FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED from Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Darmstadt

Liverpool ended their pre-season in style with a pleasing victory over German Bundesliga side SV Darmstadt after goals from Mo Salah, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz saw the Reds’ front three score.

Jürgen Klopp’s side fielded a squad on Sunday expected to start the Premier League opener at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.

Curtis Jones was not fit enough to start, meaning Alexis Mac Allister played the central midfield role.

And while questions will still be asked about Liverpool’s defence, their attacking play was successful and this was good training for Klopp’s men.

Mail sports was at Preston’s Deepdale before the game – it was played here due to stadium developments at Anfield – and here are five things we learned…

Red hot Jota in fine shape

Diogo Jota has arguably been the standout for Liverpool this pre-season, with another goal here to add to a fine tour of Singapore for the Portuguese.

Jota spent much of last season on the sidelines with a couple of long-term injury layoffs but will play a vital role this season ahead.

He started both matches of the Singapore tour on the left wing, but spent most of this match as the No. 9, with Mo Salah and Luis Diaz on either side of him.

And it was a pleasant outing for Jota. The 26-year-old led from the front with his pressing and has been at the center of every Liverpool attack with fine play and clever runs off the ball to create space for teammates.

He is almost guaranteed to start at Stamford Bridge on Sunday as Liverpool open their Premier League season against Chelsea, and being fully fit again will be like a new signing for Klopp’s men.

Diaz has something to prove

Like Jota, Diaz came into this pre-season with a point to prove after an injured season last year. And it feels like this upcoming season could be crucial in shaping Diaz’s future at Anfield.

Diaz is a dazzling dribbler and can easily leap past two or three defenders – but it is still felt that the Colombian leaves something to be desired when it comes to finishing.

If he can add goals and assists to his all-round convincing attacking play this season, he could be a devastating player for Klopp.

This was a very good performance, however, with Diaz taking his goal exceptionally well from a fierce corner from Dominik Szoboszlai. Diaz could have added more as he kept getting into dangerous positions.

Traditions in midfield

A theme this summer has been a lack of midfielders for Liverpool, following the unscheduled departures of former captain Jordan Henderson and fellow veteran professional Fabinho.

Fans are concerned about the lack of a number 6 midfielder after three bids for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia were rejected, with Curtis Jones starring in both friendlies on the Singapore tour.

But Jones didn’t start this game on a light punch, meaning Alexis Mac Allister started in the deep-lying position.

An attacking midfielder by trade, the Argentine did little wrong and dictated play from deep, but it’s a worrying sight for Reds fans on the eve of the league season to see how thin they look.

Gakpo’s versatility is crucial

Cody Gakpo played alongside Szoboszlai in midfield and Klopp is said to have loved his versatility. The Dutchman now plays on both wings, as a central striker and in a deeper role.

He told Mail Sport last week that he doesn’t really care where he plays as long as he’s on the pitch, but his versatility makes his case for starting games stronger.

Gakpo played well here, with several blistering runs from deep, and it feels the deeper position allows him to get on the ball more and influence games.

Doak is a star in the making

Klopp has given many young players minutes in pre-season, but the shining light was far and away Ben Doak, the young Scottish winger.

After scoring against Leicester and impressing with a lightning cameo against Bayern Munich in Singapore, Doak came back on here and caused all sorts of trouble for Darmstadt’s defence.

The 17-year-old played on the right wing in place of Salah after the Egyptian rested in the second half and showed his innate desire to run at defenders with direct, tricky darts in the penalty area. If he could have added an assist for a better finish.

With Liverpool playing in the Europa League this season, Doak is expecting a few minutes on Thursday night and Klopp is unlikely to risk his big hitters.

After signing for just £600,000 from Celtic a year ago, things have picked up a bit for Doak over the past 12 months, but judging by his pre-season performances, this is just the beginning.