Just a few observations.
These three games in Germany have been great for our youngsters, who will never have experienced anything like this before, and for players returning from injury. It was interesting to hear, it may have been Ince or Upson, say that players need 270 mins of competitive pre-season game time to get match fit.
Great to see that our first choice forward line is going to be devastating, again, and even central midfield looks OK barring injuries (wherein lies the crux). Henderson & Wijnaldum our starting pair.
Kent looks great, but raw and a little naive at times. Love his confidence.
Woodburn looks classy, superb pass to put Sturridge away and is very good, cool, in possession. Klopp may be right about him eventually making a midfielder than striker.
Ward was impressive in his one full match. I'm guessing Klopp will keep Mignolet and Karius but Ward must have impressed in training (as well as at Huddersfield) to get that opportunity.
Ejaria did very well yesterday, even returning from injury he was great in possession and positive in going forward and creative in the final third. I'd like to see him against a more open team too.
Grujic is a powerful midfielder, some lovely passing, turns like a steam boat - though he seems to have grown and is a very big lad, a bit of the Can about him. Will definitely get a fair bit of game time this season, more so if we don't sign another CM.
Gomez needs time, a very mixed bag but I have hopes for him.
Robertson much quieter vs Atletico but I'd rather he start at LB vs. defensive teams than Milner, who may see time in midfield this season. AA is our new #1 RB.
CB is very concerning, as we've all said all along. Klavan is OK for a #4 or 5 CB but we'd better sign VVD or we're going to be fucked over the course of this season.
Very pleased Studge doesn't have a side-lining injury but worrying he has any at all. Solanke looks a great pick up, especially for such a young CF.
All the above with the caveat that's it's still only pre-season all said and done.
These three games in Germany have been great for our youngsters, who will never have experienced anything like this before, and for players returning from injury. It was interesting to hear, it may have been Ince or Upson, say that players need 270 mins of competitive pre-season game time to get match fit.
Great to see that our first choice forward line is going to be devastating, again, and even central midfield looks OK barring injuries (wherein lies the crux). Henderson & Wijnaldum our starting pair.
Kent looks great, but raw and a little naive at times. Love his confidence.
Woodburn looks classy, superb pass to put Sturridge away and is very good, cool, in possession. Klopp may be right about him eventually making a midfielder than striker.
Ward was impressive in his one full match. I'm guessing Klopp will keep Mignolet and Karius but Ward must have impressed in training (as well as at Huddersfield) to get that opportunity.
Ejaria did very well yesterday, even returning from injury he was great in possession and positive in going forward and creative in the final third. I'd like to see him against a more open team too.
Grujic is a powerful midfielder, some lovely passing, turns like a steam boat - though he seems to have grown and is a very big lad, a bit of the Can about him. Will definitely get a fair bit of game time this season, more so if we don't sign another CM.
Gomez needs time, a very mixed bag but I have hopes for him.
Robertson much quieter vs Atletico but I'd rather he start at LB vs. defensive teams than Milner, who may see time in midfield this season. AA is our new #1 RB.
CB is very concerning, as we've all said all along. Klavan is OK for a #4 or 5 CB but we'd better sign VVD or we're going to be fucked over the course of this season.
Very pleased Studge doesn't have a side-lining injury but worrying he has any at all. Solanke looks a great pick up, especially for such a young CF.
All the above with the caveat that's it's still only pre-season all said and done.
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