Solanke and Woodburn turn in impressive displays as Liverpool brush aside Bilbao!

Last updated : 18 February 2023 By Ryan Bromilow,

Potent youngsters prove their potential and present the idea that Liverpool might just have strength in depth after all. Despite the notable absences of Adam Lallana and Phillippe Coutinho from the squad, Klopp’s side were still capable of producing a convincing performance to end their pre-season exactly how they started it, strong.

Liverpool     3 - 1    Atletico Bilbao

Firmino (24’)             Williams (30’)

Woodburn (59’)

Solanke (80’)


In the wake of back to back Audi Cup fixtures in mid week, with the exception of Simon Mignolet, Klopp named two completely separate starting eleven’s. Liverpool looked bright in the first 20 minutes and it didn't take long before their sharp approach converted into a goalscoring opportunity. Liverpool was awarded a penalty on the 22nd-minute mark, Can flizzed a cross on to the chest of Roberto Firmino, who was upended in the box and the Brazilian made no mistake from the spot converting his third penalty in a number of days.

Bilbao hit back on the half hour mark, longtime Liverpool target showed his credentials by smashing home from close range, a combination of sloppy play in the middle of the park from Origi and a defensive error from Dejan Lovren allowed the Spanish outfit to draw the game level.

Klopp made several changes at the break, handing a handful of youngsters the chance to prove their worth. It is safe to say that they certainly did that, 60 minutes in, Solanke cut the ball back to Woodburn, who sidestepped the defender and emphatically thrashed the ball past the helpless Kepa just outside the penalty area. A finish usually delivered by a 20 goal a season striker.

Liverpool capped off their leader with yet another youngster making his mark, Dominic Solanke took his tally to three in pre-season with another headed goal ten minutes from time to seal the win. The forward continues to prove that he's not just for the future, but for the here and now as well.

It was a comprehensive victory for the Reds, a performance that will give Klopp plenty to ponder in his pursuit for that ideal starting eleven in Liverpool’s first game of the league campaign away to Watford on August 12.

Man of the Match: Dominic Solanke

Teams:

Liverpool: Mignolet; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Lovren, Moreno; Can, Milner, Grujic; Salah, Firmino, Origi

Substitutes: Karius, Ward, Gomez, Klavan, Robertson, Flanagan, Wijnaldum, Ejaria, Woodburn, Kent, Mane, Solanke

Athletic Bilbao: Arrizabalaga; Boveda, Nunez, Lekue, Saborit; San Jose, Rico, Aketxe; Williams, Merino, Cordoba

Substitutes: Herrerin, Etxebarria, Sola, Villalibre, Etxeita, De Marcos, Vesga, Balenziaga

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