Slot must trust Nyoni and Ngumoha – three things learned in Liverpool win v Yokohama
Liverpool came from behind to beat Yokohama Marinos in the final leg of their Asian tour.
The Premier League champions bounced back from a loss to AC Milan last time out, with a comfortable 3-1 win over the Japanese side.
Goals from Florian Wirtz, Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha secured the result for Arne Slot’s side after the hosts had taken the lead.
It was a very encouraging performance for several reasons, Liverpool News looks at what was learned from the contest.
Florian Wirtz is the man for Liverpool
Wirtz was signed for a £100million fee, which could rise to £116m if all add-ons are met.
Judging by his performance for Liverpool against the Japanese side, they will be, and the Reds will have to fork out the excess.
Slot’s side were downed by a goal when Curtis Jones flicked the ball into the German’s path and he made no mistake, sending the ball into the corner, beyond the goalkeeper.
Eyebrows were raised in some quarters when such a hefty fee was shelled out for the 22-year-old but he looks set to justify the amount after his latest display.
Slot must give Nyoni and Ngumoha a chance
Nyoni and Ngumoha are two of the hottest prospects in the Reds’ academy set-up right now.
The duo were signed from Leicester City and Chelsea, respectively, and have proved to be brilliant investments.
They have been handed a shot to impress during pre-season, and they have taken it with open arms, and both look ready for a senior berth.
Nobody is suggesting that they overhaul the likes of Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister in the first team, but Slot should trust them to be given regular chances in the team, rather than sending them out on loan.
- Nyoni got on the end of a Jeremie Frimpong cross to bag the Reds’ second goal
- Ngumoha made sure of victory with a stunning run then finish
Konate needs to get back to speed for Liverpool
Ibrahima Konate had a nightmare display, as he was out of position for the opening goal and could not get back to stop Asahi Uenaka.
The speculation over a potential move to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, if he does not sign a new contract on Merseyside, may have had an effect on his performances.
Slot needs him to get back to speed with the season just a few weeks away, as the Reds only have Konate and Virgil van Dijk as their senior centre-back options, with Joe Gomez injured.
Sign up for the Liverpool News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Liverpool news sent straight to your phone.