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Milos Kerkez pulled on a Liverpool shirt for the first time(Image: PA)

Sunday was never really going to be about the football match for Liverpool, but Arne Slot can take heart from the performances of four of the club's new faces.

Emotional tributes were paid to Diogo Jota before the match against Preston North End at Deepdale, where many Liverpool fans arrived with Jota flags, scarves and shirts as they paid tribute to the club's beloved No.20.

Preston had produced a special free matchday programme for the match in honour of both Jota and his brother Andre, and there were emotional renditions of the Preston anthem 'Can't Help Falling In Love' and Liverpool's 'You'll Never Walk Alone' before the game.

When the match began though it was all about business for Liverpool's players and Slot, as difficult as that would have been for them.

And Slot would have been pleased with what he saw from his four debutants.

READ MORE:Liverpool win pre-season opener against Preston as stars pay tribute to Diogo JotaREAD MORE:Liverpool stars pay tribute to Diogo Jota in emotional scenes at first match since tragic death

Giorgi Mamardashvili was the only one of the six summer signings to begin the game at Deepdale, and while the Georgian didn't have much to do he managed to perform with a minimum of fuss.

His stature stands out, and he looks likely to be a dependable presence for the Reds if and when they choose to rest Alisson Becker.

One moment in particular stood out when he took control of a difficult backpass and expertly played it out to Kostas Tsimikas, showing that he could well have all the ability of Alisson with the ball at his feet.

With Florian Wirtz rested after playing for Germany in the Nations League this summer, and youngster Armin Pecsi on the bench, the second half saw appearances for Freddie Woodman, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.

Giorgi Mamardashvili made his first Liverpool appearance in goal(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Woodman, signed as third-choice goalkeeper, had to put up with some playful barracking from the Preston crowd having left this summer following three years at the club, and despite some occasional kicks out of play he was largely assured.

The displays of Frimpong and Kerkez were always going to be of more interest to Reds fans though, and sure enough both full-backs did exactly what you expect of them.

Bursting forward with pace they were both able to contribute to attacks, and there were eye-catching moments from both as they got back well to recover defensively when they appeared to be fighting a losing battle to get to the ball.

Jeremie Frimpong was making his first Liverool appearance(Image: PA)

It is that express pace that Slot has bought them both to the club for, and they seem to have fitted in smoothly.

It was also notable to see Kerkez playing at left-back with Andy Robertson inside him at centre-back, a move which Slot could look to repeat in future games.

Ultimately the Reds ran out 3-1 winners thanks to a first half strike from Conor Bradley and second period strikes from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, both of whom pulled off Jota celebrations.

This was a day that will always be about him, but Slot will take a lot from the displays of his new boys too.

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