DEEPDALE, PRESTON // Amid the backdrop of Diogo Jota's song ringing out in Preston, Liverpool beat Preston North End in its first game since the tragic passing of the Portugal forward in a car accident earlier this month.
Following a poignant tribute to Jota before kick-off, prior to which the Liverpool away end loudly sang the Portuguese's chant, the Reds looked sharp early in proceedings. And they went ahead through Conor Bradley, who fired low into the corner after popping up at the back post.
After putting an entirely new team on the field for the second half, Liverpool went 2-0 up through Darwin Nunez. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, making their debuts, looked lively, with goals from Liam Lindsay and Cody Gakpo completing the scoring.
First half team player ratings
Giorgi Mamardashvili (6). Making his first appearance for Liverpool since arriving from Valencia, the Georgian was solid with his hands, with one strong punch and little more to do. In possession, he played it safe, often getting his weight behind the ball and sending it upfield.
Conor Bradley (7). A willing runner, as ever, and the opening goalscorer when he popped up at the back post. A relatively strong performance from the Northern Irishman.
Luca Stephenson (6). Most comfortable in the center of the field and with some experience at right-back, Stephenson slotted in well in an unfamiliar role. He positioned himself well and put in a couple of good tackles by showing good anticipation.
Joe Gomez (6). Back in after the injury that cut his season short last term, the center-back was an experienced head at the back. That was needed with Stephenson alongside him, and he did well enough.
Kostas Tsimikas (6). One high boot aside, the Greek was calm on the ball and kept things simple. There weren't that many chances for him to get forward and cross, but equally, he didn't have much defending to do either.
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Ryan Gravenberch (7). The breakout star of last season in many ways, the Dutchman will be suspended for the opening game of the season because of his red card against Crystal Palace. He looked ready to go here, calmly keeping things ticking along.
Trey Nyoni (7). The young midfielder is a huge talent. He is so effortless with the ball at his feet, and he doesn't lack confidence. He has the same kind of spin as Gravenberch in his locker, and he is so well poised.
Dominik Szoboszlai (6). Deployed in the most advanced midfield role, the Hungarian was unable to carve out too many chances but did force a save when the ball fell to him following a corner kick.
Mohamed Salah (6). There were a couple of moments for the Liverpool captain on the day to put balls into the box but little more than that. When the season starts, though, he will be ready.
Federico Chiesa* (6). *Down the center, the Italian was lacking a bit of pace to get away from his man. Techincally, he remains a top player, as he showed for Bradley's goal, but he lacked the ability to pull away at the crucial moment.
Rio Ngumoha (7). A real livewire down the left flank. The former Chelsea talent showed electric pace and brilliant skill, even if he was missing the final touch to score a goal.
Second half team player ratings
Freddie Woodman (6). Facing his former club, the experienced goalkeeper looked decent enough with his feet to begin with, before a couple of passes were charged down. With his hands, he didn't have a great deal that needed to be done, but he did make one smart stop from inside the penalty area.
Jeremie Frimpong (7). First impressions? He's quick. Acceleration-wise, he must be right near the top of the list at Liverpool and probably in the Premier League too. There was little spectacular here, but an exciting glimpse. He took up some good positions and made a couple of good recoveries.
Amara Nallo (6). He was caught slightly out of position a couple of times but did well to recover and make up for it. There is a talented player here, but he needs a bit more experience to reach the next level. That may still come. In possession, he was good.
Andy Robertson (6). Slotting in at center-back to make up the numbers in that position, the Scotland captain put in a really professional performance.
Milos Kerkez (7). Pacy and full of energy down the left side. Early days, but he is a real unit and looks made for the kind of soccer that Arne Slot wants to play at Anfield.
Curtis Jones (6). This pre-season will be an important one given the competition for places in the center of the field. Jones did well enough in a game where it was hard to impress that much. He played a couple of nice passes and showed his technique.
Wataru Endo (6). He kept things simple in the middle of the pitch. One Cruyff turn drew applause from the stands, but he didn't have much to do aside from that.
Cody Gakpo (7). He won a couple of fouls and was slightly unfortunate not to get a couple more. He was a solid enough performer in a game where it was hard to take it by the scruff of the neck. He took his goal calmly to put Liverpool 3-1 up.
Lewis Koumas* (6). *Another Championship loan would be a good idea next season. Koumas has quality but he needs to play every week to show it. Here, he didn't have as many touches as he might have liked.
Darwin Nunez (7). He took the goal well, and the Jota celebration was a nice touch. He is always a willing runner and will be remembered fondly, even if his future might lie elsewhere.
Ben Doak (6). He struggled to get into the game that much early on and didn't leave that much of an impression, but there were a couple of flashes of what he can do. He spun his marker at one stage, for instance, but then couldn't quite get the cross right.