Liverpool's preparations for the 2025/26 Premier League title defense are well underway now after opening pre-season with victory over Preston on Sunday.
An emotional day at Deepdale saw Diogo Jota and Andre Silva commemorated beautifully, with Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo paying a fitting tribute to their former teammate on the pitch as Jota's name was sung by supporters throughout.
As Liverpool begins to return to something resembling normality following the most difficult couple of weeks, thoughts will of course be on the new season, with Arne Slot looking to defend the title he claimed in his first year in charge.
With more games to come before the Premier League campaign gets underway against Bournemouth on August 15, there are still plenty of questions remaining for the Liverpool boss following Sunday's 3-1 win. Liverpool.com has taken a look at some of the most pressing matters for Slot after the Preston game.
What to do with Chiesa?
Federico Chiesa's place in Liverpool's team is still no clearer, even as the 12-month anniversary of his signing draws near. Whether he even reaches that landmark is debatable too, given the speculation surrounding a potential return to Italy this summer.
The 27-year-old was something of a surprise selection to start against Preston, although it was really anyone's guess who would feature in the opening game of pre-season. What was most interesting about his appearance was that it came with Mohamed Salah also in the team, with Chiesa having been seen as a backup to the Egyptian upon his signing.
Rather than starting on the wing, the Italian instead led the line, and had a glorious chance to mark his rare appearance with a goal, only to be caught as he tried to race clear following Giorgi Mamardashvili's long punt forward.
Federico Chiesa is challenged by Lewis Gibson during the pre-season friendly match between Preston North End and Liverpool
Federico Chiesa is challenged by Lewis Gibson during the pre-season friendly match between Preston North End and Liverpool (Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
That could be put down to the general sluggishness that comes in the first game of the season, although his injury record over the past few years will raise questions over whether that was a sign of him not being the same player that lit up Euro 2020 with Italy.
There were some signs of that player still being there in the opening goal as he danced past a number of Preston defenders before rolling the ball across goal to give Conor Bradley the simplest of tap-ins.
All in all though, Sunday's game will not make or break Chiesa as a Liverpool player, although a decision does need to be made on his future soon. Does Slot still see him as a viable option, or does he need to move him on?
Where does Wirtz fit in?
Plenty of big names sat out Sunday's game as Slot decided to take no chances on his players' fitness after what has been an incredibly tough couple of weeks.
Liverpool fans would no doubt have been looking forward to seeing record signing Florian Wirtz in action for the first time. Alas, they will have to wait a little while longer, with the German international kept in reserve.
Florian Wirtz missed the friendly against Preston
Florian Wirtz missed the friendly against Preston (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Wirtz's introduction will be a key moment in the summer, not least because it may indicate what Liverpool's plans are for the rest of the transfer window. There has been plenty of discussion over a new No.9, although Darwin Nunez did his best to add a twist to the tale.
The possibility of Liverpool forgoing signing a new striker has also been touted, with Wirtz potentially playing as a false nine, which would accommodate Dominik Szoboszlai in his usual No.10 role.
Until Wirtz plays though, we won't know whether Slot is seriously considering that as a plan next season. We wait with bated breath for the answer.
Bradley or Frimpong?
With Trent Alexander-Arnold gone, Conor Bradley may well have thought the path to him becoming Liverpool's new right-back would be clear. The arrival of Jeremie Frimpong has complicated matters somewhat though.
Both played 45 minutes against Preston, and in truth, we don't have enough evidence yet to suggest which of the pair will go into the new season as Alexander-Arnold's immediate replacement.
Bradley of course did get a goal, although that won't sway Slot in his decision-making, and neither were tested too much defensively.
Bigger tests will come, starting with AC Milan on July 26, when we might start getting a clearer indication of who will be getting the nod from Slot.
What next for Ngumoha and Nyoni?
Rio Ngumoha's performance certainly got Liverpool fans excited. It may have only been 45 minutes, and the first friendly of the summer, but the 16-year-old once again showed why there is so much anticipation around him at Anfield.
Along with Trey Nyoni, the Reds have two exciting prospects whose best years are still way, way into the future. Their next steps will be important though.
Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha impressed during Liverpool's pre-season friendly win over Preston North End.
Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha impressed during Liverpool's pre-season friendly win over Preston North End. (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Both have showed they can step up and perform on the senior stage, although it's important to remember just how young they are, and that not every performance will go as smoothly for them.
Given their ages, you'd imagine Liverpool would resist the urge to send them out on loan for now, although Slot is clearly a fan of both, and giving them more senior opportunities will be on the docket.
How much more of them we'll see during the rest of the summer might indicate just what is in store for them in the new season. It's certainly worth keeping a close eye on them.