Liverpool analysis - Klopp's bond with Coutinho still strong as Reds deliver timely reminder of their quality
Midfield options are plentiful despite Keita blow. After all the gnashing of teeth over who Liverpool havent signed this summer, here was a welcome reminder about the abundance of quality they already possess.
The Reds had every right to be on their knees at the Olympiastadion after a triple bill of punishment from Jurgen Klopp at their Bavarian training camp on Friday.
But after overcoming a sluggish start they dug deep and delivered a performance brimming with desire and a creative spark to wreck Hertha Berlins 125th anniversary celebrations.
Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool looks on prior to the pre season friendly match between Hertha BSC and FC Liverpool. Results count for little at this stage but the signs are promising.
Four wins, one draw, three clean sheets and a stack of positives for Klopp to ponder as he left the capital and flew back to Munich on Saturday night.
With that crunch Champions League play-off tie on the horizon, Liverpool simply cant afford to be slow starters this term and they certainly look on track.
Klopp is now resigned to missing out on Naby Keita this summer after RB Leipzig informed the Reds they would be wasting their time tabling a third bid.
Of course its a blow as the Guinean midfielder is a class act who would enhance most teams across Europe.
But Klopp is hardly short of central midfield options. Trying to second guess his line up for the big kick-off at Watford on August 12 isnt easy.
But if he goes with a front three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino that leaves captain Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho, Emre Can, Adam Lallana, Gini Wijnaldum and Marko Grujic vying for the three midfield spots.
Its hardly an area of weakness. Coutinho and Salah send out warning to Premier League defences It was a moment of awe inspiring brilliance.
Few players possess that kind of ability to make something out of absolutely nothing. When Coutinho received the ball close to the touchline deep inside his own half, there was no obvious danger.
But with one exquisite turn and burst into space, the pitch opened up for him. He spotted Salahs lightning quick dart and clipped an inch perfect ball over the top.
The Egyptian winger didnt need to even break his stride as he lobbed the keeper with consummate ease.
Philippe Coutinho - captain for the day The duo combined brilliantly to see off Leicester City in the Asia Trophy triumph in Hong Kong and they repeated the trick here. Premier League defences beware.
Since Barcelona had that £72million bid rejected, Coutinhos response has been exceptional. Rather be distracted by the speculation, if anything his game has gone to the next level.
Klopps man-management skills have certainly come to the fore over the past week. First, he had that pop at Bobby Madley when he accused the referee of not protecting Coutinho enough from some rough treatment in the Far East.
Philippe Coutinho captained the Reds Then he decided to give the little magician the honour of wearing the armband in the first half against Hertha. A coincidence? No chance.
With Barca circling, Klopp has reinforced to Coutinho just how much hes valued and appreciated by Liverpool. Coutinho was afforded a standing ovation when he departed midway through the second half.
There was a handshake with the manager and a pat on the back. That bond remains strong.
Can shows why hes too good to lose Emre Can was the final member of Klopps squad to report back for duty following his extended break after a victorious Confederations Cup campaign with Germany.
It was only on Tuesday that the midfielder was reunited with his team-mates at Melwood – many of whom have been in pre-season for nearly a month.
Emre Can of Liverpool battles for the ball with Mitchell Weiser Can is playing catch-up but you wouldnt have guessed it as he shone on his return to the ranks.
There was much to admire about the hour-long shift Can put in. One moment shortly after the Reds had gone 2-0 up in the first half showcased his strength and power.
Can collected possession and burst over halfway before looking up to assess his options. Instead he put his head down and charged forward.
He ended up taking it fully 60 yards after Hertha tried in vain to get it off him. Can ended up picking out Wijnaldum but his touch let him down and the opening disappeared.
Theres been plenty of talk about the 23-year-olds future this summer after he entered the final year of his contract.
Dominic Solanke and Emre Can celebrate Its a far from ideal situation with discussions which started a year ago yet to reach a suitable compromise.
Klopp is adamant that Can is staying put whatever happens – even if that means risking losing him for nothing next summer. It shouldnt come to that.
Principal owner John W Henry flew into Berlin with his wife Linda Pizzuti to watch Saturdays game. Henry and co need to get Can to sign on the dotted line.
Hes too good to lose. Manes return offers much It had been 17 long weeks since Sadio Mane last pulled on a Liverpool shirt.
Since he ended up in a crumpled heap in front of the Kop in the Merseyside derby in early April, the speedy winger had been stuck on the sidelines.
Surgery was required to repair the damage to the meniscus in his left knee.
Sadio Mane got his first game of pre-season Liverpool managed to achieve their top four target without him but theres no doubt that they are a much more potent unit with him back in the fold.
Mane was a revelation during his first year at Anfield – how that £30million price tag now looks like small change. He netted 13 goals and walked away clutching all the major accolades at the end of season awards.
Mane was afforded a great reception from the thousands of Reds inside the Olympiastadion who were present to witness his comeback. Sadio Mane goes close The Senegal international was predictably rusty.
On one occasion he lashed a volley over and at times his touch let him down, but he will be better for getting 45 minutes under his belt.
With Salah only coming on for the second half, were yet to see them operating in tandem. When Mane is fully up to speed it promises to be some sight.
He has a fortnight to get there. Solanke defying expectations as Gomez stakes his claim Two youngsters at opposite ends of the field grabbed the opportunity to enhance their prospects under Klopp.
Dominic Solanke clearly didnt read the memo about kicking off the new campaign with Liverpool Under-23s when he made the move from Chelsea.
Dominic Solanke in action Having opened his account for the Reds in Hong Kong, the 19-year-old bagged his second of the summer in this rout of Hertha.
There was plenty to admire about it as he cleverly pulled off his marker and met Lallanas cross with a looping header beyond Rune Jarstein. Chelseas loss is most definitely Liverpools gain.
Competition is tough with Firmino, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi for company but its been some start for Solanke. Joe Gomez is another who has surpassed expectations so far.
A month ago he looked destined to go out on loan but now the smart money suggests he will be staying put.
Klopp revealed he had told Gomez to lay off the weights and shed some weight to ensure he was more mobile this term. Its certainly done the trick.
Joe Gomez competes with Marvin Plattenhardt With Nathaniel Clyne having missed all of pre-season so far, Gomez finds himself competing with Trent Alexander-Arnold to start at right-back against Watford.
On the other flank, new boy Andy Robertson enjoyed a solid debut. One quality delivery from out wide should have been tucked away by Salah. Robertson is certainly a massive upgrade on Alberto Moreno, who toiled badly in the first half.
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