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Liverpool’s preseason is well underway, and the Reds played their second game of the summer in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Stoke City.
Darwin Nunez started strong, scoring a poacher’s hat-trick within the first 20 minutes of the game. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha also found the net with a deflected shot midway through the first half. In the second half, Federico Chiesa added the final goal.
The Reds are now preparing to head on its preseason tour where Arne Slot's side will travel to Hong Kong to face AC Milan before the club pays its first visit to Japan to take on Yokohama FM before returning to Merseyside to face Athletic Club in two friendlies at Anfield.
Here are the five things Liverpool.com spotted during the game.
Darwin Nunez future
The Uruguayan striker, whose future at Anfield remains uncertain amid interest from clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia, continued his strong preseason form adding to his preseason goal tally after also finding the net in last weekend’s 3-1 win over Preston North End.
With Hugo Ekitike reportedly on his way to Liverpool, it’s becoming increasingly likely that Nunez’s future lies elsewhere—though his recent performances are making a compelling case for Slot to give him another chance. And a hat-trick in 20 minutes will certainly do no harm.
Chiesa staking his claim to stay at Liverpool
Federico Chiesa made a significant impact after coming on in the second half, adding the final goal and demonstrating the skill fans know that he possesses. The 27-year-old has also made an impressive start to this preseason which he lacked before the last campaign.
Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juventus last summer but saw limited action last season. Against Preston he featured down the middle rather than on the wing and rather impressed in that role, staking his claim for more minutes next season rather than moving to another club.
Szoboszlai surprising role
One of the more intriguing points to come out of this game was the fact Dominik Szoboszlai was deployed at right-back with Joe Gomes partnering Virgil van Dijk at center-back.
It seems highly unlikely that the Hungarian will play in that role at any point during the season but Slot is not shy to play players in unfamiliar roles to increase their versatility.
Wirtz 'debut'
Florian Wirtz got his first minutes in a Liverpool shirt after not being in the squad against Preston.
It may not have been the high-profile debut the 22-year-old had envisioned, but the quieter setting provided a perfect opportunity for him to acclimate to a new system and teammates.
Academy kids impress again
Preseason is renowned for showcasing young Reds talent and today was no exception. Ngumoha has been the name of fans lips for months and showed his talent once again with a goal against Stoke. Lucas Stephenson, who had an impressive loan spell at Dundee last season, also saw some vital minutes.
As preseason progresses and the new Premier League season approaches, Slot has plenty to consider ahead of the Reds beginning its title defense.
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