Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool U21s used the weekend break to stay sharp, and the friendly against Salford City came at the right time.
Matches like this help players keep their rhythm while the regular schedule is on pause.
They also give the staff a chance to test new ideas, try different combinations, and give minutes to players who are pushing for more involvement.
Fans know these games well. They may not carry league pressure, but they matter for development.
They also often reveal one or two surprises in the lineup.
This one did exactly that.
Liverpool were organised, energetic, and in control for most of the afternoon.
They pressed well, won second balls, and created steady chances.
The team also managed the game with confidence even after several changes.
The friendly allowed the coaches to rotate heavily and still keep the performance level high.
And somewhere in the middle of all that, the Reds quietly gave a new face his opportunity.
The match ended 2-0, with Liverpool scoring in each half.
Keyrol Figueroa opened the scoring on 15 minutes after Salford failed to clear a corner.
Kaide Gordon drove into the box with a strong run, causing a scramble where Figueroa reacted first.
Gordon stayed sharp throughout the game.
He also created another big chance for Clae Ewing, who shot just wide at the far post.
The new name in the squad, who was a trialist, appeared after the break.
Hadyn Murray-Holme, who stepped up from the U18s, was also introduced as one of nine second-half substitutions.
His arrival was part of a large rotation led by head coach Rob Page, who made changes across the pitch to keep players fit and involved.
Liverpool doubled their lead in the 56th minute.
Trent Kone-Doherty delivered a perfect cross and Tommy Pilling finished with a clean header.
Figueroa almost added another with an overhead kick.
Oakley Cannonier later forced a strong save with a left-footed effort.
The Reds controlled the game well, managed the changes, and gave a promising youngster his first taste of U21 action.
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