Slott reads right! Liverpool s new player integrates into his debut, and the full-back double engine becomes the biggest surprise

Liverpool won 3-1 in the first preseason game against Preston. Although the focus of the game has always been on the memorials of Diogo Jota, coach Arne Slott also took the opportunity to examine the performance of the four new players. George Mamadashvili, Jeremy Flynnon, Milos Kirketz and Freddy Woodman each had their own highlights, providing a positive signal for the Reds' lineup layout in the new season.

As the only starting new player, Georgian goalkeeper Mamadashvili performed calmly throughout the game. Despite the limited offensive threat, Preston still showed similar foot skills to Alisson when handling backcourt passes several times - in a face of a tricky return pass, he accurately distributed the ball to Constantinos Zimikas, highlighting the requirement of "goalkeepers participating in ball control" in Slott's tactical system.

This new recruit in the summer window is tall and has a clear sense of position. Although he has not faced too many save tests, his zero mistakes are enough to reassure Slot. Given Alisson's age, Mamadashvili's stable play provides a reliable rotational option for goalkeeper positions.

The two full-backs Jeremy Flynnon (right) and Milos Kirketz (left) who appeared in the second half perfectly interpreted Slot's original intention of signing them - the balance of ultimate speed and offense and defense.

·Flynnon has repeatedly inserted high-speed along the right side, not only providing width for the offensive end, but also resolving danger with explosive power when returning to defense. He completed key interceptions at one time without seemingly catching up with the ball, showing defensive resilience;

·Kerkez formed a combination of "fullback + center back" with Andy Robertson on the left (Roberson retracted to the middle), and this arrangement may become Slot's regular choice in the future. His awareness of forward insertion and his enthusiasm for returning to defense was also impressive, and he did not lose the advantage of one-on-one attack and defense on the side several times.

The common point between the two is that "change the situation with speed", echoes Liverpool's traditional full-back style, and run-in with the team system is smoother than expected.

Freddy Woodman, who joined as the third goalkeeper, became a special "homemaker" because he played for Preston (2022-2025). Faced with the jokes of the old host fans, although he made several kick-off mistakes, his overall performance was average, especially a close save that resolved Preston's counterattack threat.

For Woodman, the core task of the preseason is to adapt to the team system, and his presence guarantees the depth of the Liverpool goalkeeper position - a reliable third option after Alisson and Mamadashvili.

Although the emotional significance of this game is far beyond the competitive level (Darwin Nunes and Cody Garkepo all imitate Jota after scoring), the performance of the four new players still brings confidence to Slot:

·The speed and insertion ability of the full-back perfectly match his tactical concept of "windback to fullback";

·Mamadashvili's foot skills provide new possibilities for the backcourt ball output system;

·Kerkez and Robertson's position exchange suggest that Slot may try a more flexible defensive position in the new season.

In the end, Connor Bradley, Nunes and Garkepo scored goals to help the Reds win, but for Slott, the adaptability and potential displayed by the new players may be more important than victory.