Liverpool continued their encouraging start to pre-season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wrexham at Yankee Stadium, with teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha once again stealing the headlines.
The 17-year-old’s deflected second-half strike proved enough to separate the sides, giving Andoni Iraola his second victory in as many matches since taking charge of the Reds.
While pre-season is rarely about the result alone, there were once again plenty of positive signs for Liverpool supporters to take away.
Ngumoha Continues to Impress
It feels as though every time Rio Ngumoha steps onto the pitch, he gives supporters another reason to be excited.
Introduced at half-time, the youngster showed exactly why so many people inside the club rate him so highly.
With 15 minutes remaining, Ngumoha collected the ball inside Liverpool’s half before driving directly at the Wrexham defence.
His low effort took a deflection before looping over the goalkeeper and into the net, sealing the win for the Reds.
It may have needed a touch of fortune, but the confidence to run at defenders and create the opportunity entirely belonged to Ngumoha.
He continues to make an increasingly strong case for regular first-team involvement this season.
More Positive Signs Under Iraola
Although the scoreline was much tighter than the 4-2 victory over Sunderland, Liverpool once again looked like a team embracing Andoni Iraola’s ideas.
The pressing remained aggressive.
The intensity remained high.
And Liverpool looked far more willing to play forward quickly whenever opportunities presented themselves.
Supporters are already beginning to recognise the fingerprints of their new head coach.
There is still plenty of work to do, but the early signs remain encouraging.
Szoboszlai Leads by Example
With Virgil van Dijk still absent following his extended summer break, Dominik Szoboszlai captained Liverpool and once again looked every inch a leader.
The Hungarian dictated play for long periods, created several chances and was heavily involved in Liverpool’s attacking moves.
His excellent through ball almost created an early goal for Josh Abe, while he also tested the goalkeeper himself with a powerful effort from distance.
Performances like this only strengthen the argument that Szoboszlai is becoming one of Liverpool’s most important players under Iraola.
Chances at Both Ends
Liverpool could easily have taken the lead much earlier.
Josh Abe was denied by former Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward inside the opening minutes after a clever passing move involving Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott.
Lewis Koumas also came close with an early strike before later seeing penalty appeals waved away.
Wrexham, meanwhile, also created opportunities.
Sam Smith forced several uncomfortable moments in the first half, while Nathan Broadhead tested Giorgi Mamardashvili with an excellent long-range effort after the interval.
Late on, Kieffer Moore missed Wrexham’s best opportunity to equalise, ensuring Liverpool left New York with another victory.
Competition for Places Continues
One of the most encouraging aspects of pre-season has been the performances of Liverpool’s younger players.
Ngumoha continues to impress.
Josh Abe looked lively again.
James McConnell, Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas all continued their development.
The competition for places appears stronger than ever, exactly what Iraola will want heading into the new campaign.
Leeds Up Next
Liverpool now travel to Chicago for the final match of their USA tour against Leeds United.
It will provide another valuable opportunity for Iraola to continue implementing his ideas while supporters get another glimpse of how this evolving Liverpool side is beginning to take shape.
Two games.
Two wins.
More importantly, two performances full of energy, intensity and promise.
The early days of the Andoni Iraola era continue to move in the right direction.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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