Darwin Nunez subplot is underway as £95m plan comes together

Analysis from Ian Doyle in Germany after Liverpool beat Karlsruher SC 4-2 in pre-season friendly

Nunez challenge accepted

Less than three minutes. That’s all it took for Darwin Nunez to issue a statement of intent for the forthcoming campaign.

In trademark style, the Uruguayan’s goal was far from straightforward, initially passing up the opportunity to shoot when fed by Mohamed Salah before making the most of a second chance to slot home.

With some decent link-up play and a header later saved, this was an encouraging first glimpse of Nunez – who has assumed the number nine jersey from Roberto Firmino – in what is likely to be a pivotal second season at Anfield.

He is, though, not the only option as a central striker for Jurgen Klopp. And his two rivals for the position issued their own compelling evidence in the second half.

Cody Gakpo, while lively in midfield, produced a superb turn and finish for Liverpool’s second goal, which was assisted by a neat header from the busy Diogo Jota.

And the Portuguese then demonstrated his devastating eye for goal with two clinical finishes in injury time to earn Liverpool victory, continuing his fine form from the end of last term.

The battle to lead the Reds attack promises to be an intriguing subplot of the pre-season programme.

Steady Szoboszlai as Mac Allister impresses

Liverpool fans wanting to see £95million duo Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield tandem will have to wait a little bit longer.

Jurgen Klopp opted to replace one with the other at half-time with both given 45 minutes in which to start bedding in with their new team-mates.

As part of the stronger first-half line-up, Szoboszlai had a quiet but effective outing, completing 44 of 46 passes. While ostensibly starting on the left of the midfield triumvirate, the Hungary international popped up on both sides of the engine room.

And he wasn’t shy at ordering colleagues about, at one point ushering Alexander-Arnold back into a defensive role to pick up a pass.

Mac Allister, though, was the more instantly impressive, helped no doubt by his Premier League experience and knowing what to expect from a Klopp side.

His passing, both short and long, was on point and, having earlier created a chance for young Calum Scanlon, it was his ball that sent Jota scurrying away to net the final goal.

Early days, of course. But this was a solid start from the new duo.