Liverpool’s preparations for the new season began with a 3-1 win over Preston North End on Sunday – a composed, occasionally sharp display that marked the Premier League champions’ return to action. 

Goals from Conor Bradley, Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo provided a clinical edge, but the afternoon was most notable for four players making their first appearances since arriving at the club this summer. 

Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Freddie Woodman were each given their first opportunity to impress, as Arne Slot began integrating the latest additions to a squad now recalibrating for a fresh league title defence. 

Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s record signing, was absent – a precautionary decision by the club to manage his workload and avoid unnecessary risks at this early stage of pre-season. 

How Liverpool's four debutants fared at Preston as Arne Slot gets glimpse of future	Why Liverpool are playing in last season's kit in pre-season friendly at Preston	Preston 1-3 Liverpool: Emotional tributes to Diogo Jota as Reds begin pre-season with a win

The match unfolded under the weight of recent tragedy. 

The passing of Diogo Jota earlier this month remains raw across the club and its supporters, with poignant tributes held before kick-off. 

Emotional renditions of ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ was followed by a minute silence – all serving as a solid reminder of the absence felt most deeply among those who shared the pitch with him. 

In that context, this more than a routine pre-season opener. 

It was the first step into a new campaign shaped by evolution, emotion and expectation. 

A chance for Liverpool’s newcomers to begin making their mark. 

GIORGI MAMARDASHVILISimon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images.

Starting between the sticks, Giorgi Mamardashvili made his Liverpool debut, stepping into the sizeable shoes left by Alisson Becker for this friendly. 

The Georgian goalkeeper delivered a composed and assured forty-five minutes, displaying calmness and authority in net. 

Throughout the first half, Mamardashvili showed good communication with his defenders and handled Preston’s limited attacks with confidence. 

His distribution was a particular highlight with crisp and accurate passes – one that saw Federico Chiesa burst through on goal, but the Italian couldn’t find the target. 

While the friendly’s low intensity limited his shot-stopping opportunities, Mamardashvili assured debut hints at a goalkeeper ready to challenge for a starting role or provide strong competition in the Liverpool squad. 

MILOS KERKEZLiverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images.

Milos Kerkez was arguably the standout Liverpool debutant at Deepdale. 

Introduced at half-time, the Hungarian wasn’t afraid to showcase his talents. 

He showed impressive positional awareness in breaking up play, preventing the opposition from establishing a foothold. 

Kerkez also completed one hundred percent of his passes and tackles during the second half, whilst providing good energy and a willingness to burst forward. 

However, there were moments when his timing and decision-making needed refinement – both in tracking runners and choosing when to push forward versus hold back. 

Despite this, his showing aligned perfectly with Arne Slot’s desire for full backs who can contribute to all areas of the pitch. 

JEREMIE FRIMPONGAction Images via Reuters.

Jeremie Frimpong made a lively impression during his second-half appearance. 

The right-back brought flashes of dynamism, injecting pace and energy down Liverpool’s right-flank in brief but effective bursts. 

His determination to make forward runs demonstrated the attacking threat the club is banking on, following the loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid. 

Frimpong offered encouraging signs, striking a good balance between offensive and defensive duties. 

His delivery into the box had promise, though consistency will naturally improve with more minutes alongside his new teammates. 

Overall, it was a contribution that suggested of a player settling into newer surroundings with the attributes to become an important asset as the season unfolds. 

FREDDIE WOODMANNick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images.

In his first forty-five minutes as a Red, Freddie Woodman made a noticeable impact with two important saves to keep Preston at bay. 

The first saw him tip an effort over his crossbar, while later he reacted quickly to get down low and palm away a close-range strike. 

Though he wasn’t tested consistently, the experienced goalkeeper put in a valiant effort with a calming confidence between the sticks. 

As Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper for the forthcoming campaign, Woodman is unlikely to feature regularly, but moments like these underline his reliability and readiness to step-up. 

The Reds’ first outing of 2025/26 not only honoured the club’s past but also offered a glimpse into its evolving future. 

The fresh energy and adaptability shown by the new arrivals suggest a squad increasingly equipped to meet the challenges ahead. 

With the Premier League season fast approaching, the focus now shifts to building momentum, sharpness and translating these performances into a packed ten-month schedule. 

Liverpool already look well-positioned to evolve without losing the edge that made them champions.

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