Five more things learnt from Liverpool vs Athletic Club pre-season friendly

Within the second of Liverpool’s double-header in opposition to Athletic Membership, the Reds walked out 3-2 victors of their remaining pre-season sport earlier than the brand new marketing campaign kicks off on Sunday in opposition to Crystal Palace at Wembley.

A totally modified and extra skilled beginning 11 gave followers at Anfield their first probability to see their new attacking lineup, together with summer time signings Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.

Listed below are 5 issues we learnt from Liverpool’s second match of the day.

Mohammed Salah continues to be the principle man

Even in a pre-season setting, Mohamed Salah has reminded everybody precisely why he’s nonetheless Liverpool’s go to man within the remaining third. In what was the ultimate pleasant earlier than the aggressive season begins, Salah acquired off the mark with a sometimes composed end, guiding the ball into the underside nook after a intelligent low cut-back from new signing Hugo Ekitike.

The purpose itself was traditional Salah sharp motion within the field, a peaceful first contact, and a scientific finish product. Greater than the purpose, although, it was the indicators of chemistry growing between Salah and new arrival Florian Wirtz that caught the attention. The pair regarded more and more snug linking up, suggesting that Salah may thrive with the added creativity behind him this season this efficiency was a well timed reminder Salah nonetheless operates at an elite degree.

On the 81st minute the Egyptian was given the chance for a brace with a penalty however went with the chip possibility and blazed it over the crossbar.

Hugo Ekitike’s Anfield debut

This was precisely the sort of efficiency the 22-year-old would have needed to introduce himself to the Anfield crowd. In simply 56 minutes, the younger ahead confirmed why Liverpool moved for him vigorous, clever in his motion, and consistently seeking to hyperlink play.

His help for Salah’s opener was well-crafted — a pushed low cross into the field that confirmed consciousness and precision. Ekitike didn’t simply drift via the sport; he was concerned, proactive, and purposeful in all the pieces he did. Changed by Federico Chiesa simply earlier than the hour mark, Ekitike left the pitch having delivered a really encouraging first impression. If this can be a style of what’s to return, Liverpool might have discovered themselves an actual gem.

Cody Gakpo’s double and misfortune

It was a rollercoaster of an evening for Cody Gakpo, who delivered a efficiency that mixed misfortune with moments of actual high quality. The Dutch ahead was closely concerned all through, exhibiting his typical work ethic down the left flank whereas persevering with to construct his on-pitch understanding with Milos Kerkez.

His first purpose was all about consciousness and response after Simon parried a stinging effort from Gravenberch, Gakpo was quickest to reply, tucking away the rebound and celebrating with a nod to Diogo Jota’s iconic child shark gesture. However simply as he having fun with himself, misfortune struck. Bilbao’s equaliser got here from a nook the place Gakpo, stationed on the close to submit, unintentionally diverted the ball into his personal internet by way of his face — fully unaware and unable to react.

To his credit score, the 26-year-old responded in precisely the proper method. He restored Liverpool’s lead with a strong, driving run inside from the left and a low strike that squirmed below Simon. It wasn’t the cleanest end, and the goalkeeper ought to have completed higher, however the intent and execution from Gakpo have been clear.

Cody on the double ? pic.twitter.com/1kAdKOEqDp

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 4, 2025

Two objectives, one other on the fallacious finish, and a tireless efficiency capped off an eventful night for Gakpo, one which underlined each his risk in entrance of purpose and his willingness to shoulder attacking accountability.

Extra weak point in defence

Whereas Liverpool’s attacking play was fluid and filled with promise, the defensive aspect of the efficiency confirmed acquainted vulnerabilities. Conceding two objectives within the second sport and one within the first sport of the day, neither notably well-defended, highlights the place the present considerations lie.

With just one senior centre-back beginning throughout each video games, it’s hardly stunning that the backline regarded a little bit makeshift and lacked cohesion at occasions with Nallo and Konate paired up collectively. The primary equaliser from Sancet was a well-taken end, nevertheless it got here from a spell the place Liverpool allowed Bilbao an excessive amount of time in central areas. The second purpose — an unlucky ricochet off Gakpo’s face from a near-post header — was the kind of mushy set-piece concession that has value the Reds prior to now.

Arne Slot’s aspect are clearly a piece in progress defensively, and whereas a lot of the eye has gone to the thrilling new arrivals up entrance, bolstering the defensive construction will probably be simply as necessary heading into the season. That stated, there was nonetheless loads to take pleasure in — notably within the first half the place the excessive press, vitality, and combos going ahead have been extremely encouraging. But when Liverpool need to severely compete, steadiness at each ends of the pitch will probably be important.

That’s a wrap for pre-season

A summer time that started at Preston, took them throughout Asia with stops in Hong Kong and Japan, and ended below the lights at Anfield. Throughout the fixtures, Arne Slot’s aspect confirmed promising indicators of progress — sharper urgent, fluid attacking combos, and key contributions from new signings.

Whereas defensive considerations stay — notably with restricted senior centre-back involvement — the general tone of pre-season has been optimistic. There’s clear intent in how Slot needs his staff to play, and lots for followers to be enthusiastic about heading into the brand new marketing campaign.