Jürgen Klopp had mixed things up a little for the last match of the teams United States tour, whihc meant that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gini Wijnaldum was playing on the wings against Sporting. This was most likely at the cost of some of the younger players, as the manager most likely aimed to give the more experienced players some game time before the new season.

1st half:

As in most of the preseason games so far, I thought the team started really well playing with a lot of tempo and dominating their opponent. Simon Mignolet has played well in preseason so far, but he will do well to reflect the blame for Bruno Fernandes’ goal early on. I didn’t get to see a replay, but it looked like a swirwing shot. That being said, a keeper of Mignolets caliber should be able to keep it out. He more than made up for the error with a terrific double save in the dying seconds of the half.

In spite of some sloppy passes here and there, Liverpool managed to stay in control and eventually get the equalizer about 20 minutes. Divock Origi once again scored from a rebound in the penalty area – it’s good to see him show good instincts and anticipation in the box.

Trent Alexander-Arnold stood out as one of the teams strongest performers once again, hitting some good crosses (albeit also a couple of bad ones), some beautiful cross-field passes and breaking up Sporting counter attacks. Wijnaldum gave us the lead just before half-time and I generally think he made some good runs in behind, but it’s obvious that playing on the wing is not his best position.

2nd half:

The second half was a rather dull affair. Sporting equalized early on as Bruno Fernandes set up Wendell on a well executed counter attack. I was very impressed with both of these players. Especially Fernandes impressed with his influence on the game – setting up most of the teams dangerous attacks, putting good crosses in and grabbing a goal and an assist. He’s been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United lately and I think he would be a very good signing for them. He was also linked with a move to Liverpool earlier in the window and it’s fair to say that he’s a player I would be very excited to see in the Liverpool shirt. Wendell played deeper in midfield but had his best moments going forward. He hit the post in the first half and scored in the second (where he also played a big part in setting up the goal), generally moving around the pitch very well.

Virgil van Dijks header on to the post was the closest either team got to scoring in the last half hour. Sepp van den Berg finally got to make his debut, playing the last 5 minutes. He wasn’t challenged defensively, but got a few passes under his belt. RHian Brewster also came on late and had a few good touches, without it leading to any chances.

LFC Man of the Match: Trent Alexander-Arnold