Liverpool concluded their pre-season preparations with a 3-1 victory over Torino at Anfield, with Gini Wijnaldum receiving plaudits for another classy display.
Liverpool 3-1 Torino
Pre-Season Friendly (9), Anfield
August 7, 2018
Goals: Firmino 21′, Wijnaldum 24′, Sturridge 87′; Belotti 31′
Liverpool brought an end to their pre-season preparations with a 3-1 over Torino in their first outing at Anfield for the season.
Jurgen Klopp’s men dominated the early proceedings, with Roberto Firmino’s first of the summer handing the Reds the lead before Wijnaldum scored in his second successive game to double the lead three minutes later—with Andrea Belotti pulling one back for the visitors before the interval.
Seven changes after half-time offered the final chance for a number of players to stake their claim for a place in squad to face West Ham, with the return of Jordan Henderson and a late goal from Daniel Sturridge the standout moments in a relatively uneventful second 45.
Here is how Liverpool supporters reacted to the victory on Twitter, Facebook and our forums.
Wijnaldum left Reds wanting more after breaking off the shackles…
https://twitter.com/fishpainting/status/1026909575096819712
The new midfield looks like it could be the making of Wijnaldum. He arrived at LFC as a very good attacking midfielder and he's showed a lot of quality in that area during pre-season.
— Dan (@Dan23_92) August 7, 2018
“Gini on fire, love it.”
– Scott Jones on the forums.
Wijnaldum the man of the first half for me. Should’ve scored twice rather than once, but his runs from midfield have been excellent. It’s easy to forget that he can be very, very good. The challenge is to make himself that level every week.
— Matt Addison (@MattAddison97) August 7, 2018
Excellent finish from Wijnaldum for Liverpool's second, and his touch from a long pass was crucial to creating the first. Underrated player, for me – will be especially important in the absence of Oxlade-Chamberlain.
— David Lynch (@dmlynchlfc) August 7, 2018
“I hope we can have this new Wijnaldum for keeps!”
– Chrenyan on the forums.
https://twitter.com/MikLFC/status/1026905134314479617
Big fan of this version of Gini.
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) August 7, 2018
This Gini is the player I want to see. Great movement, surging runs, a genuine threat. Playing this way he has the potential of being a key man.
— Rory Greenfield (@RoryGreenfield) August 7, 2018
Liverpool’s youngsters continue to make the most of their chances…
When did Nat Phillips become the best ball-playing CB in the world? Great ball in the lead up to that goal
— Paul (@PauI16_) August 7, 2018
Curtis Jones and Nat Phillips are 2 really exciting prospects.
— mathew (@mdeeks76) August 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/Riddock__/status/1026904906786107392
Curtis Jones' dribbling skills are what The Tenth Doctor meant by "wibbly wobbly timey wimey".
— LFC 360 (@LFC_360) August 7, 2018
Nat Phillips is a proper good player isn't he?
— Blood Red Kop 1??9?? (@BloodRedKop) August 7, 2018
Phillips initial reaction to conceding the goal is exactly what I want to see, even in a preseason friendly he’s clearly not okay with conceding a goal.
Over the years we’ve had a lot of defenders who couldn’t care less.
— Carson (@WC_LFC_Torres) August 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/CallumWright__/status/1026904759691878400
Curtis Jones is boss, la.
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) August 7, 2018
Attention quickly turned to the start of the new season on Sunday…
This midfield combination has a really nice balance to it. Fabinho anchoring, allowing Keita & Wijnaldum the freedom to burst forward and link up with the attack. Would like to see this trio start vs West Ham on Sunday.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) August 7, 2018
“We need a CB before the window closes. Even just a squad one. We’re an injury to VVD away from dipping in to the U15s!”
– Ste Foston on Facebook.
https://twitter.com/IndigoLFC/status/1026925692662042624
“Not sure Shaqiri knows he here to just be a back up, lovely assist. Great pre-season, Great transfer business and now onto the real deal …exciting times!!”
– LS12Red on the forums.
Ngl i'm quietly confident about this season. Not saying anything yet because in the end it is Liverpool Football Club but really feeling confident atm.
— MagnificentMilner (@MagnificentMil3) August 7, 2018
So excited for the season watching this Liverpool team. Not saying we're gonna win it all or whatever but my god they're going to be such an entertaining side to watch. Bring on the season already! #YNWA
— Muzzaffir Shah (@Muzzaffir) August 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/joey_t9/status/1026926670618533888
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