Felda United vs. Liverpool: Score, Reaction from 2015 Pre-Season Practice Match
Danny Ings struck a hat-trick during Liverpool's impromptu practice match against Malaysian side Felda United on Thursday, playing a key role in the Premier League side romping to a 7-0 win.
The Englishman's quality reminds manager Brendan Rodgers that, despite the arrival of Christian Benteke, per the club's official site, he is more than able to provide a significant contribution next term.
Lazar Markovic also chipped in with a goal before half-time of the shortened match, which took the place of Liverpool's open training session ahead of Friday's fixture against a specially selected Malaysian XI.
Mamadou Sakho, Kolo Toure and Andre Wisdom were among the more recognisable names deployed by Rodgers, as reported by James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:
Pearce tweeted the location for this spur-of-the-moment contest:
Felda, who are currently fourth in the Malaysian Super League, found it extremely difficult to keep pace with Liverpool's control on the ball and incisive attacking impetus, and youngster Pedro Chirivella opened the scoring.
Despite the onset of rainy weather, Markovic took advantage of his chance to double Liverpool's lead with a slick lob.
Winger Sheyi Ojo added a third, before Ings followed his recent goal against Adelaide United with a showing of quality in the makeshift fixture, as described by Pearce:
Portuguese starlet Joao Carlos Teixeira then added his name to the scoresheet with a stunning 40-yard finish, per Pearce, before Ings rounded off his display in cool fashion.
Although nothing more than a training exercise, this match provided Rodgers with another opportunity to blood those looking to make an impression next season. Ings has only been at the club a few weeks, and already, he is under pressure to perform due to Benteke's £32.5 million capture, per BBC Sport.
Liverpool blogger John Gibbons made an interesting point regarding Sakho's selection, a player who could find himself sidelined next season if Rodgers' planning is anything to go by:
We can expect to see a more serious Liverpool team deployed on Friday and, indeed, a far more competitive encounter. Rodgers has worked hard to sign seven players this summer, with Ings, James Milner and Joe Gomez the most impressive to settle in so far.
Ings has now scored four goals in two matches. While he's yet to face challenging opposition, all the former Burnley man can do is consistently net against those put in front of him.
With Benteke, Daniel Sturridge, Rickie Lambert, Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini currently at the club, solid performances during the pre-season could give Ings the boost he needs to be a success when the Premier League arrives.
.png?w=600 "New NBA Mock Draft 📝")
.jpg?w=600 "Offseason Moves for Every Team 👉")
