Defensive Lessons and Rising Stars in Hong Kong Preseason ClashEasy to Counter, Hard to IgnoreLiverpool’s 4-2 defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong may not count for points, but

LIVERPOOL suffered their first defeat of pre-season as they were run ragged by AC Milan in Hong Kong. To make matters worse, Arne Slot’s side conceded a comical 94th-minute goal to compound

With Díaz’s exit inching closer, Liverpool’s interest in forward options has intensified. One name regularly mentioned is Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker fits the profile preferred by Slot — technically sound, tactically flexible, and Premier League proven.

The reigning Bundesliga champions have endured a summer of spurned advances and failed bids. Nico Williams signed a new contract with Athletic Club, VfB Stuttgart have held firm on their valuation of Nick Woltemade and Liverpool beat Bayern to the record-breaking acquisition of Florian Wirtz.

Liverpool and AC Milan have got their pre-season friendly in Hong Kong off to a brilliant start.After Rafael Leao’s fantastic individual opener for the Italian side, Liverpool have levelled before

The midfielder’s eye for a forward pass was on display throughout, expanding on the short passing range glimpsed during the limited Stoke footage. Slot appears to be shaping a system that will ask Wirtz to dictate tempo, orchestrate movement and exploit pockets – but crucially, one that will depend on a proper number nine for full effect.

Defender Stephen Warnock, a boyhood Liverpool fan, was far from impressed with the way Benitez treated him in the lead-up to the final against Milan. Speaking last year on the Under The Cosh podcast, the former player stated that he was omitted from the matchday squad for the final despite Benitez previously naming him in the 18-man list.

French striker Hugo Ekitike has completed his £79m move from Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool, with the 23-year-old agreeing a six-year contract at Anfield