Liverpool v Real Betis: Szoboszlai scores in Arne Slot's first game of US tour

Liverpool got their US tour off to a winning start on Friday night, beating Real Betis at the Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. 

Dominik Szoboszlai struck the only goal of the game, which came after 34 minutes. 

The Hungary captain drove through midfield and exchanged passes with Mohamed Salah before placing an accurate finish beyond the Betis goalkeeper - recently departed Liverpool back-up Adrian San Miguel. 

This was a game which bore the hallmarks of new head coach Arne Slot, with the Reds playing with two controlling midfielders as Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones started in the middle. 

Endo in truth struggled to get into the game, ceding possession on several occasions and turning the ball over to Betis in dangerous situations. 

He was replaced by Tyler Morton and the homegrown prospect put in a decent second-half display. 

Jones, 23, was withdrawn as a precaution after around a half an hour, but gave the bench the thumbs up as he departed. 

His replacement, 17-year-old Trey Nyoni, impressed fans with his all-action display, leaving observers excited about the prospect of seeing him first-team action in the season to come. He played a crucial part in the only goal of the game. 

Further forward Szoboszlai appeared to play in tandem with Harvery Elliott up front, leaving Slot’s side in an intriguing 4-2-4 formation on the ball. 

Liverpool tour continues

There game featured plenty of forward passes with Liverpool remaining in total control of the ball throughout the piece. 

Overall Slot used 23 players on the night with only youngster Amara Nallo failing to get on the pitch. 

James McConnell was absent due to a minor knock while Slot confirmed earlier this week that Andy Robertson would not feature on this tour after failing to recover from an injury he took into the European Championship.

Liverpool will play Arsenal on Thursday August 1 before rounding out the tour with a fixture against Manchester United on August 4. 

The first time home supporters get to see Slot’s men in action at Anfield comes on August 11 when Sevilla come to town.