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However, Deepdale served as a platform for both the potential future stars and possible transfer revenue for the Reds.

With several senior players understandably absent, either due to emotional reasons or fitness concerns following a disrupted pre-season, the stage was set for a host of youngsters to seize their chance.

All except Luca Stephenson, who spent the previous season as a regular in the first team on loan at Scottish Premiership side Dundee United, had prior competitive first-team experience with Liverpool.

The standouts were among the starting line-up, with 16 year old Rio Ngumoha stealing the show.

Stephenson showcased his adaptability by confidently filling in at centre-back alongside Joe Gomez, and the 21 year old has clearly reaped the rewards of regular first-team action in Scotland.

Doak, just 19 and the provider of Liverpool's third goal at Preston for Cody Gakpo, had an impressive loan spell at Championship side Middlesbrough last season cut short due to injury.

He attracted unsuccessful bids from Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town in January.

A permanent departure seems likely given the player's hunger for regular game time.

Nottingham Forest are the latest among several Premier League and overseas clubs to express interest, with Liverpool expected to command a minimum fee of £25m for the Scotland international.

Lewis Koumas, the 19 year old forward, spent the previous season at Stoke City and is already attracting attention from numerous Championship clubs, with another loan move on the cards.

However, it appears that the progress of 18 year old centre-back Amara Nallo would be best served with the under-21s for now.

Then there are the more established youngsters who weren't involved.

Following an injury-riddled previous season that thwarted a loan move to Sunderland in the New Year, Jayden Danns was spotted in first-team training on Tuesday, hinting at a potential temporary transfer.

James McConnell is back in action after his previous season was cut short by injury.

Otherwise, much will hinge on the opportunities available this season and beyond for individual players at Liverpool.

Should some players be transferred, it would demonstrate how the Academy can indirectly bolster the first team by generating funds for squad enhancements.