s performance felt eye-catching.

The 18-year-old is not a centre-back by trade, as he showed with some risky early passes that should not be played in the defensive third.

However, it says plenty that he was trusted to operate in that position despite his inexperience, and Nyoni evidenced why in growing into the game impressively, with one defensive interception in a two-v-one situation particularly grabbing the attention.

This is an intelligent young footballer with a bright future, who fans at Anfield will be seeing an awful lot more of.

 

4. Ekitike makes good impression on Anfield debut

It is difficult to discuss Hugo Ekitike‘s qualities without making unfair comparisons with Darwin Nunez, who of course scored in Monday’s first friendly.

But if the Frenchman continues to combine work rate, pace and strength with the deftness of touch he showed at times in this one, then he will surely outstrip the man he is effectively replacing by virtue of the latter point.

There remains a rawness to Ekitike’s game, as shown by Slot actively coaching him through on occasion, but he also seems ready to make an instant impact.

If that assist for Mohamed Salah and the chants of ‘Hugo! Hugo!’ are anything to go by, Anfield is already warming to him.

 

5. Kerkez gives everything

Another new signing who doesn’t seem to be having any trouble winning over fans is Milos Kerkez.

And that is because of the frequency with which he has put his body on the line in challenges for Liverpool despite only making a handful of friendly appearances so far.

You do slightly worry that the Hungarian will fall on the wrong side of the line at times and maybe give away silly fouls, but supporters will always love those who give absolutely everything to win.

 

6. Defensive injuries a concern

Those nervous about Liverpool’s defensive depth going into the new season will not have enjoyed Virgil van Dijk being added to the list of absentees.

Fortunately, the Dutchman was only out through illness, and is expected to be back in time for the Community Shield this weekend.

However, that the Reds were able to call on just one actual senior centre-back – Ibrahima Konate – across the two games here speaks volumes about their plight.

Joe Gomez cannot be relied upon and Jarell Quansah hasn’t been replaced; a centre-back signing is desperately needed.

With Gomez joined on the treatment table by Conor Bradley before the match, too, the sight of Luca Stephenson pulling up with suspected cramp at the end of the first game may have ensured Jeremie Frimpong was not risked for 90 minutes in the second.

For all of their strength in depth elsewhere, Liverpool will need patience and reinforcement before they can enjoy the same in defence.