Leeds stage thrilling comeback to sink Liverpool in Chicago friendly

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After 45 minutes at Soldier Field the tale of Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the US was of three straight wins and Andoni Iraola’s ideas taking shape thanks in no small part to Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. After 90, with Liverpool’s expensive duo off the scene, it centred on a stirring Leeds fightback and the recurrence of a fragility that Iraola could well do without.Daniel Farke’s team staged a convincing comeback to inflict a first defeat of pre-season on the new Liverpool head coach.

Ring-rusty or not, they both brought an immediate improvement to Liverpool’s performance level and displayed a rapport that will be crucial to realising Iraola’s vision next season.Isak looked sharper, more aware of his teammates and more involved in a Liverpool performance than he did during a first season hindered by fitness and injury problems. Isak also led Liverpool’s pressing game with an aggression and relentlessness that augurs well.Wirtz was involved in much of Liverpool’s best work during his 45 minutes on the pitch.

Liverpool’s second goal five minutes before the break was a delight. Worryingly for Iraola, his team were undone by an identical routine to Calvert-Lewin’s first goal.