1 week ago
59
Liverpool is set to play its first pre-season game of the summer today in unspeakably difficult circumstances. Taking to the field at Preston North End's Deepdale stadium, this will be the first fixture since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
Arne Slot's side last played on the final day of the Premier League season against Crystal Palace at Anfield when it lifted the trophy at the final whistle, but there are now fewer than five weeks to go until it faces Bournemouth to kick off 2025/26. Before then, the Reds are traveling to Asia to face AC Milan and Yokohama Marinos. They also face Athletic Club and have the Community Shield at Wembley.
Before the Preston game, Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, will be remembered. You’ll Never Walk Alone will be played ahead of kick-off, there will be a minute's silence, and both sets of players will wear black armbands. A commemorative programme has also been produced. Here's what else Liverpool.com will be looking for.
New signings: Liverpool has brought in some top talent this summer and this should be the first chance to take a look at the hugely exciting Florian Wirtz. Giorgi Mamardashvili, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong should also feature.
In the case of Wirtz, it will be the first hint of where the German playmaker might be deployed. He is probably thought of by most as a number 10, but he has played as a false nine before too.
Whatever happens here won't be final, but might be the first suggestion of what Slot has planned for a player who could become the British record transfer fee holder.
And it isn't just players who have arrived, either. In the dugout, Giovanni van Bronckhorst is among those to have been added to Slot's coaching team. The former Barcelona full-back has vast experience and replaces John Heitinga, who moved to Ajax as head coach.
Squad numbers: The new signings that Liverpool has made have not yet confirmed which number they will be wearing on their back when the new season kicks off. Wirtz and co are likely to wear high numbers today before their actual choices are revealed later in the summer.
Liverpool will not be wearing its new kit yet, either. The deal with Adidas doesn't come in until August. It might be at that point that the Reds confirm the numbers of their new arrivals — once fans are able to get their hands on the jerseys.
Managing minutes and young talents get a chance: In all likelihood, the majority of Liverpool players won't feature for more than 45 minutes. Indeed, we could be in line to see two entirely different starting XIs.
At center-back, there is only Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez. That is likely to mean a younger talent stepping up, with Amara Nallo being the obvious selection.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Across the rest of the team, too, there could be a few youngsters hoping to get an opportunity. Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha should feature as two of the most promising.
Ben Doak, Kaide Gordon, Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns almost don't count as being in that 'young' group anymore as they have been around for so long, but it will be interesting to see how many of that contingent are involved.
Each of them could make a move away from Liverpool this summer, either on loan or permanently. Playing here could put them in the shop window or offer the chance for Slot to have an extra look at what they can do.
English (US) ·