Liverpool continued their preseason with the finale of their Asian tour on Wednesday, facing off in Tokyo with Yokohama FM.
Following a relatively turgid first half, four second-half goals saw the Reds depart 3-1 victors. Here are five thoughts on the match.
1. No Injuries a huge bonus
As soon as the match kicked off, it became evident the pitch was an issue.
Waterlogged and filled with divots, there was naturally immediate concern amongst fans that an injury was awaiting during what is, ultimately, a fixture that has no bearing on this upcoming season.
Thankfully, both sides made it through the match unscathed, which is perhaps the biggest positive for Arne Slot and his side as they can now continue on in their preseason.
2. Young starlets continue to shine
On the day Luis Diaz's departure was finalized, young forward Rio Ngumoha made another strong impression in his attempt to fill the void left behind by the Colombian.
It is likely still too early for a 16-year-old to play big minutes in the Premier League, but don't tell him that
He was a constant threat upon being introduced, getting to wherever he wanted on the pitch. To cap off his impressive cameo, he bagged the third goal late in the match.
This goal showed all the reasons why Liverpool fans are rightly so excited about him: he picked the ball up deep, drove forward to the edge of the box, quickly cut in to evade a defender and found the corner with a well-struck effort.
If his end product has indeed improved upon what he showed last season, look out.
Trey Nyoni also was on the scoresheet, getting on the end of a whipped Jeremie Frimpong cross and poking home from close-range. He should not be lost in the Ngumoha excitement.
3. Debut for Ekitike and return for Mac Allister
Liverpool's newest forward addition Hugo Ekitike made his debut on Wednesday, lasting until the interval before being taken off in what was surely a planned substitution.
It could be classified as a standard and promising debut for a forward who is still learning his new teammates, especially given the circumstances.
A few impressive touches and solid defensive work-rate were on show, with not a ton of substantial service his way as Liverpool struggled with the pitch in the first half.
Also, Alexis Mac Allister made his long-awaited return to action in the second half. He looked as if he had not missed a beat, even though he has not played since the title-deciding match against Tottenham last campaign.
As soon as he came on, Liverpool's midfield was transformed, able to exert control over the game and keep the ball much more effectively.
Somehow, it seems the Argentine's importance to Liverpool is still understated but this was a nice reminder of what he brings to the team.
4. Florian Wirtz off the mark
The German playmaker found the back of the net in the second half to bring Liverpool level, sweeping a ball pulled back across the box into the corner for his first goal in red.
Though it is technically only a preseason goal, it will surely be a relief for Wirtz to see a ball hit the back of the net for the first time at his new club.
5. Jeremie Frimpong impresses
Introduced in the second half, Jeremie Frimpong had perhaps his best showing in a Liverpool shirt to date. His assist to Nyoni was spectacular, whipping in a cross to a place only Nyoni could get on the end of it.
His link-up play and willingness to get forward was on display heavily, offering Liverpool something different to his compatriot Conor Bradley.
If preseason starting lineups are anything to go by, Bradley is currently first choice at right-back for Arne Slot.
It was only a cameo, but it will be interesting to see if Frimpong's display on Wednesday will change Slot's mind.
Lastly, it was wonderful to see the adoration all of the fans present had for Wataru Endo.
He is a player who was wholly deserving of the reception he received upon entering the match as the captain and the opportunity to lift the ceremonial trophy after the match in front of the people whose national team he proudly captains.
Just ask his manager.
"He deserved that more than everyone else for the role he played last season in us winning the league. How well he accepted his role, he was the best example. He was always there for the team. He totally deserved getting the armband today."