Arne Slot’s Liverpool kickstarted their pre-season tour in Asia with a whimper, falling to a 4-2 defeat at the hands of AC Milan. Liverpool duo Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo scored; Rafael Leao, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Noah Okafor (twice) were on target.
The Reds – after winning the Premier League title in 2024/25 – have showed zero signs of slowing down. Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have arrived through the Anfield doors as they look to retain their status as champions of England.
Although it was just pre-season and the result isn’t – in the grand scheme of things, at least – the end of the world, what were the takeaways for the reigning Premier League champions? From squad frailties to young talents showing their worth, here are four things learnt from Liverpool’s 4-2 loss to AC Milan.
LIVERPOOL ARE IN NEED OF A CENTRE-BACK
Gomez injured; Konate’s future uncertain
What with Jarell Quansah sold to Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen and Joe Gomez injured (once again!), Slot would be wise to enter the market for a new central defender. Gomez travelled to Asia but has returned to the AXA Training Centre to undergo treatment – and his recurring issues are cause for concern.
Factor in the uncertainty hanging over Ibrahima Konate’s Anfield future because none other than Real Madrid are interested in the Frenchman’s signature – and Slot would be naïve to enter the new campaign without dipping their toes in the market. In fact, against AC Milan, Ryan Gravenberch was forced to drop back.
RIO NGUMOHA ABLE TO BE LEFT WING BACK-UP
Luis Diaz’s potential departure could open the door
As their busy summer transfer window continues to rumble on, similarly to Konate’s situation, doubt remains over the future of winger Luis Diaz. Barcelona, before the loan signing of Marcus Rashford, were interested; Bayern Munich remain keen admirers of the Colombian hotshot – and there is a good chance that he will move to Germany before the summer is over. Step forward: Rio Ngumoha.
A 16-year-old left-winger who has impressed club bosses with his recent performances under the Dutch tacitician, the teenage sensation has shown that he is able to be a back-up in that position, especially after notching an assist against the Italians. Of course, down the line, there is every chance that he could be the primary option – but, for the sake of his own development, being an understudy is ideal for now.
CONOR BRADLEY IS SLOT’S NO.1 RIGHT BACK
Frimpong could be used higher up as Salah’s deputy
Trent Alexander-Arnold, wrongly or rightly, departed in the summer to join Los Blancos; and Frimpong, formerly of Bayer Leverkusen, was brought in as a replacement. Though, in Germany, the Dutchman was often used as wide in a midfield four. Against AC Milan, he played on the wing as he replaced the ever-reliable Mohamed Salah, whose status at the club is cemented for now.
That will likely be the case throughout the season with him jumping between positions on the right flank, leaving the door ajar for the young, yet relatively experienced, Conor Bradley to take the opportunity with both hands and command that position as his own. He played excellently against Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe last term – and every time he’s played, the Irishman has been a breath of fresh air at Anfield.
COULD SZOBOSZLAI BE THE NEW JAMES MILNER?
Hungarian is being trialled in an array of positions/roles
Wirtz’s arrival spelled trouble for Dominik Szoboszlai, whose best position is the same as the fleet-footed German. Against Preston North End, the Hungary captain played at right-back despite being an attacking midfielder by trade. Earlier today, the scorer of Liverpool’s first played deeper in the engine room alongside Tyler Morton and Harvey Elliott.
Could he be the new James Milner? Previously employed by the Reds, the Englishman played in an array of positions – and Szoboszlai, widely regarded as one of world football’s best No.8s, could orchestrate the same utility man role for Slot. Still just 24 years of age, he is also capable of playing on either wing. It may not be the role he expected when joining, but he could certainly thrive in it!