BIRKENHEAD, England, Sporting Alert — Liverpool FC kicked off their 2017 pre-season fixtures with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park on Wednesday night (12).
Starters James Milner and Marko Grujic and substitutes Pedro Chirivella and Ben Woodburn provided the goals for the English Premier League side in the runaway win.
Manager Jürgen Klopp named a very strong Liverpool line-up to start the game, as the likes of captain Jordan Henderson, who made his first appearance since February and striker Daniel Sturridge, whose future at the club is uncertain, were among the starters.
However, forward Divock Origi and defenders Dejan Lovren and Alberto Moreno all missed the game for Liverpool as they continue to recover from minor muscle strains.
The Reds took the lead in the 34th minute from the penalty spot when vice-captain Milnar converted from 12 yards after Sheyi Ojo was fouled in the box by Tranmere goalkeeper Scott Davies.
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— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 12, 2017
It was a wonderful hit by Grujic, wasn't it? 🔥
Watch it again and again for free: https://t.co/OH4MydvBxN pic.twitter.com/EA16Gjh1gh
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 12, 2017
Midfielder Grujic doubled the Liverpool lead in the 42nd minute when he picked up the ball 25 yards out, took a touch and then hammered home a shot into the bottom corner.
The Reds led 2-0 at halftime.
Liverpool increased their lead five minutes into the second half through Chirivella, who stitched home a loose ball inside the area after Davies had saved a stinging shot from Dominic Solanke.
Woodburn rounded out the score when he won and took the penalty kick himself in the 80th minute.
Summer signing Mohamed Salah didn’t feature in the game as well because of immigration reasons.
According to report, the former Chelsea winger who signed on a £39 million deal from Roma, needs to leave the country and then return in order to get his work permit signed off.
19: All even so far in the Reds' return to action…
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Watch live: https://t.co/Xae9aC9ZWa pic.twitter.com/mIsBF2fQKV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 12, 2017
Attacker Sadio Mane was not available as well, as he continues to recover from injury.
Other names missing from the Liverpool FC roster for the friendly were Adam Lallana and Phillip Coutinho, who only returned for pre-season on Tuesday and need time to build better base.
“I was happy with the squad I had today; first half with a little bit more experience and second half with the young players,” Klopp said.
“It looked good – as good as possible after around about eight days of training and I really enjoyed watching it. The first half started really well, then it looked a little bit more stiff – a few players were looking a little bit for their role, their position and all that stuff.
“Second half, surprisingly it looked fresher and that’s good – it was more flexible and a little bit more fluent. Both halves were good, we scored good goals and could have scored more. It was good.”
GOALSCORERS:
James Milner (pen), Marko Grujic, Pedro Chirivella and Ben Woodburn (pen).
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