On Monday 4 August, Liverpool played two pre-season games against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. The games had different starting XIs with a mix of senior players and potential first team starters combining with fringe members of the squad in order to give Arne Slot a better feel for how his players are coping ahead of the start of the new season.

Rio should be in the main squad. If you are good enough then you are old enough. But wrap him in cotton wool - he is going to be a star. Carl: I think Rio has an exciting future ahead of him. He is only 16 so I think Liverpool should send him out on loan to Tranmere.