They arrived talking about a South
American who has not been out of the headlines but left discussing
another South American who is set to create plenty of his own.
A huge number of Liverpool supporters made their way up the M6 for their side’s opening friendly against Preston North End and, given everything that has happened in recent months, the name of Luis Suarez was never far from conversations.
But after a facile 4-0 win, the focus had shifted to Philippe Coutinho. If it is debatable what role the unsettled Uruguayan striker will play in Liverpool’s future, it is certain that the little Brazilian’s input will be crucial for Brendan Rodgers over the next 12 months.
Enthusiasm, of course, must be tempered about Coutinho, given the nature of the game and the standard of the opposition, but there were several flashes of undisputed quality – a cushioned pass here, a darting run there – which set him apart.
This game was staged to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Bill Shankly’s birth and Liverpool’s iconic manager, who won the FA Cup with Preston in 1938, would have enjoyed watching a player like Coutinho. There are areas in which he must improve but this, certainly, was a positive start.
Aspas completed the scoring on 75 minutes with a left-footed drive from 20 yards, confirming that Liverpool would lift the Shankly Shield, which was presented at the end by his granddaughter Karen Gill. Rodgers and Liverpool’s supporters will be hoping this isn’t the last silverware they see
A huge number of Liverpool supporters made their way up the M6 for their side’s opening friendly against Preston North End and, given everything that has happened in recent months, the name of Luis Suarez was never far from conversations.
But after a facile 4-0 win, the focus had shifted to Philippe Coutinho. If it is debatable what role the unsettled Uruguayan striker will play in Liverpool’s future, it is certain that the little Brazilian’s input will be crucial for Brendan Rodgers over the next 12 months.
Recruit: Aspas netted his first goal in a Liverpool shirt in the 4-0 win in Lancashire
Opening: Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool celebrates with Jordan Ibe after scoring the first goal
Opening account: Ibe scores his first goal for the first team at Deepdale
Coutinho opened the scoring in the
15th minute, nonchalantly converting a penalty after he had been hauled
down by Preston’s former Liverpool midfielder John Welsh, to set the
tone for a victory that was confirmed by goals from Jordon Ibe, Raheem
Sterling and Iago Aspas.Enthusiasm, of course, must be tempered about Coutinho, given the nature of the game and the standard of the opposition, but there were several flashes of undisputed quality – a cushioned pass here, a darting run there – which set him apart.
This game was staged to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Bill Shankly’s birth and Liverpool’s iconic manager, who won the FA Cup with Preston in 1938, would have enjoyed watching a player like Coutinho. There are areas in which he must improve but this, certainly, was a positive start.
Preparations underway: Coutinho competes with Paul Huntington of Preston North End during the win
New faces: New signings were on show at Deepdale, including Kolo Toure (left) and Preston's Kevin Davies
Coutinho was substituted at half-time,
as Brendan Rodgers made 10 changes, but by then Liverpool had built up a
comfortable cushion after young winger Ibe crashed in a drive from 20
yards on 38 minutes having skipped inside two challenges.
Preston did little to trouble Liverpool’s debutants at the back – Simon Mignolet made one routine save, while Kolo Toure was untroubled alongside Daniel Agger – and after the break it was the other new boys who made their mark.
A £7.7million arrival from Celta Vigo,
Aspas showed some glimpses of quality. He set up the third goal for
Sterling on 64minutes, the England Under-21 winger speeding on to the
Spaniard’s through ball before rounding Declan Rudd to finish with
aplomb.Preston did little to trouble Liverpool’s debutants at the back – Simon Mignolet made one routine save, while Kolo Toure was untroubled alongside Daniel Agger – and after the break it was the other new boys who made their mark.
Tucked away: Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho slots home the opening goal
Aspas completed the scoring on 75 minutes with a left-footed drive from 20 yards, confirming that Liverpool would lift the Shankly Shield, which was presented at the end by his granddaughter Karen Gill. Rodgers and Liverpool’s supporters will be hoping this isn’t the last silverware they see
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