So far so good: Newcomers and teenagers launch Reds past Yokohama

Liverpool's surprising 4-2 defeat to AC Milan four days ago was just a bad day in the office. The clash against the Japanese Yokohama F. Marinos can by no means be a proper test for Arne Slot's crew, but the Dutchman's team showed good mentality and character, while the newcomers made an instant impact.

After a goalless first half in which Cody Gakpo missed a set of chances, the Japanese team broke the deadlock ten minutes after the break over Asahi Uenaka. Still, 12 minutes later, the scoreboard showed 2-1 for the Reds. Florian Wirtz levelled with his maiden Liverpool goal, while the youngster Trey Nyoni completed the comeback to another recent acquisition from Bayer Leverkusen, Jeremie Frimpong's assist.

Another youngster, Rio Ngumoha, set the final score 3-1 in the dying minutes after a marvellous solo effort.

Although the outcome is rarely important in pre-season games, this triumph will undoubtedly serve Liverpool well and boost the entire team's - and especially the new players' and youngsters' - confidence.

Liverpool opened the game very offensively and dominantly, led by the duo Mohamed Salah-Cody Gakpo. The Egyptian was in charge of creating plays, while the Dutchman was the finisher, poor one, though.

Eight minutes into the match, he tried his luck from the left-hand side, but his low curler hit the far post. Thirteen minutes later, Salah sent him a perfect defence-splitting pass, but the 26-year-old forward lost control of the ball and finished the attack with a weak shot, letting Yokohama custodian Il-gyu Park note an easy save.

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The latest Reds' newcomer, Hugo Ekitike, could have netted his maiden goal with the club midway through the first half, making several attempts, but to no avail.

On the other hand, the Japanese side mainly defended but awaited its chance five minutes before the break, when Dean David ended a hasty counterattack with a skilful header, which Giorgi Mamardashvili barely clawed behind for a corner, keeping the score level at halftime.

At the break, Arne Slot left Ekitike and Ryan Gravenberch in the locker room, replacing them with Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez. Still, the start of the second half belonged to Yokohama...

The second 45 minutes began with a massive chance for Asahi Uenaka, who managed to miss the target with a header from close range. However, the 23-year-old redeemed himself just nine minutes later, putting the home team in front! He skilfully ran into the area behind Jones' back, got a timely pass from Ren Kato and ended the action with a precise finish.

Nevertheless, the Reds needed only seven minutes to bounce back and level, as Florian Wirtz netted his maiden Liverpool goal, crowning a sublime counter! In the meantime, Wataru Endo replaced Virgil van Dijk and got a chance to play in front of his compatriots. It's needless to say what a roar the midfielder's appearance caused and how delighted people in the stands were to see him.

Five minutes later, the Anfield crew completed the turnaround! In a fantastic cooperation of two subs, Jeremie Frimpong made his first assist as Liverpool player and found the 18-year-old Trey Nyoni in the box, who made it 2-1 with a perfect finish.

By the end of the game, another visitors' teenager, Rio Ngumoha, could have put his name on the scoresheet, but the rivals' custodian denied him. Yet, the soon-to-be 17-year-old awaited a new chance three minutes before the end and used it, scoring after a magnificent solo effort to make it 3-1 and prove that the Reds' shouldn't be worried about their future.

In the end, both teams can be satisfied with their performances and that's the most important when it comes to friendly matches. Liverpool will play their next pre-season duel against Athletic Bilbao on Monday at Anfield.