⚽ Liverpool vs Athletic Club: Pre‑season Double‑Header Showcases Youth & Depth

🔍 Match Preview & Why It Mattered

Liverpool hosted Athletic Club in a unique double-header friendly at Anfield, featuring two distinct squads and fresh faces. After touring Asia and beating Yokohama F. Marinos, the Reds looked sharp ahead of the new season. Both games offered a glimpse of depth as Arne Slot evaluated his roster before the Community Shield.

🎯 Highlights from Both Matches

• Match 1 (4‑1 win):
  Liverpool raced to a 2‑0 lead thanks to a solo strike by teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha and a smooth finish by Darwin Núñez within the first five minutes. An own goal by Athletic and a strike from Harvey Elliott sealed the win
• Match 2 (3‑2 win):
  The second game saw debutants like Hugo Ekitiké, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez feature, with Cody Gakpo assisting and converting to secure victory. Liverpool scored seven goals across both matches.

🌟 Rio Ngumoha: Liverpool’s Rising Star

At just 16 years old, Ngumoha’s performance was extraordinary. He scored a stunning solo goal and set up another for Nunez in game one. His display has elevated excitement about his permanent promotion to the first team.

🎙️ Emerging Talents & Tactical Depth

New signings Ekitiké, Wirtz, Kerkez, Frimpong, and Mamardashvili all featured and impressed in different roles. Despite defensive absences (Van Dijk, Gomez, Alisson), young players like Trey Nyoni and Luca Stephenson stepped up. Arne Slot praised the squad’s flexibility and attacking energy.

🕊️ Emotional Tribute & Stadium Atmosphere

The matches began with a heartfelt homage to Diogo Jota and André Silva, who tragically passed away. Athletic Club’s president and Liverpool legend Phil Thompson laid flowers at the Kop; supporters observed a minute of applause in the 20th minute of both games. Liverpool also announced Jota’s shirt retirement.

📺 Where to Watch & Fan Info

Fans in the UK tuned in via All Red Video, while others streamed matches on LFCTV. These matches were a key opportunity to evaluate lineup balance before the Premier League opener against Bournemouth.

🎯 What It Means for Liverpool

This pre-season served as more than tune-ups:

• Unveiled Rio Ngumoha as a serious future star
• Demonstrated squad depth with new and youth players
• Set emotional strength and unity ahead of the season starts

The performances suggest Liverpool are ready to maintain dominance and evolve under Arne Slot’s strategic system.