Liverpool
Key Liverpool Players Under the Microscope in Pre-Season Ahead of 2025/26
Six Liverpool players face pressure to impress in pre-season as the 2025/26 Premier League season approaches.
As the 2025/26 Premier League season nears, Liverpool intensify pre-season preparations with a demanding schedule. The defending champions travel to Asia for matches against Milan and Yokohama F. Marinos, followed by a doubleheader against Athletic Club at Anfield on August 4. The journey continues to Wembley for the Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace on August 10.
Alongside these fixtures, the squad has seen significant reinforcement in the transfer market under Arne Slot’s direction. For some, this influx of talent means pre-season performances are vital to secure their places.
Andy Robertson faces considerable pressure after a dip in form last season that prompted the £40 million signing of Milos Kerkez. Robertson, determined not to yield his spot easily, has vowed to fight for his place. “I’m ready to battle for my place in the starting lineup,” he stated. Pre-season will be critical in Slot’s decision for the left-back role.
Wataru Endo’s role diminished last term, with only one Premier League start. Primarily used as an impact substitute, Endo aims to impress for more starting opportunities, especially with Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister heavily utilized.
Harvey Elliott’s limited appearances under Slot—just 28 in all competitions—have left him contemplating his future. Despite this, his outstanding form as Player of the Tournament at the U21 European Championship worked to his advantage in the summer. With Florian Wirtz’s arrival pushing competition higher, Elliott’s pre-season displays are crucial to revitalise his role.
Dominik Szoboszlai, impressive last season with 16 goal contributions, now faces competition from incoming Florian Wirtz. Szoboszlai must demonstrate his versatility, having been used in various roles, to maintain significance in the squad.
Young talent Ben Doak, praised for his bravery and performances on loan and internationally, is reportedly linked with a move away as Liverpool seek to balance their spending. His pre-season performances against strong opposition are pivotal for his future at Anfield.
Darwin Núñez seems likely to depart this summer, yet his pre-season form—scoring in wins over Preston and a hat-trick against Stoke—has offered moments of promise for Slot to consider.
With the Premier League curtain rising on August 15, these six players find themselves at a decisive juncture to impress and define their 2025/26 campaign roles.
Liverpool
Luis Díaz’s Absence in Liverpool’s Milan Friendly Explained by Arne Slot
Arne Slot confirms Luis Díaz missed Liverpool’s AC Milan friendly due to future speculation.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has openly addressed the absence of Luis Díaz from the recent friendly defeat against AC Milan, attributing it to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the player’s future. Díaz, whose contract situation is becoming urgent with just two years remaining, remains a key figure Liverpool wish to secure for the long term.
Díaz did not feature in the squad for the friendly held in Hong Kong, alongside Darwin Núñez, who is also expected by many to leave the club this summer especially after the arrival of Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt. Despite this, Liverpool stakeholders remain hopeful that Díaz will remain with the club.
When questioned about Díaz’s exclusion, Slot was candid: “due to speculation on his future.”
Díaz himself has been transparent about his position, acknowledging ongoing negotiations and the possibility of a transfer. He stated, “We are in the midst of negotiations, talking with Liverpool and everyone who is approaching us. I am very calm where I am and very happy. [But I will] make the best decision for me.” This openness underscores an important moment in Liverpool’s squad management as they navigate contract renewals and potential transfers ahead of the new season.
Liverpool
Liverpool Fall to AC Milan in Pre-Season Friendly Despite Szoboszlai’s Brilliance
Liverpool suffer a 4-2 pre-season defeat to AC Milan with Szoboszlai’s notable goal the highlight.
Liverpool experienced their first pre-season setback of the summer with a 4-2 defeat against AC Milan in Hong Kong. The Reds initially dominated possession and showcased promising attacking play. A standout moment came from 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who set up Dominik Szoboszlai for a remarkable finish, equalizing the match with a strike into the top corner.
Throughout the first half, Christian Pulisic came close to putting Milan ahead twice, while Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah threatened to regain the lead. The half ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
Liverpool made significant changes at halftime, but Milan’s counter-attacking prowess soon told. Ruben Loftus-Cheek calmly converted Leão’s pass to regain Milan’s lead. Later, a rapid break saw Noah Okafor score a precise shot, pushing Milan’s advantage to 3-1.
As Liverpool sought a comeback, Ryan Gravenberch narrowly missed with a shot that hit the crossbar, and Jeremie Frimpong almost found the net with his inaugural goal for the Reds. A late header from Cody Gakpo reduced the deficit, but a costly error between Kostas Tsimikas and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili allowed Okafor to seal Milan’s fourth.
The player ratings reflect a mix of performances from Liverpool, with Szoboszlai receiving notable praise for his goal, while newcomers like Ngumoha and Gakpo impressed. For Milan, Leão and Okafor stood out with exceptional contributions.
Despite the loss, the friendly offered Liverpool valuable insights ahead of the Premier League season.
Arsenal
Dominic Solanke Doubts Manchester United’s Top Four Prospects for 2025–26
Dominic Solanke predicts Manchester United will miss out on the Premier League top four in 2025–26.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke has expressed skepticism over Manchester United’s chances of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League for the 2025–26 season. Speaking on DA4P’s YouTube channel, Solanke provided his predictions for the teams likely to qualify for the Champions League spots.
Solanke confidently included Tottenham first in his top-four forecast, followed by Liverpool and Manchester City. When questioned about Manchester United’s potential to challenge for a Champions League position next term, Solanke simply replied, “nah,” instead opting to include Arsenal as a contender.
This blunt verdict reflects the ongoing struggles faced by the Red Devils, who endured a difficult previous season. While Solanke’s confidence in Tottenham’s qualification might raise some eyebrows—given their 17th-place finish last season—his assessment of Manchester United aligns with widespread doubts about their immediate recovery under Ruben Amorim’s management.
Solanke’s straightforward response underlines the challenges ahead for Manchester United, suggesting the club faces another challenging campaign outside Europe’s elite competition.
