KopTalk.com Forums Football Liverpool FC Forum Last pre-season game

Given the opposition, you’d have to say not very impressive, but it was mostly youngsters so not much to take from it with one exception Bentekes taking the ball on his chest turning and volleying it with great accuracy into the left side of the ne. brilliant strike, and encouraging, I hope!

OK, missed quite a few chances, nobody really looked up for the game. Firminio worked hard but didn't really do much. Lucas had a good game. Can was ok too but he played quite an attacking role, doesn't look to me like Rodgers is planning to play him as a defensive midfielder. Benteke scored a great goal but missed 2 sitters.

My 2 cents..

Once Firmino settles in a bit he's gonna be very, very good

Benteke showed everyone his tekkers. Doubt we'll have to wait very long to see his best

Lucas, Can and Moreno (even defensively) had good games

Hopefully Migs stays fit, don't trust Bogdan against PL teams at all

Toure is an adequate backup, no more

Sakho did his job well, but didn't have a huge amount to do

Markovic looks like he's trying hard and he's got some real quality in there somewhere but never seems on the same page as the players around him.

Kent & Teixeira both looked more than capable of being in match day squads this year, and not just as injury cover

I pretty much agree with that full stop, harley

They played very different roles yesterday & Lucas also played really well. I think I'd have to see a whole lot more of Can in DM before putting him ahead of Lucas just yet.

Indeed there were some decent displays Faz, however, we were playing Swindon and we look the same shambolic mess at the back. Nothing has been rectified there absolutely nothing.

On that performance simply not ready for Stoke in any shape or form. Defensively (surprise surprise) very worrying.

A lot of training ground work to do this week as a unit that is for sure.

moreno badly at fault for there goal .

Moreno should have been tighter to his man but I think it was Makrovic who was badly at fault, it was his really poor pass under no pressure that had Lucas stretching & losing the ball that lead directly to their goal.

True, but overall he was actually good defensively, unlike any other recent performance I can think of. He got back where he needed to, pressed high and looked more mature on the pitch compared to last year. I would imagine the reviews Gomez has been getting has given him serious food for thought.

Not great to see Swindon look better in midfield possession, passing round us with ease.

Despite that, Firmino looked lively and should have probably had a goal and an assist. I don't think he's ready to start yet but will be a very good player. Likes to get in behind which is brilliant to see.

Benteke's all round play wasn't all that great but his finish was top quality. Really should have scored one or two more.

Teixeira wasn't even listed on the team sheet but changed the game when he came on. Has that drive and creativity we need in midfield. Full of confidence, has the ability to play defence splitting passes and shoot from range. Hopefully we see a lot more of him this season.

Lucas had some very good moments, looked like his vision and quickness of thought in possession has improved. Would still like to see a strong dominant anchor come in though. Scared about Lucas' challenges just outside our area, gives away too many silly free kicks in dangerous areas.

Ryan Kent is a lively young fella, will be watching his progress eagerly.

Can, as I said previously, should have been backup or partnering Henderson. Never a defensive mid, he's got too much to his game in attack. Holds the ball too long at times. Not ready to be a constant first team player.

Good to see that young 16 year old lad get a run out. Didn't look out of place.

Moreno HAS to close down his man. I'm sorry but if Gomez is playing there, they don't score.