Liverpool 3-2 Bilbao: Garkepo s two goals and one own are the focus, new players are outstanding but can t hide their hidden worries in defense

Liverpool defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-2: Cody Garkepo scored two goals in the second game of the evening, and he was not careful to score an own goal. In the end, Liverpool defeated Athletic Bilbao.

In the second of Liverpool's two friendly matches against Athletic Bilbao that night, Cody Garkepo was always the focus and the team eventually won.

First, the substitute lineup led by young player Leo Ngumoha won the first friendly match of the night 4-1. Then in the second half of the second game, Gakepo scored two goals in 15 minutes, and accidentally scored an own goal. The scene was very exciting.

Earlier, Mohamed Salah took the lead for the Reds with the assist from Hugo Ekitic, before Ohan Sanchet tied the score.

In the second half, after Unai Simon saved Ryan Gravenberg's shot, Garkepo seized the opportunity to score; then he accidentally pushed Maron Sannadi's shot into his own goal, but the Dutch then broke through Simon's defense and scored the winning goal, but Salah missed a penalty. Here are the main highlights of this game.

1. Florian Werz makes people unable to take their eyes off

Some players' actions are unique, and Florian Werz is one of them.

The German will obviously be the core of Liverpool's offensive system. In the opening stage, his turn not only deceived Bilbao's defensemen, but also seemed to have made half of the audience look at it.

He wore socks with rolled up socks, exuding a retro atmosphere, but when everyone was discussing that Liverpool might sign Alexander Isak, it should not be forgotten that the Reds have signed a top attacker in the world football this summer. He almost scored twice in the early stages of the game, and it seems that he will bring a lot of joy to the fans.

2. Hugo Ekitic made his mark...Mohamed Salah will be impressed

If you want to say something that can make Anfield fans love you, it is to give you all your strength; if you want to say something that can make Mohamed Salah have a good impression of you, it is to give him an assist.

Hugo Ekitic did these two points within 15 minutes of the game. His strength and vitality left a deep impression on the fans, and then used these qualities to assist Salah to help the team open the first record. He may need further polishing, but he obviously has the potential to make an immediate impact in the Premier League.

3. The defensive problem lingers

Because Virgil van Dijk missed two friendly matches for illness and Joe Gomez has not yet appeared, Ibrahima Conat is the only remaining recognized central defender in the full 180 minutes of the game.

Andy Robertson and Trey Nioni came to this position in the first game, and in the second game, Endo and Conat were partnered with the centre-back, but Arne Slot would never want to have these players as centre-backs in the official game, so it is crucial to introduce a new centre-back. The Reds were underperforming in defense of Bilbao’s two goals, especially the second one, which undoubtedly sparked concerns.

Sports Director Richard Hughes is watching the game in the Anfield main stand, and he has important recruitment work to be done in the next month.

4. Dominic Sobosloy and Cody Gakbo are expected to have an excellent season. Some players will continue to work hard after winning important honors and improve their game level to a higher level. Dominic Sobosloy and Cody Gakbo are likely to be such players.

Wilz's arrival has led many to think that the Hungarian would lose his position in the Liverpool midfield, but his versatility means he might actually compete in more games.

He held a deeper position in this game, performed very aggressively, and always wanted to let Liverpool take the initiative in offense. A wonderful skill and action made the audience cheer.

Gakbo also dominated the offensive left, constantly creating threats, scoring two goals (one goal in front and behind), and it can be seen that after Louis Dias left, he knew that he would be the first choice on the left, and he played happily.

5. Anfield suspends the game to remember Diogo Jota

Of course, this is the first time Liverpool has played in Anfield since Diogo Jota's unfortunate death last month. Before and after two friendly matches, many people missed the Portuguese player.

The most touching tribute happened in the 20th minute of the two games. The game was suspended and the players of both teams led the audience to pay tribute to Jota. Anfield echoed the slogans cheering Jota for Jota.

Reds defender Constantinoszimikas also showed his tattoo in the first game to commemorate Jota's new pattern with the words "Wishyouwerehere" (May you be here), and the number 20.