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Arne Slot is quickly learning to rely on Liverpool's academy attackers. That was underlined on Monday as the Reds beat Athletic Bilbao 4-1 in the first of their double-headed pre-season friendlies at Anfield.
Rio Ngumoha and Ben Doak were perhaps the best star performers, with both scoring from the wide areas in the first half. Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott also scored in an impressive display from Liverpool, while Slot was able to welcome back one of his injured players in the pre-season encounter.
Jayden Danns last played for Liverpool on January 29 - 187 days ago - and an injury-ravaged second half of the campaign denied the attacker the chance to make a single appearance for Sunderland after joining on loan.
He suffered a stress fracture in his lower back, a problem which was noticed during his medical ahead of the loan, and Liverpool took a cautious approach to his recovery.
Danns has been around the first-team group in recent weeks and was seen training with the group, but wasn't involved in any of the first four pre-season matches of the summer.
That changed at Anfield on Monday after the 19-year-old came on in the 56th minute of the 4-1 win.
He played in the wide areas, starting on the right and then moving over to the left, with Nunez occupying the no.9 role.
Danns looked sharp, with several quick turns of pace and some good link-up with his Liverpool team-mates. Danns' physicality was also noticeable and he has clearly bulked up during his injury absence.
While Monday was his return to the first team, he has already been involved with the Under-21s this summer, and played in the victory over Lens last week.
His return to the senior setup is significant amid Nunez's uncertain future. The Uruguayan is expected to leave this summer and has been heavily linked with a move to Al-Hilal in recent days.
The Reds hope to complete a deal for Alexander Isak before the end of the window, but Newcastle United's stance that he is not for sale could prove an unassailable barrier for Liverpool to overcome.
With that in mind, Danns could have a prominent role to play this season. The teenager is well thought of by Slot, who namechecked Danns in January when listing his attacking options.
At this stage of the summer, an exit is not expected, even on loan, although that could change with the arrival of Isak. For now, Slot will be pleased to have a fit and firing Danns once again.
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