An impressive Yossi Benayoun strike two minutes before half time was the only goal separating Tramere and Liverpool when they met at Prenton Park this afternoon for the Reds’ first pre-season friendly of the new campaign.

Liverpool welcomed back Daniel Agger, who missed most of last season with a metatarsal injury, whilst both Hobbs and Carragher also started in defence.

There was a debut for young Spanish striker Daniel Pacheco, he showed glimpses of his promising talent and technical ability. Whilst new signings Diego Cavalieri and Philipp Degan started on the bench, but came on for the second half. Club captain Steven Gerrard played the last 20 minutes.

Scroll down to watch the goal and read Rafa’s post-match comments

Liverpool: Martin, Darby, Hobbs, Agger, Carragher, Pennant, Plessis, Lucas, Insua, Benayoun, Pacheco. Subs: Cavalieri, Hyypia, Skrtel, Degen, Kelly, Aurelio, Gerrard, Spearing, Voronin, Flynn.

Liverpool now go to a training camp in Switzerland and will face FC Lucerne in Grenchen on Wednesday evening (6.45pm KO).

Benayoun’s Goal:

Rafa’s Post-Match Comments:

On Agger’s return: “Agger’s return is an important thing for us. If he is available for the season, you can see he is good on the ball and in defence and we can play more from the back, so it was a very good addition for us.”

On Degen: “We also saw what Degen can offer on the right side. It is a game that we can take positives from and a lot of the lads tried to impress. I think Degen had four or five good openings in attack and he put in a few crosses and I think we saw the potential that he has.”

On Cavalieri: “Cavalieri didn’t have too much to do but we know he will be a keeper who will fight for his place with Pepe (Reina).”

On Benayoun: “It was a fantastic goal from Yossi. It was really good, maybe the best thing of the game; I think everyone would have enjoyed that.”

On Pacheco: “Today I think Pacheco was really good and he had two or three chances and was a threat in attack. We saw how good he was for the reserves last season and today everyone could see he has the talent and the quality.”

On the game: “This is the type of game you want so you can see if the players are fit. We have also seen a fantastic goal and some good play in attack, so it was positive day.”

On signings: “We are working hard trying to bring good players in and I think we can progress in a few days or maybe a few weeks.”