Fabinho and Keita debut as Liverpool romp to 7-0 friendly win

Fabinho and Naby Keita were both handed debuts as Liverpool started pre-season with a routine 7-0 win over Chester on Saturday.

Loris Karius, the target of widespread criticism for his role in last season’s Champions League final defeat, also played 45 minutes in a match that saw Daniel Sturridge score twice.

Ineffective during a six-month loan spell at relegated West Brom last term, Sturridge began his campaign to impress Jurgen Klopp with a second-half brace at Swansway Chester Stadium.

Wales international Harry Wilson earlier stole the limelight by netting twice to give the visitors a two-goal lead at the break.

But there was to be no first goal for marquee signings Fabinho and Keita, who played a half each following their big-money arrivals from Monaco and RB Leipzig respectively.

Instead, it was left to James Milner, Ryan Kent and Danny Ings to join Sturridge on the scoresheet after half-time in the Reds’ polished start to pre-season.

.@DanielSturridge‘s second goal was a strike of beauty!!  

Watch all  goals from today’s win: https://t.co/nFl3jLtjjL pic.twitter.com/UxniF94UoR

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 7, 2018