From the very kick off Liverpool faced a Malaysian select XI that were eager not to suffer that same fate a local Malaysian Premier League side did losing 7-0, in a one hour friendly between the two sides that saw Liverpool striker Danny Ings score a hat-trick.
The Malaysians played a very close defensive game, but were still keen to break scoring first, before settling back to contain the Reds, and while Liverpool came close on a couple of occasions that only bright bit of play was Jordan Ibe’s superb go-alone goal, cutting inform the right to fire the ball in the top right hand corner.
If there is anything we can take away from the disappointing game it is these five things.
1. Jordan Henderson is showing that he is not taking the Captains armband lightly, and is fast becoming a star of the team.
2. Belgium striker Divock Origi needs to be more clinical with his finishing, and despite impressing the staff at Melwood, has missed many a fine opportunity to find the back of the net during this pre-season tour, meaning that if he is serious about a starting spot in Brendan Rodgers team, he will have to improve.
3. Liverpool’s Defence still seems to be suffering from the same problems that let them down last season, making silly mistakes that cost goals, and if the Reds want to avoid another humiliation at Stoke City on August 9th they need to solve these problems and fast.
4. To be fair on the team, intense humidity kills the game, it just saps you of all your strength which was not only evident on the pitch, but on the subs bench as well with everyone just looking drained.
5. Malaysian’s don’t do friendlies very well with ever member of the select XI not afraid to stick the boot in as Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva’s cut eyebrow and Nathaniel Clyne’s bruised ankles can prove.
