Andoni Iraola's Liverpool led 2-0 against Leeds United at Chicago's Soldier Field before a series of substitutions triggered a collapse, with Daniel Farke's side scoring four unanswered goals to win 4-2. The result meant the Reds finished their three-match US tour with two victories, and they will return to training on Wednesday before hosting Monaco at Anfield on Sunday.
Despite the defensive frailties shown in the second period in Illinois, the trip was largely productive. The ECHO was present at all three matches and has assessed the main winners and losers from the fortnight.
Winners
Trey Nyoni
Nyoni made only 21 Premier League minutes last season under former boss Arne Slot, but he looks a different player this summer. The midfielder impressed in all three tour games and was particularly bright against Leeds, with his first-half display catching the eye at Soldier Field.
While Rio Ngumoha is often tipped as the next breakout star, Nyoni looks just as talented in central midfield, albeit in a more understated way. Swansea City's hopes of taking him on loan now appear remote, with a big season expected at Anfield.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe
The 18-year-old Austrian centre-back, signed from Austria Vienna, has given a glimpse of his potential during the tour. He looks quick, powerful and strong in the air, though his distribution needs work.
Ndukwe was watched by head of global talent Matt Newberry at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar last November, and he has justified that interest. Work-permit issues mean he will go on loan, but he has shown he can have a role at Liverpool further down the line.
Florian Wirtz
Wirtz played just 45 minutes of the tour, featuring in the Leeds game, but he still made an impact, scoring a goal. The £116m attacking midfielder endured a difficult first year after a high-profile move, but this outing offered signs that this season could be different.
Liverpool's pursuit of Wirtz included allowing Bayer Leverkusen to use the AXA Training Centre after a Champions League win, a subtle hint at what his surroundings could look like. More is now expected of the 22-year-old, and his cameo against Leeds was a positive.
Losers
Curtis Jones
Jones had a tour to forget, capped by a public meltdown over the captain's armband during the 1-0 win over Wrexham at Yankee Stadium. He was unhappy that Kostas Tsimikas received the armband after Dominik Szoboszlai was withdrawn, and a heated exchange followed, with Tsimikas eventually throwing the armband down in frustration.
Those at Liverpool have attempted to play it down as a simple disagreement, and the pair appeared on good terms later in the week. But at a time when questions are being asked about leadership in the dressing room, Jones's display of anger was regrettable. Inter Milan have since made a renewed offer worth around £30m, and a change of scenery may now be best for all concerned.
Joe Gomez
With Virgil van Dijk remaining on Merseyside and Jeremy Jacquet sidelined, the tour was a chance for Gomez to impress a new coach and claim a centre-back role. But he lasted just eight minutes of the first friendly before a muscle injury forced him off.
The injury will keep him out of the start of the Premier League season, and it has only heightened the case for signing another centre-back this summer.
Jeremy Jacquet
The £60m defender officially joined Liverpool at the start of July and was said to be ready for pre-season training. However, he has not played a single minute in three friendlies, having not featured since a shoulder injury in February.
It is unclear whether his current absence is related to that shoulder problem or a different injury, but the US tour passed him by entirely. A photo posted by Curtis Jones on Instagram, showing Jacquet asleep, seemed to sum up his trip.
