For anyone sensible that didn't stay up the wee hours this AM. With the usual caveat of 'it's still only a pre-season workout'-
Despite the unlucky 2-3 reverse, that was a hugely entertaining, very competitive game for a friendly. On an absolutely atrocious pitch. (Newly laid over the normal field turf. And it sadly showed. BADLY!). Played out in ridiculous heat. It was apparently pushing 100 D Fahrenheit at times. (37 C or so.). And barely dropped out of the 30's in our parlance all night long. Every last player who participated was absolutely drenched in sweat. MASSIVE props for them all for putting on such an entertaining, fast paced spectacle in those conditions.
A great fitness training exercise as everything really stepped up another level this pre-season. And the first time we've gone longer than two 45 minute teams this summer with the 10 outfield players from the first XI going for 58/59 minutes. Which, ironically, cost the result as Dortmunds 8 changes at half-time took advantage when all our legs had gone to score two quick second-half goals that were the difference. Excellent, quick, one/ two touch passing the majority too which added to the fitness workout.
Very few negatives to take from a historic, first ever game of 'proper' football at one of the most iconic and important stadiums in the US for their version. At one of the most iconic and important US Universities. Notre Dame.
A few stand-outs-
Mignolet. I'd be remiss to not give one of my least favourite Reds massively deserved props when he warrants them. Made at least three absolutely top drawer saves. Nottin he could have done with any goal. Distribution was great all night. Only lad to play the full 90 and as the senior goalie right now, leading by example in a terrific outing.
Talking senior players-
Joe Gomez/ Fabinho/ Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: JMG was as imperious as ever the back against top quality pre-season opposition. Kudos to him for the early return this summer. That's certainly paying off already with the question being asked of who starts alongside big Virg the Charity Shield? Rivalling at worst Matip stride for stride this summer/ Not mentioned Fabinho yet this pre-season but he's played every game like it was Madrid. And his top form of the second half of last year has continued. Perfect all around #6, as we view one/ Oxo-Chambo. Getting stronger and stronger. And it's showing with improved display's by the game. Really started to flash last night. MASSIVE bonus to have him back. For all the talk of no new, top players being added to the squad, there's a living, breathing, technicolour example of just that who's upgraded the group since last year.
And the youngsters continue to impress-
The open LB battle was skewed a little with the return of Andy Robbo. Larouci played the hour there. Then Lewis, showing his versatility and competency to slot in all over the park as he has regularly at youth level, having a storming half-hour the left of the midfield three. Pluses and minuses from both. Yasser super going forward again. And some of his recovery tackles and work-rate were very pleasing to see. But the most he's struggled this summer defensively with the massive step up in opposition quality. (Naturally. Given he's 18 and a one-year FB learning the position.). Adam's versatility and composure/ vision on the ball will just aid what we so highly value across the squad. I make him, as he should be, winning this battle through the three games to date. Massively pleasing to see the step-up hasn't phased either.
Kent/ Wilson. Still don't see much of any future for either here as regards the first team. But both continued their excellent pre-season topped off with a great Wilson goal. Which Kent played a big part of the build-up with a very intelligent dummy making the space in behind and taking out Hummels I think it was of all people. Hopefully, if they are to leave, clubs are watching and will be willing to pay the price. Two talented kids who will have a decent career. Just have to wonder where they get any sniff of a chance the top bracket level we're now at?
Jones/ Woodburn. Again, you wonder where they get a chance given the high calibre of midfield options? But there's no need to give up on either yet given their younger age. And both continued very promising pre-seasons with another excellent half-hours workout. Massively pleasing to see Ben in particular playing with a smile on his face again after the confidence draining experience he had last year down at Sheff Utd. High level loans for both, if we can find the right club that play a similar style to ourselves, look like the next beneficial step for the pair before the window shuts.
Mbappe. Uhmmm, I mean Rhian Brewster. Can he stop scoring and playing so well pre-season? Hard to keep him an in-house 'secret' when he's hogging the headlines every game! Held his own relatively well again against another big step up in opposition quality. And to have the confidence to both get in on the penalty ahead of all the senior pros, and then blam it away the top bin ..... 4 goals, 1 assist and counting through two halves and 30 minutes of football this summer. This one's an absolute diamond who is going to shock a **** of a lot of people this season.
Negatives-
Sloppy defending the first goal from Clyne. Same the two early the second half but that was more down to everyone just being totally goosed and legs going before the revitalised changes.
And a mad, over officious referee who was throwing yellow cards around like it was a European Cup final important game. What was all that about?
Alll in all a very good workout from a highly enjoyable game against our friends from Dortmund.
Onto Boston today and similar again against Sevilla Sunday night.
Up the ticking over nicely Reds!