Thiago Alcantara:
In full circulation, there are few footballers extra pleasing on the attention than Thiago, and the Spaniard gave one thing of a masterclass right here, displaying his full array of expertise in entrance of a drooling viewers.
The sport was lower than 4 minutes outdated when he picked up possession in his personal half, flicked the ball up and speared a volleyed move out to Andy Robertson. Quickly after, he was spraying it to James Milner on the other flank. Fifty yards, pinpoint.
Simply earlier than half time, he was on the scoresheet, controlling the ball 25 yards out and firing an unstoppable low half-volley into the far nook. Approach personified, that one.
Stefan Bajcetic:
Liverpool’s midfield could also be in want of an overhaul, however this lad definitely seems to be like he is able to be a part of its future.
At 18, Bajcetic has already begun to ascertain himself as a part of Jurgen Klopp’s first-team squad, and his displaying right here suggests there might be a lot extra to return.
Pep Lijnders believes the Spanish U19 worldwide has “all of the attributes wanted” to be a top-class No.6 for the Reds, and it’s noticeable simply how snug the previous Celta Vigo prospect seems to be ready which calls for so much when it comes to focus, maturity and self-discipline.
Bajcetic’s positional play, his anticipation and skill to vacuum up second balls, is already at a really excessive stage, and he performs with a confidence, composure and consciousness which is approach past his tender years.
His physicality will enhance, and might want to, as he will get older, and he should nonetheless overcome large hurdles if he’s to turn out to be a everlasting fixture in a aspect which can hope to be difficult for the most important prizes within the coming years.
However to date, so very promising.
Darwin Nunez:
Welcome again, Darwin! After disappointment in Qatar got here a promising return to motion in Dubai, as Nunez wasted no time in any respect in selecting up the place he left off for Liverpool previous to the World Cup.
The Uruguay worldwide wanted solely half an hour to make his mark right here, scoring twice to place the seal on an excellent victory for his aspect, and providing good omens for his supervisor forward of the large restart.
Nunez had already stung the palms of Antonio Mirante, the veteran Milan goalkeeper, by the point he discovered himself on the top of a fairly fantastic move from teen Bobby Clark. He stayed calm, slotting dwelling low contained in the close to publish to make it 3-1.
Then got here a easy second, transformed from shut vary after a driving run and selfless cross from Ben Doak, a 17-year-old whose early first-team forays counsel could have an enormous future within the sport.
Nunez capped his promising cameo by scoring, someway, from the spot within the penalty shootout, and with Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota each sidelined till nicely into the New Yr, Liverpool want their £64m man to maintain up this type of type.