Liverpool showcased their revamped squad, featuring £270m worth of new signings, in a pre-season friendly double-header against Athletic Club at Anfield. The Reds emerged victorious in both matches, winning the first game 4-1 and the second 3-2. Mohamed Salah was on the scoresheet in the second match, which also saw Cody Gakpo net a brace.
In the second game, Liverpool manager Arne Slot fielded a strong starting XI, giving fans a glimpse of what could be his preferred lineup for the upcoming season. New signings Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike all made their first appearances at Anfield. Salah captained the side.
Liverpool got off to a strong start, with Salah opening the scoring in the 14th minute after an assist from Ekitike. Athletic Club responded with a goal from Oihan Sancet in the 29th minute, leveling the score. The second half saw Gakpo score twice, once for each side. He first put Liverpool ahead in the 55th minute, then scored an own goal in the 64th minute. He then sealed the win for Liverpool with his second goal in the 70th minute.
Despite the win, there were moments of frustration for Liverpool, with Salah missing a penalty in the 81st minute after Wataru Endo was fouled in the box. Will Wright, a young player, also had a chance to score but was denied by Athletic Club's goalkeeper.
The two matches against Athletic Club served as valuable preparation for Liverpool ahead of the Community Shield against Crystal Palace. Slot was able to give minutes to a large number of players, including both established stars and promising youngsters. The games also allowed the new signings to integrate into the team and build relationships with their teammates.
Several of Liverpool's new signings have already begun to impress. Florian Wirtz, who signed for a reported £116 million, has shown composure and quality on the ball. Jeremie Frimpong's pace and versatility have also been noted, with the player featuring at both right-back and right wing during pre-season. Hugo Ekitike also showed early promise.
The matches also provided an opportunity for Liverpool to pay tribute to Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away recently. Tributes were paid before the game, with wreaths laid by Phil Thompson and Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte. There was also a poignant 20th-minute applause in his honor.
Liverpool's summer signings include Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, goalkeepers Giorgi Mamardashvili and Armin Pecsi, Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, Florian Wirtz also from Bayer Leverkusen, and Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. The club has also seen some departures, including Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen and Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford.
