With the usual caveat of 'its a pre-season friendly', that couldn't have started much better.
6 of the best, without return, to carry on the glory of what we currently are.
Tranmere, as many a team will feel this season, you just met Europe's best. (H)
And a very big, physical Tranmere side at that which made the great performances of all the young lads even better. Thoroughly professional, hard working, workout with great one/ two touch quick pass and move logger the full 90 that the League One side naturally couldn't keep up with. That's the standard set for the summer. (Performance, attitude/ hunger and work rate wise. Forget the bonus of the clinical finishes.). Keep on maintaining that boys before the first chance of 7 this season the Charity Shield against City.
Few notable's-
LB. This is gonna' be a really enjoyable open battle this summer as to who wins Alby's vacant slot in the squad backing up Andy Robbo. I make that pretty much even after round one. Larouci was great first half going forward. Lewis the same the second. With some crunching tattles thrown into boot.
Hoever has noticeably filled out without losing any of his speed. And the rest of his game at RB was as classy as ever. Been beating the drum for this kid to whomever will listen since we devoed Ajax by stealing him. Defo first team player going forward make no mistake.
Talking of-
Rhian Brewster. Telling yer. This lad is gone' surprise a lot of people the PL this year. Like the aforementioned young Dutch defender, he's filled out a lot to add that strength to his game. Without losing any of his rapid speed. 2 great goals. An assist. And an all round game so reminiscent of Owen with the clinical ness of Robbie it's frightening what L'pool and England have on their hands here. His speed of thought and movement is a joy to behold. Keep on saying it, but he's a proper superstar in the making.
Great to see Ben Woodburn looking like a ten ton weight's been lifted off his shoulders and playing freely with confidence again. Along with Curtis Jones continuing his fine end to last season the 23's after he'd regressed for large parts of it. Both should be well served out on loan somewhere this year. I'm hesitant to say too much on Wilson and Kent as I don't think either has a future here but props to both for hitting the ground running in a very good 45 minute display. Boss assist by H for Brewster's first.
Prise to the other kids too for contributing a fine display. The centre-half's who won't have a future here all things being equal. And the two young forwards who may well do in the coming years. Bobby Duncan scoring his first, first-team goal ..... Man alive, for a Scouse lad, it doesn't get ANY better than that. The lucky btard haha.
Great to see Alex and JMG get through 45 unscathed putting themselves about. The rest of the senior vets. were as professional as they always are.
Only downside was Glatzel's injury. Hopefully not too bad. And the absolutely mad socks. WTF are they all about?
Props to Tranmere for making that a competitive, very beneficial first workout.
1 down. 6 to go before the first trophy of the season is on the line.
Onto Bradford and Steven Darby's big day for his charity Sunday.
Up the 6 times Reds!
