Liverpool picked up a solid 4-1 win over Athletic Club in the first of two pre-season friendlies at Anfield on Monday, with Rio Ngumoha, Darwin Nunez, Ben Doak and Harvey Elliott all on the scoresheet.
Arne Slot named a youthful and rotated side for the 5pm kickoff, handing starts to Freddie Woodman, Luca Stephenson, Trey Nyoni, and 16-year-old Ngumoha, while Alexis Mac Allister anchored midfield.
Ngumoha opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort in just the third minute, curling home from the edge of the box in front of the Kop. It was the teenager’s second goal of pre-season and another reminder of his growing confidence.
Nunez added a second moments later, sweeping in from close range after Ngumoha headed Ben Doak’s cross back into the danger area.
Doak then made it 3-0 before the break with a smart turn and low finish at the near post, beating Padilla despite the keeper getting a hand to it.
Liverpool continued to dominate after the restart, and Elliott made it 4-0 in the second half with a crisp finish after another slick attacking move.
Athletic Club improved later in the game and grabbed a consolation goal, but the Reds saw out the match to claim a convincing win.
The Dutch manager is expected to field a stronger XI for the 8 pm kickoff, with more senior names returning to the pitch in the second fixture of the day.
