Rodgers pleased by new boys' efforts
Brendan Rodgers could reflect on a 2-1 win against Swindon Town that provided early evidence of what attacking duo Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino will bring to Liverpool.
The pair of summer signings made their first appearances for the Reds at the County Ground on Sunday in the team's final pre-season friendly.
Firmino was unfortunate not to open the scoring within two minutes of kick-off, while it was Benteke who did break the deadlock with a sensational second-half volley.
Rodgers told Liverpoolfc.com: "Christian's goal was incredible, whether it was a pre-season friendly or in a league or cup game. It was wonderful technique from the big guy.
"The other guys started to get some minutes under their belt; Firmino, Emre Can, boys that have come back a bit later. It was pleasing all round.
"It finished off our pre-season preparations - a number of guys needed a game today. It was a really good exercise."
On Firmino, who clocked up 67 minutes, the manager continued: "You see his quality. He is really bright on the ball, has got wonderful technique and has got the ability to want to get forward and score a goal.
"For those players it was just getting them into that game situation, which is never easy as they have only been back a week or so. But they adapted and coped very well."
Reds fans are salivating at the prospect of seeing Brazil international Firmino link up with compatriot Philippe Coutinho in the upcoming season.
The No.10 served a reminder of his class in scoring during the victory at HJK Helsinki on Saturday evening, and the boss is buoyed by the flair at his disposal.
"You can see the creativity we wanted to bring back into the squad," he said. "Those players, along with the likes of Adam Lallana and Jordon Ibe, makes it very exciting for us.
"The players have been brilliant, they have travelled all around the world and never complained once, just got on with their work. Today, on a really hot day, they adapted very well."
Joining a starting XI packed with senior experience against Swindon was Trent Alexander-Arnold, the teenager taking up a right-back berth with composure.
Ryan Kent and Sheyi Ojo later made impacts from the bench and it was the latter who grabbed the winner with a blast that the goalkeeper couldn't hold.
Rodgers added: "It's what the club is about - giving young players a chance. Sometimes with young players, you don't know until you put them in.
"Trent impressed me last year; he came up as a schoolboy and played in a practice match and did very well.
"I always had that in the back of my mind and when we needed someone to bring in, it was good for him to get the chance.
"Young Sheyi scored a goal and was a threat. Ryan Kent was bright when he came on and showed his pace and quality. The young players coped well."