Nunez deserves chance, Ngumoha ready – lessons learned from Liverpool win v Preston
Liverpool secured a 3-1 victory at Preston North End in their first pre-season match, but the result felt insignificant given recent events.
The Liverpool community has been in mourning after the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, with tributes paid all over the world.
The match at Preston may have even been cancelled as a result, but it went ahead with special respects paid by the home side towards the fallen Liverpool star.
On what was a highly emotional day, Liverpool did win 3-1 to get their pre-season campaign up and running, and there were plenty of positives.
Darwin Nunez impresses amid exit links
Darwin Nunez has been linked with a move away from Liverpool after a difficult season, but he came off the bench to deliver a magnificent performance.
Nunez scored with a composed finish to double Liverpool’s lead, and showed his love for Jota by using his celebration in front of the away end.
With his future uncertain, the attacker may be on the verge of an excellent campaign if it clicks for him in front of goal, and his all-around display was phenomenal as he also assisted Cody Gakpo’s strike towards the end.
Rio Ngumoha earns first-team chance
Young winger Rio Ngumhoha started on the left, and oozed class with his display against senior-level opposition.
The 16-year-old looked comfortable alongside senior stars such as Mohamed Salah, and played a part in the opening goal as he linked up well with Federico Chiesa.
Ngumoha was electric on the wing with his speed and dribbling causing Preston issues, and he will hope to earn more first-team opportunities next season.
New role for Andy Robertson
Summer signings Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong came on at half time, and this sparked a new role for one long-serving player.
Andy Robertson also came on alongside them, but with Kerkez at left-back and Frimpong on the right, the Scotland star was selected as a left centre-back.
Robertson has been linked with an exit, but if he stays, he could be used in both roles as his game time is expected to decrease next season.
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