'Full of energy', 'put Salzburg on the back foot': Media wowed by Liverpool teenager's display tonight

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Liverpool wrapped up their pre-season programme with a 1-0 loss to Red Bull Salzburg on Tuesday evening.

The Reds have gone through the gears this summer and went into the game on the back of a superb victory.

Last Thursday, Liverpool ran out 5-0 winners over RB Leipzig, with Darwin Nunez scoring four times.

Jurgen Klopp’s charges couldn’t follow that result up against Salzburg, but Liverpool did improve in the second half.

The Reds had a few early chances, with Nunez forcing a save from a header before smashing an effort against the bar.

Bernardo then missed a gilt-edged opportunity for the hosts with the goal at his mercy.

However, Liverpool did fall behind on 31 minutes when Benjamin Sesko calmly slotted past Adrian.

The likes of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Virgil van Dijk entered the fray on the hour mark.

Salah and Diaz both had good chances saved by the Salzburg keeper, with Roberto Firmino also coming close.

And despite the defeat, there were certainly positives to take from the game.

One of those was Isaac Mabaya’s decent display at right-back.

“Really grew into the game”

The 17-year-old started the game and played 60 minutes, with Trent Alexander-Arnold taking his place.

Three media outlets – the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool World and 90Min – all praised Mabaya.

“Full of energy down the right and crosses fashioned opportunities,” wrote the Liverpool Echo.

“One dummy prompted purrs from the crowd.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool World gave Mabaya 7/10 and wrote: “Got forward at any given opportunity.

“Put Salzburg on the back foot and really grew into the game. Subbed on 60 minutes.”

90Min gave Mabaya 5/10, writing: “Got forward well at times. Was pretty badly out of position for the opener.”

All in all, an impressive display against a tough European opponent.

Mabaya will be happy with his efforts, as will Klopp and his coaches, no doubt.