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Liverpool's win over Preston was similar to the loss at Brondby in that it didn't actually mean too much beyond making sure all involved continued to work their way toward match fitness. And, like their time in Denmark, Liverpool were a mixed bag, showing signs of rust as a collective with individual performances mostly carrying the day in a 2-1 victory.
Aside from those we've already discussed--namely Emre Can, Philippe Coutinho, and Jordon Ibe--there was also another solid performance from Kristoffer Peterson, who got the second of Liverpool's two goals on the day and what proved to be the winner. That made it two in two for the 19-year-old Swede, who's forced his way into the traveling squad for Liverpool's US tour:
"For example, young Kristoffer Peterson has come in and got two goals. I said to him, 'You'll now come to America on the back of what you've done in your training'. That's what I always judge players on. I look at them to see if they work well, work hard and work with quality, and if they have the personality to play for Liverpool. He's been rewarded for that, he'll come to America and hopefully he can continue scoring goals, which is great for him."
Peterson wasn't alone in impressing, of course, but catching the manager's eye comes at the right time given the needs in the squad. Fabio Borini's deal to Sunderland is yet to be completed, with talk that, while the clubs have agreed on a fee of £12m that could rise to £14m with add-ons, the player is yet to agree terms. That could come during the next few weeks, but his departure would leave Liverpool with only Daniel Sturridge and Rickie Lambert as recognized strikers in the squad (at least for the time being), and beyond just being sentimentally appealing, his presence will be needed.
Regardless of what happens with Borini--or Loic Remy for that matter--the inclusion of Peterson is a nice story, and we'll look forward to him continuing to make the most of his opportunities over the next few weeks.
