After arriving in Austria last week to begin preparations for the upcoming season, Liverpool have now confirmed their first two friendlies. The first will be against Stuttgart on the 22nd of August before the second game takes place against Red Bull Salzburg on the 25th of August. Both games will be played behind closed doors in Austria, therefore following government guidelines.
Liverpool Set to Play Twice Before Community Shield
Chance for Rhian Brewster to Take His Place in the Squad?
Rhian Brewster would have arrived back at Melwood with all the confidence in the world. The Liverpool youngster scored 10 goals in 20 appearances whilst all loan in the Championship with Swansea City. Now, with his potential to become a top player highlighted for all to see, Brewster will be desperate for some first-team action.
With Klopp keen to see Brewster in action, too, don’t be surprised to see the Englishman’s name pop up on the teamsheet during pre-season.
The likes of Marko Grujić and Ki-Jana Hoever are also likely to receive minutes and the chance to impress the Liverpool manager ahead of the season. For Grujić, in particular, pre-season will be a make or break for his Liverpool career. Should he fail to impress Klopp, another loan spell or maybe even a permanent sale may be on the cards this summer.
The Chance to Play in Familiar Surroundings for Minamino in Pre-Season
Since arriving in Liverpool, Takumi Minamino has failed to establish himself in the squad. Pre-season should give the former Salzburg man the chance to get to the know his teammates, however, and finally settle in at Liverpool.
A first goal, even if it’s just in pre-season, will do wonders for his confidence, especially against his former club in Salzburg. Eventually, the forward should play a big part in this Liverpool side. After all, he proved dangerous enough against them in last season’s Champions League tie.
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