Liverpool new boys impress before Cody Gakpo steals the show vs Bilbao

Daily Mirror

7 hours ago

LIVERPOOL 3-2 ATHLETIC BILBAO: Cody Gakpo scored twice at the right end and once at the wrong one as Liverpool ran out winners over Athletic Bilbao in their second match of the night
You couldn't keep Cody Gakpo out of the action as Liverpool won their second of two friendlies on the same evening against Athletic Bilbao.
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After a second string side, inspired by teenager Rio Ngumoha, had won the opening friendly of the night 4-1, Gakpo scored twice at the right end and once at the wrong one in an eventful 15 minute period in the second half.
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Earlier Mo Salah had given the Reds the lead after being teed up by Hugo Ekitike, before Oihan Sancet levelled.
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In the second period Gakpo pounced after Unai Simon spilled a Ryan Gravenberch effort, and after he inadvertently headed Maroan Sannadi's effort into his own net, the Dutchman fired through Simon's grasp for what proved to be the winner, although there was still time for Salah to miss a penalty. Here are the game's main talking points.
1. You can't take your eyes off Florian Wirtz
There are some players who just move differently, and Florian Wirtz is one of them.
The German is obviously going to become a focal point of the way Liverpool attack, and with one swivel of the hips in the opening exchanges he seemed to fool half of the crowd as well as the Athletic defenders.
Playing with his socks rolled down, there is a old school look and feel about him, but amid the excitement over the possible move for Alexander Isak it shouldn't be forgotten that the Reds have already secured one of world football's premier attackers this summer. He twice came close to scoring early on, and he promises to be a lot of fun.
2. Hugo Ekitike makes his mark... and Mo Salah will be impressed
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If there is one thing that you can do to endear yourself to the Anfield crowd it is give your all. If there is one thing you can do to endear yourself to Mo Salah it is give him an assist.
Hugo Ekitike managed to do both of those things in opening 15 minutes here, impressing supporters with his strength and energy and then demonstrating both as he teed up Salah for the opener. He might still end up being a work in progress, but the raw materials are clearly there for him to make an immediate Premier League impact.
3. The defensive question isn't going away
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With Virgil van Dijk sitting both friendlies out with illness, and given there's still no sight of Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate was the last recognised central defender standing across the 180 minutes.
Andy Robertson and Trey Nyoni had done the job in the first game and Wataru Endo was stationed alongside Konate for the second, but Arne Slot would not to be starting a meaningful game with any of those players at centre-back, and so a new addition in the role is crucial. The Reds did not cover themselves in glory for either Athletic goal, particularly the second, and concerns are sure to be raised.
Sporting director Richard Hughes, seen watching on in Anfield's Main Stand, has some big business to do in the next month.
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4. Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo are set for big seasons
Some players kick on after lifting major honours and take their games up a gear, and that could well end up being the case for Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo.
The arrival of Wirtz had led many to claim that the Hungarian would be the man to miss out in the Liverpool midfield, but his versatility means he could actually end up playing more matches.
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Stationed in a deeper role, he was aggressive and always looking to put Liverpool on the front foot, with one particular piece of skill bringing the crowd to its feet.
Gakpo, too, dominated the left hand side of the attack and was a constant menace, scoring two goals - either side of his own goal - and looking like he's enjoying the knowledge that he'll be the first pick on the left with Luis Diaz gone.
5. Anfield pauses to remember Diogo Jota
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This was, of course, Liverpool's first match match at Anfield since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota last month, and the Portuguese was on the minds of many both before and during both friendlies.
The most touching tributes came in the 20th minute of both, when the action stopped and both sets of players led the crowd in an ovation for the Portuguese as Jota's chant boomed all around Anfield.
Reds defender Kostas Tsimikas was also sporting a new tattoo he's had done in honour of Jota in the first match, reading 'Wish you were here' with the No.20.
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