Liverpool beat Wrexham 1-0 in a pre-season friendly at Yankee Stadium in New York, with Rio Ngumoha scoring the only goal of the game as Dominik Szoboszlai impressed on his first start of pre-season
Andoni Iraola secured consecutive pre-season wins as Liverpool defeated Wrexham 1-0 at New York’s legendary Yankee Stadium.
Rio Ngumoha netted the decisive goal when his strike deflected off Wrexham defender Lewis Brunt before finding its way past Danny Ward. True to form, Iraola utilised his entire squad in New York, making wholesale alterations at different stages to afford as many players as possible some game time. And it was a surprise star that grabbed headlines.
Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Ryan Gravenberch all stayed behind in Chicago to continue developing their fitness levels, while Federico Chiesa was ruled out due to illness and Jeremy Jacquet was also unavailable.
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Liverpool will now wrap up their pre-season tour of the United States with a clash against Leeds United at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Sunday. Here’s how Daily Star Sport scored the performance on the evening.
Starting XI
Giorgi Mamardashvili, 7 – Remained sharp to thwart a dangerous Wrexham opportunity by charging from his line and produced a fine stop to deny Smith before the offside flag went up, reports the Liverpool Echo
Calvin Ramsay, 6 – Found it difficult to provide Josh Abe with attacking assistance but committed few errors at the back.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe, 7 – The towering Austrian is a colossus at merely 18 and claimed his share of duels and aerial contests during this appearance. Enhanced passing accuracy will develop with experience.
Luke Chambers, 8 – A thoroughly composed performance from Chambers at left centre-back. He’s been faultless throughout this tour so far. Utterly serene in possession and perpetually positioned perfectly to sniff out danger.
Milos Kerkez, 6 – His maiden start of the summer witnessed him struggling to venture forward as frequently as he’d prefer. Was seldom tested at the back.
Dominik Szoboszlai, 8 – Appeared razor-sharp on his opening start of pre-season. Seemed to savour wearing the captain’s armband for the evening and elevated his performance with typical quality. The match proved far too straightforward for him on occasions.
Trey Nyoni, 7 – Appeared to thrive in the deeper midfield position, disrupting Wrexham’s attacks while utilising the ball shrewdly. Could prove a genuinely valuable asset for Iraola should he remain.
Joshua Abe, 6 – Presented with a golden opportunity early doors but failed to find the net. Senior involvement at merely 16 demonstrates just how highly he’s rated.
Harvey Elliott, 7 – Constantly sought possession and aimed to create opportunities in that no. 10 position. Compelled a fine stop from Ward after the interval. Might emerge as a genuine alternative under Iraola this campaign.
Calum Scanlon, 7 – Another energetic showing from the adaptable left-sided performer. Lightning-quick when he darts down the flank.
Lewis Koumas, 6 – Struggled at moments spearheading the attack and appears better equipped for wider positions.
Subs:
Curtis Jones, 6 – Appeared robust and match-fit following his second-half introduction. Drove forward with intent on several occasions.
Kieran Morrison, 6 – Couldn’t truly capitalise on his excellent display in Nashville but performed reasonably well down the left flank for this encounter.
Kostas Tsimikas, 6 – Ought to provide reliable competition for Kerkez this campaign if he remains. Made few notable errors.
Rio Ngumoha, 7 – Operating down the right wing, he began tentatively on the opposite side to where he established his reputation but netted the breakthrough goal with a deflected strike.
James McConnell, 6 – Maintained the tempo in the middle of the park and consistently sought to be forward-thinking with his distribution.
Jeremie Frimpong, 6 – Advanced whenever possible down that right channel but wasn’t as effective with his deliveries as he would have hoped.
Will Wright, 6 – Constantly prepared to engage physically with the Wrexham backline and hassled opponents when off the ball. Still awaiting a genuine glimpse of his capabilities this pre-season though.
Harvey Davies, 6 – Had little to occupy him following his substitution for Mamardashvili.
Mor Talla Ndiaye, 6 – Another youthful defender who appears commanding in stature. The Senegalese teenager fitted in seamlessly.
Josh Sonnie-Lambie, 6 – Maiden pre-season appearance for the Academy striker. Wasn’t as involved as he would have preferred.