What to Take Away from LFC’s First Friendly

It was quite the thrill to wake up before work, which here in America was at about 7am, and watch Liverpool’s first friendly. The premier league is finally on its way back, after the two longest months of the year. Not only that but we had the chance to see young players and new players alike in action.

The team looked confident and relaxed, unlike the last games we saw them play. And while this victory was against a very weak side, there were some takeaways to discuss and now is our opportunity to do so.

First of all.  Jordan Henderson looks to really have taken on the Captains role. From that rabona assist to the air of confidence he has begun to carry. Hendo looks ready to lead us on and I feel as if we are in safe hands. I believe he will step up his game to match the importance of his position.

With his work rate he surely has the respect of the rest of the lads and will be the first to lead by example in tireless fashion. While we will never see a player like Steven Gerrard again. Handing off leadership to a committed hard working captain softens the blow. Look for Henderson to continue to develop and grow. Based on what we saw from him, his best is yet to come.

Markovic also stood out scoring a very composed goal.  He has a lot more to show for us and this is the time for him to live up to his price tag. I am sure he will find more opportunity to shine this season, I hope he is up to the task. He has settled in by now. That was a confident finish, but he can’t stop there.

Another relatively forgotten player was Adam Lallana. I have said and will continue to say that he will be very important for us this season. He is a great player. He had impressive stats even with a great many injuries. He can change a game. He is aware. And he can finish. Adam Lallana will be a key part of any success Liverpool has this year.

That feeling of optimism is beginning to return. Last preseason I was not thrilled with our performances, but even though the game was against far weaker opposition and it is important not to get carried away. The confidence and direction shown by the lads was encouraging. We kept the opposition in their own half and we looked confident in every position. It is a match we were almost guaranteed to win, but the game was reassuring, after the dismal performances of last season.

It was really fun watch Ibe and Clyne combine down that right side. Two players with bundles of pace. I hope to see that combination again, with that much speed we could be in for some fun on the right side. If Ibe doesn’t go out on loan, which it would probably be best if he did.

All in all, destroying the Thai 11 has made me feel a little more optimistic about the shape of things. Bring in Coutinho, Firmino, and eventually Sturridge, we could be playing some thrilling soccer again. Brendan knows what he needs to do, and so far this summer, so good.

Now let’s get another striker or, allow me to dream, Reus with that Sterling money and press forward from there. This is a big year, but if you really need a reason to feel optimistic, at least this time we had an awful season after nearly winning the league our ownership hasn’t put Roy Hodgson in charge.

If ever there is a cause for optimism.. Roy Hodgson isn’t in charge.