Excellent young attackers have dominated Liverpool’s preparations…
SEE MORE: Greatest football team of all time! Check out the best XI of the 21st Century
Liverpool have finished their pre-season, and are readying themselves for their Premier League opener against Southampton on Sunday.
Here’s the ten players who’ve shined the most during the friendly matches this summer…
10) Jose Enrique
Returning from a long-term injury, the Spaniard has played his way back into fitness this pre-season, with some solid performances. He’s shown himself to be strong, athletic and composed in possession, although he has competition for places now Alberto Moreno has arrived.
9) Daniel Sturridge
The England forward hasn’t exactly been lethal, but he’s scored a few goals, and looked very sharp against Dortmund last time out, latching on to a brilliant Coutinho flick to give the Reds the lead. He’ll want to hit the ground running in the absence of Luis Suarez.
8) Dejan Lovren
He’s only played one match, but the £20m signing excelled against Borussia Dortmund, marking his Anfield debut with a well taken headed goal too.
7) Sebastian Coates
A forgotten man at Liverpool, central defender Coates has come in and performed admirably considering his future at the club is entirely unassured. The big Uruguayan hasn’t put a foot wrong.
6) Mamadou Sakho
The Frenchman’s been a monster when selected since returning from the World Cup with France. Many Liverpool fans want him to be selected ahead of Martin Skrtel, but this looks unlikely for the season opener against Southampton.
5) Emre Can
The most prominent of the new signings this summer, Can looks powerful and assured in Liverpool’s midfield, and he trended widely on Twitter after he used his immense physicality to buffet AC Milan’s Mario Balotelli off the ball on one fixture!
4) Jordan Henderson
Henderson will play a crucial box-to-box role this term. His energy and work-rate during pre-season has been unmatched, and Liverpool fans will only hope he hasn’t tired himself out!
3) Jordon Ibe
The wonderkid winger registered four assists during pre-season and showed why he’ll probably be given game time this season. Interestingly, he’s exactly one year younger than Raheem Sterling.
2) Raheem Sterling
Dynamic, creative and intelligent. Sterling was especially excellent against Manchester City in a wonderful 45 minute cameo, that saw him scored a Messi-esque goal as well.
1) Coutinho
Effortlessly excellent in pre-season. The mercurial Brazilian was practically faultless, looking like a man benefitting hugely from not playing at the World Cup. Reds fans can’t wait to see him when the Premier League starts for them on Sunday.
