Liverpool ramped up things during their pre-season campaign with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Leicester City.
The Reds dominated their first game during their trip to Singapore, with Darwin Nunez, Bobby Clark, Diogo Jota and Ben Doak all on target.
It was the best performance of the summer so far from Jurgen Klopp’s side as they build towards the 2023-24 Premier League curtain raiser against Chelsea in two weeks’ time.
Liverpool started the game slowly and needed a big save from goalkeeper Caominhin Kelleher to remain level. The Republic of Ireland international rushed off his line to deny Wilfred Ndidi in the eighth minute.
Nunez did have the ball in the back of the net for the Reds two minutes later although he was adjudged to have strayed offside. But it would be that man Nunez who’d open the scoring in the 29th minute when Jota’s shot could only be parried and the Uruguay international finished into an empty net.
Klopp’s men put their foot on the gas and doubled the advantage on 35 minutes through a composed Clark finish. Then three minutes later, Jota was left in acres of space inside the box and headed home Mo Salah’s cross.
Liverpool made 10 changes at the interval but continued to dominate. Dominik Szboszlai almost scored a sensational goal when he spotted Mads Hermansen off his line - but the Foxes keeper got back to make a save with his head.
However, the fourth goal did arrive in the 64th minute when Joel Matip flicked on a Szoboszlai corner and Doak craned his neck to steer home at the back post.
Klopp’s troops did continue to have the better of things, with Luis Diaz having a goal ruled out for offside. But Klopp will be satisfied with his troops’ performance as they play Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Here’s how we rated the Liverpool players.
5. Andy Robertson - 6
Volleyed one chance over in the first half and got across well to make one sliding tackle and quell a Leicester attack. Subbed at half-time. | Getty Images Photo: Lionel Ng/Getty Images
6. Curtis Jones - 6
Had to play deeper than he’d have liked with the lack of defensive midfielders at the club and did what was required. Subbed at half-time. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
7. Bobby Clark - 7
Took his goal really well and was composed throughout the first half. Subbed at half-time. | Getty Images Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
8. Alexis Mac Allister - 8
So much play came through him in the first half, with his movement and passing top-drawer. Subbed at half-time. | Getty Images Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images