Liverpool concluded their pre-season tour of Thailand, Australia and Malaysia with a 1-1 draw against a Malaysian XI on Friday afternoon.
Having won their three previous games, Jordon Ibe's sweetly-struck strike could not help the Reds on to victory - after Patrick Wleh had given the Salleh Dollah's home side the lead at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
That brought a slightly underwhelming end to Brendan Rodgers' charges tour, which had seen them triumph 4-0 over the True Thai Premier League All Stars, 2-1 over Brisbane Roar and 2-0 against Adelaide United in the games before.
But though there were plenty of positives to take from the tour in general, how did Rodgers' 30-man squad perform on their travels?
Goalkeepers:
Simon Mignolet - The Reds' first-choice goalkeeper got plenty of minutes under his belt, playing the second 45 minutes of their first game and the full 90 in both clashes in Australia - and he did well, conceding just the one goal, which he could do very little about. Very little was asked of him in a rainy Bangkok, where he didn't have to pick the ball up for at least 25 minutes into his 45-minute showing. Against Brisbane and Adelaide he was more regularly called into action, but aside from a headed clearance in the latter and a strong stop against goalscorer Dmitri Petratos in the game before - he only had to make the odd intervention. Looked capable and commanding for the rest of the fixtures, which bodes well for the no.22 after his excellent turnaround last season. Rating - 7/10.
Adam Bogdan - There was plenty of bemusement after Bogdan signed for the Reds, having been released by Bolton Wanderers, but he was largely solid in the two games in which he featured - the first 45 minutes of the win over the Thai All Stars and the full 90 against Malaysia. In his bow in Thailand, he had very little to do, other than watch a relatively routine free-kick fly a couple of yards over his crossbar. Things were a little less relaxed in Malaysia, as the shot-stopper suffered a few nervy moments which better opposition may have made more of - but he was ultimately let down by his defence for the goal and so can escape blame on that part. Rating - 6/10.
Ryan Fulton - Though the 18-year-old will have enjoyed the two-week experience alongside many of the club's first-team starters, he was one of the few players who did not play whatsoever on the tour, though he did get a full game in a behind-closed-doors 7-0 win over local Malaysia side Felda United on Thursday. Rating - N/A.
Defenders:
Nathaniel Clyne - The Reds' third most expensive signing of the summer, Clyne took very little time indeed to slot into his new side in the right-back position. The 24-year-old was viewed as a safe signing over the summer, replacing the released Glen Johnson as a long-term solution for his position, and he justified his signature almost immediately - impressing in all four games. With excellent tackling, positional awareness and a willing work-rate to get forward and cause problems down the flank or by cutting inside, Clyne's addition is looking like clever business already. Plenty to look forward to this season from the ex-Southampton full-back then. Rating - 8/10.
Andre Wisdom - Having signed a new long-term contract since returning from his season-long loan spell in the top-flight last season, it seems that Wisdom is likely to be a back-up for first-choice Clyne throughout the campaign and he was largely sturdy in his only game. Despite taking time to adapt to an unnatural left-back position, he handled himself well albeit against lacklustre opponents. He then didn't feature for the rest of pre-season, but the burly defender can probably expect to get at least the odd few games in the coming campaign. Rating - 6/10.
Martin Skrtel - Another centre-back who recently signed a new deal at Anfield, the Slovakian was his typical no-nonsense self, but had a few nervy moments - particularly against Malaysia. The same issues seem to mar the 30-year-old's performances, such as his poor positional awareness, but he was largely reliable in the other fixtures - dealing with most of which came his way. He looked a lot better alongside Sakho, rather than Lovren, and will likely be an everpresent at the heart of defence again this season. Rating - 6/10.
Mamadou Sakho - The man who seems to split opinion more than anyone else in the current Liverpool side, Sakho strengthened his acclaim to be first-choice with some good performances. He started in the weaker XI in the first game, in which he powered a header in from a set-piece for their second goal - as well as tackling well and impressing in possession. That was the running theme throughout his pre-season, really, though he had a shaky start against Brisbane with a couple of poor passes - but he recovered well and had another header cleared off the line. Didn't feature in the Reds' final two games, but is still understood to be favourite to partner Skrtel against Stoke City on August 9. Rating - 7/10.
Kolo Toure - Very much a fourth-choice back-up centre-back now, Toure had a fairly leisurely pre-season tour - playing the first-half of a simple 4-0 win over the All Stars and the final half-an-hour of the win in Brisbane. It was all pretty comfortable for the Ivorian veteran, who had to do very little in the minutes in which he featured. In fact, his only real noticeable involvement was when he admitted in a pre-match press conference that he's never touched his pet dog in seven years. No, really. Rating - 6/10.
Dejan Lovren - After such a disastrous first season in the North West, everyone hoped that Lovren would be able to put his testing first term behind him by producing a number of strong performances. Instead, what Liverpool got was the exact opposite. Whilst not much was asked of him against the Thai All Stars and even Adelaide, the Croatian wasted countless set-piece opportunities versus the latter and Malaysia. He was convincingly the worst performer in the Reds' last game, where he was all too easily outmuscled and even outpaced by Patrick Wleh for the hosts' goal. To his credit, he recovered somewhat to make a few well-timed tackles and interceptions, but on the whole, much-malinged Lovren hasn't done enough to suggest he should replace Mamadou Sakho in the starting line-up. Rating - 5/10.
Joe Gomez - One of the lesser known entities in the Liverpool squad at the start of pre-season, Gomez arrived from Charlton Athletic for £3.5 million in the summer, but didn't take long at all to impress for his new club. The 18-year-old was strong and commanding from the off, and impressed more and more with each passing game. Even filling in at left-back against Brisbane, the homegrown defender was composed and reliable, making an impact defensively and offensively. There was lots of praise for the Reds, who snapped him up whilst still a relative unknown, as the youngster delighted supporters with a string of very good displays. Considering Gomez only made his debut at the Valley a year ago, his future seems very bright indeed. On the basis of his pre-season form, there's no reason he can't get his fair share of games in all competitions this season. Rating - 8/10.
Alberto Moreno - The Spaniard was forced to miss the Reds' first two warm-up games through injury, allowing Gomez to impress as his deputy - but the Spaniard, who had a substandard first year with the Reds, was impressive after he came in. He didn't have much of an impact after coming on at half-time against Adelaide, but defended well - just as he did against Malaysia for the most-part. There are still some question marks over his defensive capabilities, but almost certainly the first-choice left-back going into the season due to his attacking strengths. It's also important to remember he's still only 23 and should only improve the weaker aspects of his game. Rating - 6/10.
Joe Maguire - With the Reds' lack of depth at left-back, Maguire was given a fair amount of minutes to prove his worth - and he was largely solid and reliable, even if unspectacular. He was strong at the back and showed a desire to get forward, sending in a couple of inviting crosses that Origi and others failed to make the most of. He did his possible chances of featuring in the Europa League absolutely no harm whatsoever. Rating - 6/10.
Daniel Cleary - Another regular fixture in the U21s, Cleary had only the last 10 minutes of the final friendly on the tour to show his worth - but will no doubt have appreciated the opportunity. Whether the versatile defender is good enough to make the grade at Liverpool we'll have to wait and see, but he looks destined for another year in the U21s for this season at least. Rating - N/A.
Midfielders:
Lucas Leiva - The Brazilian defensive midfield still continues to cause debate over whether he's good enough for Rodgers' side, but he was dependable in the three games he played in on tour. After a quiet opening game, more was asked of him against Brisbane, but he shielded the defence capably - just as he did in his other two performances. Typical Lucas, really, as he stayed neat and tidy with the ball and went about the dirty work with usual aplomb. That said, much more could have been asked of Lucas - who flew back to Merseyside with a nasty cut after being clattered in Kuala Lumpur. Whether he is in the starting plans for the opening few weeks of the season remains to be seen. Rating - 6/10.
James Milner - Another of the clear stand-out performers, Milner slotted straight into the Liverpool side - forming a fine partnership with Henderson in the heart of midfield. After arriving on a free transfer, the experienced Yorkshireman has looked a great addition in his early games. He performed the box-to-box role to perfection, though he certainly had a slice of luck for his first goal for the Reds - which took a deflection over the goalkeeper to give them the win over Brisbane. His work rate and quality continued to shine through for the rest of the tour, as he netted the winner in front of 53,000 in Adelaide - in another tireless showing. Milner was a little quieter in the final game, but still didn't put a foot wrong. As a result, his starting spot is virtually cemented already. Rating - 8/10.
Joe Allen - With Milner's addition and the growing popularity of Emre Can, Allen finds himself on the edges of the first-team, but was effective in his two performances. Though he was low-key in his first game, he did his job adeptly. His best came against Adelaide, where he played the full 90 and performed superbly in a midfield three. Though the opposition were average at best, they provided a work-out for the Reds, none more so than Allen - who pressed and harried all game long, in addition to influencing the game well on the ball. The Welshman can still play a role on Merseyside, but he needs to add a lot to his game to become a first-team regular. Rating - 6/10.
Jordan Rossiter - The tough-tackling local midfielder likened to a young Steven Gerrard, 18-year-old Rossiter is one of the most exciting names in the Reds' ranks. He scored a goal on his first-team debut last season against Middlesbrough, and is seen as a long-term option in the defensive midfield position. Whilst he underperformed against Thai opposition, he improved in his two other games - with some solid and encouraging displays off of the bench. Rossiter is more than likely going to be given more chances this season after being forced to undergo ankle surgery last season, which curtailed his progress. Rating - 6/10.
Jordan Henderson - In his first pre-season as the club's full-time captain, Henderson took to his new role - on and off the field - with aplomb. He seems to have earned lots of support in the Far East, as huge cheers greeted any mention of his name or showing of his face in Thailand and Malaysia, and from his performances on tour - it's not hard to see why. He demonstrated his soaring confidence in the rain of Bangkok, registering an excellent assist - as his rabona pass allowed Lallana to slot into the far corner. He was excellent on the ball and as hard-working as ever, creating chances and testing the goalkeeper in the first three performances. He was slightly less effective in the final fixture, though the weather conditions and intense training sessions, added to his commercial responsibilities and all the travelling, probably played more than a little part. Nevertheless, he demonstrated more of the qualities we've become accustomed to seeing from the central midfielder, and his leadership is only improving. The armband seems to have elevated his form up another level. Rating - 8/10.
Pedro Chirivella - The promising Spanish midfielder is one of a number of highly-rated Academy youngsters, but only came on for the closing minutes of the Reds' draw with Malaysia. He's still only 18-years of age however, and will be hoping to convince Rodgers of his worth in the U21s or possibly even out on loan, this coming season. Rating - N/A.
Joao Carlos Teixeira - At 22 and fresh from a promising loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, there was a sense that this pre-season was critical as to whether Teixeira had a future on Merseyside, or not - but there's still no real answer as to whether he will feature for Rodgers' side next season. With plenty of competition for his favoured position, Teixeira's first showing against the All Stars was very promising indeed. It was his pass which allowed Markovic to open the scoring, and he looked very tidy in possession throughout. It was even his cross with Sakho powered home for the second. Bizzarely, however, Teixeira didn't feature again - bar the private friendly versus Felda, in which he scored a 40-yard lob. Impressive in his short first-team showings, has he done enough to convince the manager that he deserves his chance this year? Only the Northern Irishman himself seems to know at the minute. Rating - 7/10.
Forwards:
Adam Lallana - After niggling injuries disrupted Lallana every time he looked to be nearing his best form last season, the playmaker himself continually insisted the importance of getting in a good pre-season, and with his position in danger with Coutinho and Firmino to compete with, he did just that. Reaching towards the peak of his career, Lallana was one of the Reds' most consistent performers out on tour - scoring twice in the first two games and continuing to have an impact after that. Good in possession and a consistent goal threat, Lallana looks to be out to prove himself this year and whilst his decision-making can sometimes frustrate fans, as he seems to hold onto the ball a few seconds too long, much is expected of him in 2015-16. On this basis, he'll be one of the favourites to start in the opening game. Rating - 8/10.
Jordon Ibe - By far and away Liverpool's best performer across all four games, it was no surprise that Ibe received as many minutes as anyone. Having done well after returning from his loan spell at Derby County mid-way through last season, there has since been a mass of expectation for Ibe - who is expected to reach similar levels to Raheem Sterling. It is hard to deny that he has immense potential. He was prevented from making his desired impact first time out, as his side of the pitch became heavily waterlogged - and he only had a half-an-hour cameo against Brisbane in the second game. But just about every time Ibe was on the ball, he looked eager to beat his man, and his ability to go left or right left every defender full of uncertainty. At 19, his youthful enthusiasm, even in pre-season friendlies - was more than welcome, as he was rightly the Reds' man of the match in the two final games - both of which he completed the full 90 minutes. A lack of end product, in terms of goals in particular, was the main concern despite his bright performances, but he showcased his potential when he thundered home an equaliser against Malaysia with his weaker foot. Rodgers insisted that his impacts have played him in contention for a starting spot on the opening Premier League weekend, and rightly so. This could be a big season for Ibe. Rating - 9/10.
Lazar Markovic - Another one of last summer's arrivals who never really got going, the bright young winger thrived in an attacking midfield role in Thailand. The Serbian did well to make the most of his goal, rounding the 'keeper with ease, but only got six more minutes on the tour - playing the last few minutes of the win in Adelaide in which he had little time to make an impact. Unfortunate for the 21-year-old, who still has a lot more to give to this side. A loan spell may be on the cards this season for him to gain regular game-time and build the same kind of confidence he showed at Benfica, but hard to deny that he looked good in his relatively brief cameos in the Far East and Australia. Rating - 7/10.
Sheyi Ojo - Another one of the most highly-rated Academy prospects, 18-year-old Ojo is one of those anticipated to make the step up to the first-team over the next season or so, but he was only afforded an 18-minute cameo in the Reds' final outing, in which he had very little to do in an unfamiliar central striker role. Nevertheless, much is expected of the exciting winger who spent time on loan at Wigan Athletic last season, and he could be given chances later this year after finding himself on the first-team bench a few times in 2014-15. Rating - N/A.
Ryan Kent - Kent, one of the most highly thought of players at Melwood, was excellent for the U21s last season - which warranted his inclusion in the 30-man tour squad. He was given his chance against Brisbane, replacing Lallana on the hour mark. The winger wasn't really able to greatly affect the game, but looked lively on the ball - a double nutmeg proving the highlight of his evening. A bright debut, with plenty more to come. At just 18, Kent is one of many youngsters whom Academy officials expect to excel in the next few years. He's one to watch, for sure. Rating - 6/10.
Harry Wilson - Another prospect of great promise, the 18-year-old is the youngest ever player to play for the Wales national team and one of the best forwards amongst the club's youth sides. Regardless, the pacey wideman didn't make an appearance on tour with the Reds, but he remains a highly-rated member of their set-up and will be expecting to push himself into the fringes of the side for the the Europa League next year. Rating - N/A.
Danny Ings - One of a number of summer recruits out to make his mark early on, Ings only helped his claim to feature regularly with a number of industrious performances. The ex-Burnley man seemed too eager to get off the mark in the early games, wasting a couple of good opportunities, but showed excellent movement and pressing. He was unlucky to have a goal chalked off in his first-team bow, but finally got off the mark against Adelaide with a well-taken finish. He also scored a hat-trick on his 23rd birthday in the behind-closed-doors friendly versus Felda, a game in which he reportedly excelled. Ings didn't feature in the final game against Malaysia, but he gave plenty of food for thought with his contributions. He will be behind only Daniel Sturridge and Christian Benteke in the pecking order this year, you would expect. Rating - 7/10.
Rickie Lambert - The 33-year-old experienced striker may not be a Liverpool player much longer, with West Bromwich Albion heavily linked with his services and his performances on tour were not much to argue that he should remain a Liverpool player. Lambert struggled in the first 45 against the All Stars, making little impact despite all of his hard work. He was therefore restricted to minimal minutes in the rest of the Reds' games as Rodgers preferred to give the likes of Origi and Ings opportunities. A forgettable couple of weeks for the England international, who looks destined to leave in the next week. Rating - 5/10.
Divock Origi - Having had a largely unproductive loan spell at Lille, which included a five-month goal drought, there were high hopes that 20-year-old Origi would start to demonstrate why Liverpool spent so much on him a year ago. But though the Belgian possesses a lot of quality, his performances showed that he'll need a lot of nurturing before he becomes a regular in a red shirt. Origi missed numerous opportunities and frustrated with his general decision-making and attacking positioning, though he did net a thumping header late on in his first game. Rating - 6/10.