Five things learnt Liverpool vs Athletic Club pre-season friendly

Liverpool marked their return to Anfield in emphatic fashion with a 4-1 win over Athletic Club in the first match of a pre-season double-header.

On a day that held emotional significance following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota last month, the performance on the pitch was both dominant and fittingly respectful.

It was a poignant moment in front of a home crowd, as Liverpool paid tribute to Jota and his brother André Silva. Wreaths were laid in front of The Kop before kick-off and play was paused in the 20th minute for a moment of applause to honour the late Portuguese forward. The result, and the occasion, offered a powerful mix of celebration and remembrance as the Premier League champions continued their preparations.

With the second game of the evening set for 8pm, here are five key things we learned from Liverpool’s first runout of the day.

Quick fire start

It took less than a minute for Rio Ngumoha to announce himself once again. Building on his lively cameo with a goal against Yokohama and his goal in the behind-closed-doors win over Stoke City, the youngster made an explosive start at Anfield. Driving forward with confidence, he curled a superb strike into the corner from the edge of the box an early breakthrough that had the crowd chanting his name.

And Liverpool quickly made it two. Amid ongoing speculation about his future, with AC Milan and Al Hilal reportedly negotiating a transfer move, Darwin Núñez was on hand to finish a well-constructed move.

Harvey Elliott released Ben Doak down the right channel and the winger picked out a perfect cross to the far post. Ngumoha rose to nod it back across goal, setting up Núñez to fire home from close range. That’s now five goals in pre-season for the Uruguayan and he will be hoping this form keeps him a little longer at Anfield after this one display.

Ben Doak steps up

At 19 years of age, Ben Doak delivered an eye-catching first-half performance and played 57 minutes before being replaced by Alexis Mac Allister in the second half. The Scotland winger, who featured in all three of the Reds friendlies so far this summer, looked sharp and direct throughout, starting on the right flank but drifting centrally with intent.

After an injury disrupted second half of last season during his loan at Middlesbrough, where he last played in January and later underwent thigh surgery, this showing was a strong statement. He looked fully recovered, confident in possession, and made his mark with a goal to cap an energetic display.

Doak has impressed in training under Arne Slot and was heavily involved in Liverpool’s pre-season plans, despite strong transfer interest from Nottingham Forest, Everton, and Crystal Palace. While Mohamed Salah remains first choice in his position, Doak’s performance was a timely reminder of his potential as the Reds consider the next step in his development.

Harvey Elliot

Another player with an uncertain future, Elliot hasn’t really had the game time as many of his senior colleagues but he bagged himself a goal to cap off a good performance in the second half. The 22-year-old offered a timely reminder of his quality with a composed second half display against.

Played into space by Darwin Núnez after some clever work from Kostas Tsimikas down the left, Elliott found himself unmarked in the box and made no mistake with the finish. It was a reward for his persistence and sharp movement throughout the match.

The U21 international has had a somewhat uncertain summer, with speculation around his future given Liverpool’s growing midfield options and Arne Slot’s desire to streamline the squad. While Elliott was often on the fringes last season, largely due to intense competition rather than poor form, his performance here showed why the club remains invested in his development. His ability to link play between midfield and attack, combined with his intelligence in the final third, is a valuable asset.

The midfielder hasn’t enjoyed the same volume of minutes as some of his senior counterparts during pre-season, but this outing served as a reminder of what he can offer. With his vision, technical ability, and eye for goal, he remains one of Liverpool’s brightest young talents — whether as a rotation option in the current setup or as a player who could yet take on a larger role.

Leaky defence

The Reds once again show their vulnerabilities defensively as Athletic Club scored a goal to get one back before the 80th minute, but that was very much a consolation, as Guruzeta got himself on the score sheet for the Spanish side. An interesting talking point considering

Liverpool have been light defensively this pre-season whilst looking for reinforcements in that department. Guruzeta’s late goal may have been inconsequential in terms of the result, but it highlighted a recurring problem — Liverpool’s tendency to switch off and leave themselves exposed in key moments.

The goal came as a result of poor organisation at the back with Athletic finding too much space in and around the box. A lapse in marking and an inability to reset quickly allowed the Spanish side to thread the ball through with ease, and Guruzeta made no mistake. It was a familiar scene with Liverpool controlling possession and dictating the tempo for large stretches, only to concede from one of the few real moments of pressure they faced and a mistake between centre back and keeper.

What’s more concerning is how this fits into a broader trend throughout pre-season and even last season. Liverpool have looked light defensively, with question marks hanging over depth and consistency in the back line. Injuries and rotations have forced makeshift pairings, and the lack of true defensive midfield cover at times has only amplified those cracks. While Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté offer experience and physical presence, the drop-off beyond them has been evident.

Arne Slow will no doubt be aware that this isn’t just a pre-season blip. Reinforcements are likely needed, particularly if Liverpool are to seriously challenge on multiple fronts. Until then, these soft goals will serve as a reminder that attacking brilliance alone won’t be enough to retain the Premier League title.

Van Dijk and Bradley on the sidelines

Arne Slot has confirmed that both captain Virgil van Dijk and right-back Conor Bradley will be unavailable for the team’s return to action. Van Dijk is sidelined due to illness, while Bradley is nursing an injury that could keep him out for a couple of weeks — putting his availability for Sunday’s Community Shield clash in serious doubt.

Slot spoke of the current squad status to the club’s official website.

“Almost all of them are fit or stayed fit.

Unfortunately, Virgil is sick today. We miss out on Alisson. Joe Gomez is not there, Conor Bradley is not there.”