Use your head like Sadio and subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The Liverpool squad returned home to the UK on Tuesday after a gruelling 12-day tour of America.

Defeats against Chelsea and Roma were sandwiched by victory over AC Milan as the Reds played in Pasadena, Santa Clara and St Louis in front of some 110,000 supporters.

So who were the winners and losers Stateside?

Winners

Sheyi Ojo

The teenage winger was a late arrival on the tour after his commitments with England under-19s at the Euros but he quickly made up for lost time.

Ojo remains raw but his potential is huge. He shone after coming off the bench against AC Milan, creating the second goal for Roberto Firmino.

He followed that up by nodding home from close range in the 2-1 defeat to Roma in St Louis. His pace frightens defenders and he’s got the build to handle himself at the top level.

Ojo could still head out on loan this month but on this evidence he’s worth keeping around.

Divock Origi

The Belgian striker made huge strides forward under Jurgen Klopp last season. His form was outstanding before his progress was cruelly halted by that horror tackle from Ramiro Funes Mori in the Merseyside derby.

Origi recovered from ankle ligament damage ahead of schedule to come off the bench in the Europa League final.

But here were the first signs of the former Lille frontman getting back to that level. His goal against Milan oozed class.

Origi got the nod ahead of Daniel Sturridge for some big games last season and he’s going to be a serious rival for that lone striking role again this term.

Ragnar Klavan

When the experienced Estonian defender was signed from Augsburg he looked likely to simply provide cover this season.

However, injuries have thrust him into the spotlight and he hasn’t let anyone down.

Worryingly, Joel Matip wasn’t able to play any part on the tour as he continued to be troubled by pain in his foot.

Klopp remains confident the Cameroon international will be fit for the big kick-off but Klavan has proved that he’s an able deputy alongside Dejan Lovren.

He’s strong, decent in the air, he reads the game well and his distribution from the back is excellent.

Simon Mignolet

Bear with me here. The Belgian keeper flew out to the States in the knowledge that he faced a real battle to retain his No 1 status following the signing of Loris Karius.

Mignolet headed home knowing he will start against Arsenal at the Emirates on August 14 after Karis broke a bone in his hand.

After a quiet night against Milan, Mignolet was much busier against Roma.

He took some unfair flak for the winning goal after keeping out Edin Dzeko’s bullet header. Yes, he could have reacted quicker to the rebound but he was also let down by the shoddy defending in front of him.

Mignolet later pulled off one fine save to deny Federico Ricci.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

The 17-year-old from West Derby has impressed Klopp to such an extent that he’s now viewed as a potential option at full-back this season.

The only thing lacking from the Academy youngster’s game is a bit more physical presence but that will come with age.

If he keeps up these standards then he can expect to make his senior debut over the coming months.

Ovie Ejaria

The 18-year-old midfielder missed the games against Milan and Roma with a groin injury but he had already made his mark.

Ejaria, who joined the Academy from Arsenal two years ago, has been the surprise package of pre-season. He’s come from nowhere to force his way into the first-team squad.

He produced one of the standout performances against Chelsea. He’s ice cool and blessed with quick feet. Klopp has been hugely impressed not only with his talent but also his attitude and application.

Losers

Christian Benteke

If the £32.5million frontman didn’t already know that the writing is on the wall, he does now.

Benteke was told to report to California for the training camp but wasn’t used in any of the three matches. He doesn’t have a future at Anfield.

The Belgium international just doesn’t fit the way Klopp wants Liverpool to play. And the Reds aren’t in the business of keeping a £110,000 per week striker as a Plan B.

The only question now is how much they get for him. It looked like he was bound for Crystal Palace last month but the clubs couldn’t agree a fee.

Liverpool are determined to recoup what they paid Aston Villa for him but they might have to compromise just to get him off the books.

Lazar Markovic

It’s difficult to see Markovic still being a Liverpool player come the end of August.

There’s been nothing in pre-season to change the opinion that the £20million winger is simply not good enough to make the grade at Anfield. He’s too lightweight, he flits in and out of games too much.

Liverpool were open to offers for Markovic and that remains the case.

Mamadou Sakho

The Frenchman was sent home in disgrace after riling Klopp with his attitude on tour.

Sakho, who couldn’t feature due to an Achilles injury, was brought along to foster team spirit but was late for the team flight, late for a team meal and failed to turn up for a treatment session.

Klopp accused him of showing a lack of respect and told him to continue his rehab in the UK rather than California.

Sakho won’t be sold. He will get the chance to make up for his indiscretions but he’s got some making up to do.