Liverpool ease to 4-0 win over Leicester in Singapore pre-season friendly: Five key takeaways

Liverpool got their pre-season preparations off to a positive start as they eased to a 4-0 win over Championship side Leicester in the humid heat of Singapore. Jurgen Klopp’s men scored three goals in eight first-half minutes to put the game out of sight, with Darwin Nunez, Bobby Clark, and Diogo Jota all finding the back of the net. Liverpool made 10 changes at half-time, and teenager Ben Doak headed home the fourth goal in the second half.

Here are five key takeaways from the match:

1. Lessons learned from last year

After a disappointing last season, Klopp learned from his mistakes and made changes to Liverpool’s pre-season plans. Last year, the team traveled to Asia and missed key preparation time, which left them playing catch-up during their subsequent camp in Austria. This time around, Liverpool chose just one tour destination and invited several Liverpool legends to Singapore to take the strain off the first-team players in terms of commercial duties and meeting fans. The team is also operating on ‘tour time’ to reduce tiredness and jetlag stresses.

2. New No 6 is a must… now

Klopp has already acknowledged the need for a new defensive midfielder, with Fabinho set to leave the club. Curtis Jones started in the No 6 role in this match, but doubts remain about whether the 22-year-old can be disciplined enough to play the role in big Premier League clashes. Trent Alexander-Arnold has played there previously this pre-season, but due to injuries, he switched to his more conventional role in this match. Liverpool is now scrambling to get a deal for Southampton’s teenage midfielder Romeo Lavia over the line before the season starts.

3. The new boys add a different dimension

Liverpool’s two summer signings, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, played a half each and both looked impressive. Mac Allister played alongside young Bobby Clark in the first half and could be the creative spark Liverpool has needed. Szoboszlai returned after missing a few days of on-pitch work last week and made a lasting impression in the second half. He combined well with the front three and his set-pieces could be a weapon for Klopp.

4. Darwin is evolving into a real force

Darwin Nunez has been the standout of Liverpool’s pre-season, scoring three goals in two matches. The Uruguayan was in the right place at the right time to tap home after Diogo Jota’s attempt was parried into Nunez’s path in this match. Jota was also impressive, adding a clever glanced headed goal to his assist. The Reds showcased their attacking depth by bringing on Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz in the second half.

5. Leicester’s new regime

Leicester suffered a bruising defeat in the scoreline, but there were positive takeaways for Enzo Maresca’s new-look team. The Foxes have lost several key players this summer, but Harry Winks looked good in midfield, and Leicester looked bright in their positional play. Maresca will be pleased to see his players buying into his ‘ideas’ as they prepare for their upcoming Championship and EFL Cup matches.