Liverpool 2-0 Crystal Palace: Five questions after Asia Trophy win

By Adam Bate

Image: Jordan Henderson led Liverpool to victory over Crystal Palace in Hong Kong

Liverpool earned a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League Asia Trophy in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Second-half goals from Dominic Solanke and Divock Origi were enough to take the Reds through to Saturday's final against Leicester.

Here, we pick out five talking points for Liverpool fans following the game…

Can Salah make a difference?

The roars of the Hong Kong crowd when Mo Salah dragged the ball back inside the first five minutes turned to screams soon after when he powered beyond Damien Delaney. Centre-back partner Scott Dann went into the book for a cynical foul before half-time too. This was an encouraging 50-minute cameo from Liverpool's summer signing. He is some entertainer.

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Solanke strikes in Liverpool win

Dominic Solanke scored his first goal for Liverpool to help secure a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League Asia Trophy on Wednesday.

The fans did not get to see an end product on this occasion. One left-footed effort flashed across goal and the final delivery was lacking at times. But Salah has the pace and directness to be a success in England second time around. "He does not hesitate to go right at his man," said Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith on co-commentary. Liverpool need more of that.

How good could Solanke be?

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While Salah did not get his goal, another recent acquisition did find the back of the net - adding to the excitement about his vast potential. Solanke, the player of the tournament in England's triumph at the Under-20 World Cup in June, announced himself by coming off the bench to slam the ball low into the far corner from outside of the box.

Dominic Solanke came off the bench to open the scoring for Liverpool

There have been some doubts expressed about Solanke's first-team prospects at Liverpool, having become frustrated at his lack of opportunities at Chelsea. However, if he can build on this promising start then he will get games as the Reds compete on four fronts this season. Solanke has potential and it looks as though he may be in the mood to seize his chance.

What is Sturridge's role now?

Daniel Sturridge's future seems to have been the subject of speculation for some time now but Smith summed up Liverpool's conundrum neatly. "You did wonder whether he might leave Liverpool this summer but they will be loath to let somebody of that quality go," he explained. Sturridge showed his threat against Palace without getting his goal.

There was one lovely flick to set up Adam Lallana but most of his shots were scuffed and with Sturridge's all-round game not offering everything that Jurgen Klopp demands, he is as aware as anyone that his contribution will be defined by his goal return - one in his last 13 competitive appearances for Liverpool is not enough. Sturridge will need to start well.

How important is Henderson?

Klopp recently warned against expecting too much of Jordan Henderson as he finds his way back to full fitness having been out since February. But that's tough when the need to keep the Liverpool captain fit and available has been underlined often at Anfield. His suspension probably cost the team the Premier League title back in 2014 and he is far more vital now.

Image: Liverpool captain Henderson was sorely missed by Liverpool last season

There were glimpses of his importance against Palace with one crisp diagonal in the first half reminiscent of Steven Gerrard at his best as he put Sturridge behind the defence. "Henderson has got a passing range in his armoury," said Smith. Liverpool missed that in the spring and his return to the line-up gives Klopp's side that little bit extra that they need.

Who will play at left-back?

Perhaps Andrew Robertson's arrival could do that too. The Scotland international joins Liverpool in a £10m deal from Hull City and it will be interesting to see how Klopp approaches the left-back position this season. Certainly, Alberto Moreno appears to be heading for the exit but could Robertson's signature mean a change of role for James Milner too?

Image: Alberto Moreno started at left-back but his Liverpool days look numbered

The England international deputised well at full-back last season but has spent much of his career in midfield. By signing Robertson, Klopp not only gives himself the option of introducing natural width on the left but could also free up Milner to fill in elsewhere - taking advantage of his versatility more than he was able to last term.

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