Liverpool kicked off the Arne Slot era with a solid victory over Real Betis in Pittsburgh.
The game, held in the U.S., saw Dominik Szoboszlai score the only goal of the match, showcasing Liverpool’s new formation and tactics.
This was the first time fans got to see the team in action after their previous match against Preston was played behind closed doors.
The most striking feature of this game was Liverpool’s unusual formation.
It took observers about 15 minutes to fully grasp what they were seeing. While Slot dismissed claims that his system was a departure from Jurgen Klopp’s style, it was clear that Liverpool’s setup had a fresh twist.
Liverpool lined up in what looked like a 4-2-4 formation.
Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott played as No. 9s, either as traditional or “false” forwards. Szoboszlai ended up scoring the game’s only goal.
The new formation had its flaws, but it showed promise. Liverpool moved the ball quickly and pressed effectively, making it harder for Real Betis to break through.
The midfield featured two players sitting deeper, helping both in defense and in starting attacks.
Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho provided width, allowing the two forwards to exploit gaps in the Betis defense.
The full-backs, Kostas Tsimikas and Conor Bradley, added energy and support on the flanks, with Bradley especially impressive in the first half.
Curtis Jones was brimming with confidence ahead of this game, seeing it as a fresh start with Slot’s arrival.
However, his optimism was cut short when he was forced off after just 30 minutes due to what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
While it didn’t look too serious, it was a disappointing end to his first public appearance of the summer. Liverpool will be hoping it’s not a major setback, especially since Jones had been keen to secure a starting spot for the new season.
Trey Nyoni Shines Bright
Jones’ injury opened the door for 17-year-old Trey Nyoni, who made a notable impression.
The former Leicester player, who joined Liverpool last year, played a crucial role in Szoboszlai’s goal by delivering a key pass.
Nyoni was lively and positive in possession, marking himself as a potential standout for the match.
His performance highlighted why Liverpool’s coaching staff have high hopes for him.
The Search for a No. 6
Liverpool’s need for a solid defensive midfielder is no secret, and this game further emphasized that need.
Wataru Endo, who was signed for £16.2 million last August, had a mixed performance, often caught in possession.
Real Betis’ inability to capitalize on these moments spared Liverpool from a potential setback.
Tyler Morton, who had been on loan at Hull City last season, replaced Endo and showed promise with some effective passes. Morton has been inspired by Xabi Alonso, a sentiment he shared in an interview last year.
Additionally, it was good to see Stefan Bajcetic back on the field after a lengthy injury period.
New Faces on the Sidelines
Slot’s debut as Liverpool manager also showcased his new coaching team.
He was visibly animated, directing players and offering advice from the sidelines.
His assistants, Johnny Heitinga and Sipke Hulshoff, were actively involved in the warm-ups and throughout the match. Ruben Peeters, the new performance head, managed player workloads meticulously, rotating 23 players in total.
James McConnell missed the game with a minor knock but is expected to return soon.
Andy Robertson sat out the tour due to a minor ankle ligament injury but was seen doing individual work in Pittsburgh.
Diogo Jota, who underwent fitness tests, is unlikely to play in Philadelphia but might feature in South Carolina if all goes well.
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