Liverpool 3-0 VfB Stuttgart: 5 Talking Points as Premier League champions step up preparations

#3 Encouraging signs from Tsimikas and Minamino

Kostas Tsimikas moved from Olympiakos to Liverpool in this transfer window

Liverpool's two latest signings for the first team squad - Kostas Tsimikas and Takumi Minamino - both played in the second half, and were impressive with what they produced.

Minamino looked a lot stronger than he has in recent Premier League games, and was sharp with his movement and dribbling. He started on the left flank, but seemed to develop a very decent understanding with Brewster, with swift interchanges in positions, and neat one-twos.

Tsimikas, who signed from Olympiakos just a few days ago, made his first appearance in a red shirt. Klopp ought to have been impressed by what he saw from the Greek international.

Tsimikas showed his recovery speed to help out a young defensive combination that the Reds put out in the second half. He also was very impressive in dribbling forward at speed.

At the end of the game, Tsimikas was very clear that his target was to ensure he gave himself the best chance of playing more games in all competitions in the upcoming season.

The competition might well be good for Andy Robertson, allowing Liverpool to keep the Scot on his toes, in the knowledge that his spot cannot be taken for granted.

#2 Liverpool's academy youngsters step up to impress

Rhian Brewster and Marko Grujic played their first games for Liverpool since the end of their respective loan spells (Image Courtesy: Liverpool FC)

Neco Williams has already marked his territory as the first choice back-up to Trent Alexander-Arnold in Liverpool's right-back slot, while the likes of Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott have been in and around the first-team setup for a year now.

Rhian Brewster scored 11 goals in 21 starts for Swansea in the second half of last season, when he was loaned to the Championship side. He was a big force in helping the Welsh club get into the Championship playoffs, and will now look to build on that, as he fights for a regular place in Klopp's Liverpool squad.

Brewster certainly did his case no harm in this game, and neither did Elliott. Starting together in the second half, the two young Englishman were excellent in dovetailing with the likes of Minamino and Marko Grujic in and around the penalty area. It was one such intricate passing move that brought Liverpool their third goal of the game.

For the last 20 minutes of the game, Klopp brought on young French centre-back Billy Koumetio, and he instantly looked at home. Already an imposing figure, Koumetio was commanding while defending set-pieces, while his distribution out of the back also was filled with quality.

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#1 Curtis Jones stands out in a superstar team

Curtis Jones was Liverpool's best player in the first half (Image Courtesy: Liverpool FC)

Liverpool put out a side that almost was a full Premier League starting XI for the first half of this game. Only Curtis Jones and Neco Williams were the non-regulars in that lineup.

The young Scouser Jones didn't let that perturb him though, as he was easily the standout player. What catches the eye about Jones is his fearlessness and confidence while in possession of the ball. His ability to drive into forward areas with the ball at his feet is a definite option for Klopp to use as the season wears on.

Jones has had a change of jersey number for the new season as well, with the move from #48 to #17 indicative of a much larger role within the first team setup for the youngster.

Playing alongside Keita and Fabinho in midfield, Jones linked up really well with the likes of Salah and Firmino, even setting up the latter as he opened the scoring for Liverpool in this game.

Jones has had a whirlwind 2020, which began with a sensational Merseyside Derby winner against Everton in the FA Cup. He scored a further two senior goals as well, including his first Premier League goal against Aston Villa, in a 2-0 win at Anfield.

Jones is set for a big season at Anfield, with Klopp showing immense faith in the youngster, and the likelihood of playing in an attacking role alongside the superstar talents that Liverpool already have.