Liverpool took on Tranmere this evening for the first friendly of pre-season, and perhaps as expected it was a pretty subdued affair.
Jurgen Klopp picked two different sides in the first and second half, including a mixture of new signings, Academy prospects and first-teamers.
The match ended 1-0 to Liverpool, with striker Danny Ings coming on and scoring the winner. He was the best of a relatively average bunch.
We were unable to catch the entire game (for the first time we can remember, as our LFCTV stream was freezing!) so these ratings are courtesy of our friends at the Echo.
Follow the link above to check out their minute by minute report of the friendly.
First-half team:
Jon Flanagan 6
Looked a lot sharper than he did towards the end of last season. Moved up and down the right-hand side well.
Joel Matip 6
His first touch was to send Jay Harris flying, but composed himself soon after. Looks as if he has a good passing range, won a few headers.
Dejan Lovren 7
Lined up on the left, rather than the right, of the central partnership. Great tackle on Rovers striker Cook when he looked to threaten down the channel, and generally solid throughout his half.
Brad Smith 6
Solid and dependable on the left, as he was in the first-team last season.
Cameron Brannagan 7
Some nice passes and looked to release the pace of Mane on several occasions. A real prospect, though should have done better with the chance presented to him midway through.
Lucas 6
Captained the side and put in his usual hard-working shift, and kept the side ticking over.
Ovie Ejaria 8
It’s the first game of pre-season, but it’s no exaggeration to call him the greatest player of all-time. In all seriousness, the star of the half, and showed some real promise on the ball.
Ryan Kent 8
Quick, direct and full of tricks. Situated on the left and gave the Tranmere defence a torrid time. Championship clubs, take note.
Sadio Mane 6
Grew into the game and looked threatening when he finally got going, looking to link with Firmino on several occasions. Maybe looked to impress too much at times, and should have finished towards the end of the 45 minutes, but it’s pre-season.
Roberto Firmino 5
So, it’s pre-season, and nothing should ever be judged on 45 minutes. But this was a pretty poor showing. His touch looked off and missed a few decent chances.
Second-half team:
Had nothing to do whatsoever. That isn’t even an exaggeration – it’s hard to remember if he touched the ball in open play. Did handle the smoke bomb cannisters after the goal, however.
Connor Randall 7
One of the better performers in the second half, getting forward down the right well and putting in some strong deliveries. Looked comfortable on the front foot.
Andre Wisdom 6
Deployed at centre-back and looked a little rusty for it, but didn’t have much to do.
Tiago Ilori 6
In a centre-back partnership that will probably never be seen again, the Portuguese defender had as little to do as Wisdom, with the majority of play taking place in the Rovers half.
Alberto Moreno 6
Caught out at one point with a ball over his shoulder, but otherwise had little else to do. Quite subdued as an attacking threat, strangely.
Kevin Stewart 6
Played as the holding midfielder and was largely unnoticeable – no bad thing when featuring in that role. Solid and reliable.
Pedro Chirivella 6
Looks a little bit stronger than last season, and has filled out his frame. A few nice passes, but otherwise quiet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 8
A really good showing in central midfield for the teenager. Displayed a great range of passing and set up Ings for the winner. Easy to see why Steven Gerrard rates him highly.
Lazar Markovic 6
Never really got going and didn’t show anything knew. We know he’s fast and tricky, but still looks poor in terms of end product. Missed two glorious chances, including an open goal from six yards.
Ben Woodburn 7
There’s high hopes for this lad and it’s easy to see why. Situated on the left, he didn’t look out of place, and his confidence grew as the game developed.
Danny Ings 8
Had a couple of sights at goal before finally scoring the winner. Looked sharp and fit, which is a real bonus at this stage of the season.