Arne Slot’s first game as manager of Liverpool at Anfield was a 4-1 victory over Sevilla with Liverpool. Luis Diaz appeared to be in good shape, and the Reds managed to send a positive message. This is what we observed.
ANFIELD, London, Liverpool // An impressive performance versus Sevilla served as Liverpool’s preparation for the upcoming season. With some outstanding attacking movements, the Reds were able to completely dominate the Spanish team and win the match.
Diogo Jota struck a volley into the top right corner of the goal after a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross and Jota quickly added an assist to his credit, putting the ball into Luis Diaz, who shot into the same region of the Anfield Road End goal. Although Sevilla had a few opportunities, the majority of which occurred when the Reds gave possession away in potentially hazardous positions, Liverpool was in complete command of the game.
After the break, Dominik Szoboszlai made a beautiful sweeping play that resulted in Diaz being tee up to make the score 3-0. When the Hungarian went through on goal, he squared to the Colombian, who appeared sharp and as if he had never been away from the field. The Hungarian had attempted to play a few dangerous balls earlier in the game, but they were not successful.
In a second half that looked to be containing little of consequence, Peque Fernandez curled a ball into the far corner for the Spanish outfit and then Trey Nyoni blasted a wonderful shot on the half volley that sailed into the corner at the opposite end. The teenage Liverpool midfielder is a fantastic prospect to keep an eye on.
Here are the five things Liverpool.com saw as the game proceeded. at Arne Slot’s first encounter at his new home, it was a triumph for the Dutchman against an experienced side, albeit one that ended in the bottom half of La Liga previous season.
Arne Slot rested on the touchline
After being given a warm reception as a means of introduction to life in his new surroundings, the new Liverpool head coach walked his technical area mostly with his hands in his pockets or his arms crossed, except from the odd point or applaud. There were brief renditions of his song — the same melody shouted out a couple of months previously by Jurgen Klopp — but he remained focused on the task in hand.
It won’t be as sunny for much of the year — probably not even by the time Brentford comes to Anfield for the opening home match of the season in the Premier League. There were some promising signals here, though, with his cool demeanor on the touchline yet to be tested by any suspicious officiating.
Ryan Gravenberch shines as the number six
Selected in front of Curtis Jones for this game, Ryan Gravenberch was the deepest of the midfield three, with Alexis Mac Allister to his left and Szoboszlai to his right. Martin Zubimendi might yet change things, of course, but was this a signal about what might happen against Ipswich Town next weekend?
Gravenberch did well, though that is to be expected since his main role is to play delightful passes and help Liverpool go through the thirds. The true test would come against a club more capable of threatening in an attacking sense, or against a team that has more of an aerial danger — Brentford, for example.
Mistake at the back
Stanis Idunbo could have scored for Sevilla inside the opening 15 minutes as he seized onto a hard touch from Jarell Quansah. While he could only scoop the ball well over Alisson Becker and well over the bar, it was a warning. As Liverpool’s players get acclimated to playing shorter passes in potentially dangerous places, there is risk as well as reward.
That will happen again in the future, but the positives outweigh the negatives, for sure. Liverpool generated several good moves in addition to the ones that led to the back of the net being discovered — all due of the way that Slot wants his team to be organized.
Trey Nyoni makes his mark
Having come in a few times and played wonderfully for Liverpool in pre-season relative to his very young age, Nyoni didn’t look out of place at Anfield either. Indeed, the goal that he scored will live long in the momory and could possibly be replayed a few times if he goes on to have the career that he is clearly capable of having.
Looking superb in possession again, there were a few nice passes from the 18-year-old. The clear outstanding moment, however, was blasting the ball into the far corner when it landed well for him to strike. It was great technique and will only further increase the excitement surrounding the teenage talent.
Luis Diaz looking sharp
There was lots of discussion entering into this summer about whether Diaz would still be at Anfield when the new campaign kicked off. It was fair to say that Barcelona was eager on him but the Colombian doesn’t look to be going anywhere. Anthony Gordon would be a fantastic guy to bring in, but Diaz looked sharp here.
The 27-year-old hasn’t had much in the way of a rest this summer having been at the Copa America with his country, but he looked sharp and benefited from the short turnaround. Diaz wasn’t able to beat his man many times out wide, but his fast footwork was able to carve the chance for his first goal and the second came from multiple players being decisive in the final third.
There were undoubtedly promising hints from Diaz. Chosen in the stronger team of the day ahead of Cody Gakpo, it will be fascinating to see who gets the nod next weekend. The educated guess from here would be Diaz.