{"id":722156,"date":"2026-08-01T04:08:23","date_gmt":"2026-08-01T04:08:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/722156\/"},"modified":"2026-08-01T04:08:23","modified_gmt":"2026-08-01T04:08:23","slug":"fpl-pre-season-tavernier-impresses-muharemovic-class-szoboszlai-deeper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/722156\/","title":{"rendered":"FPL pre-season: Tavernier impresses, Muharemovic \u201cclass\u201d + Szoboszlai deeper"},"content":{"rendered":"

Liverpool, Leeds United, Bournemouth and Sunderland were all in pre-season action on Thursday, as preparations for the 2026\/27 campaign continued.<\/p>\n

We round up the key talking points here, including injuries, standout performers and tactical observations.<\/p>\n

BOURNEMOUTH 5-2 AUGSBURG<\/p>\n

\"FPL<\/p>\n

Goals: Evanilson, T\u00f3th, Gannon-Doak, Tavernier, \u00dcnal<\/p>\n

Assists: Kluivert, Tavernier, Jebbison (x2), Dacosta<\/p>\n

Bournemouth XI first 60:\u00a0Petrovic (Dennis 31), Cook, Soler, Scott, Evanilson (Jebbison 49), R Christie (T\u00f3th 41), Diakit\u00e9, Kluivert, Adli, Aarons, Rayan (Brooks 31)<\/p>\n

Bournemouth XI second 60:\u00a0Forster (Crampton 91), Smith, Hill, William, Truffert, Stevens, Brooks (Dacosta 81), T\u00f3th (Z Christie 114), Gannon-Doak (Rees-Dottin 106), Tavernier, Jebbison (\u00dcnal 91)<\/p>\n

SCOUT NOTES <\/p>\n

Marco Rose made it two wins from two in Austria as Bournemouth rounded off their pre-season training camp with a 5-2 victory over Augsburg.<\/p>\n

The match was played over four 30-minute periods, allowing Rose to continue rotating his squad. Bournemouth again lined up with a back four for much of the contest. However, the new head coach has used several systems throughout his managerial career, so it remains too early to identify his preferred shape.<\/p>\n

Bournemouth only found the net once during the opening hour. Evanilson (\u00a36.0m) scored his first goal of pre-season after Justin Kluivert (\u00a36.0m) won possession high up the pitch. Kluivert\u2019s pressing earned an assist and highlighted the intensity Rose wants from his front players.<\/p>\n

Several attacking assets continued to impress. Marcus Tavernier (\u00a36.0m) followed his assist against St. Pauli with another goal and assist here. Daniel Jebbison also caught the eye, building on last weekend\u2019s strike by supplying two assists. The Canadian\u2019s pressing and link-up play stood out once again, suggesting he is adapting well to Rose\u2019s style.<\/p>\n

Alex T\u00f3th (\u00a35.0m) enjoyed another productive outing. After registering an assist against St. Pauli, he got on the scoresheet against Augsburg to continue an encouraging pre-season. Ben Gannon-Doak (\u00a35.0m) also strengthened his case with another goal. Bournemouth continue to manage his workload after last season\u2019s injury, but he has looked sharp whenever called upon.<\/p>\n

There was also a timely boost with David Brooks (\u00a35.0m) returning after missing the St. Pauli friendly through fatigue. However, the news isn\u2019t so positive for Eli Junior Kroupi (\u00a37.5m). Bournemouth have since confirmed the summer signing underwent surgery after suffering a foot injury during training in Austria. He now faces a spell on the sidelines as he begins his rehabilitation.<\/p>\n

From an FPL perspective, Kroupi\u2019s absence could create more opportunities for Kluivert in the No 10 role. Bournemouth also have the option of introducing summer signing \u00c1lvaro Rodr\u00edguez (\u00a36.0m) alongside Evanilson if Rose decides to move towards a two-striker system.<\/p>\n

Bournemouth have now scored nine goals across Rose\u2019s opening two friendlies, with several attacking players producing returns in both matches. They have still conceded in each game, so defensive improvements remain on the agenda. Going forward, though, the signs continue to look encouraging.<\/p>\n

LEEDS 1-0 SUNDERLAND<\/p>\n

\"Tavernier<\/p>\n

Goals: Nmecha<\/p>\n

Assists: Tanaka<\/p>\n

LEEDS<\/p>\n

Leeds United XI: Cairns, Bogle, Bornauw, Rodon, Muharemovi\u0107, Gudmundsson, Longstaff, Tanaka, Mills, Wilson, Nmecha<\/p>\n

Subs: Mahady, Ombang, Ampadu, James, Piroe, Stach, Justin, Gnonto, Crew, Chadwick, Cresswell, Lane, Lienou, Pickles<\/p>\n

SCOUT NOTES <\/p>\n

Daniel Farke\u2019s side bounced back from their defeat to Wrexham with a 1-0 victory over Sunderland in New Jersey, courtesy of an early strike from Lukas Nmecha (\u00a35.5m).<\/p>\n

The match offered another valuable fitness exercise, with Farke once again rotating heavily across two different XIs. Leeds largely operated with the back-three system Farke used at times last season. <\/p>\n

Nmecha scored the only goal of the game. Ao Tanaka (\u00a35.0m) deserves plenty of credit for the move. He nudged the ball into Nmecha\u2019s path before the German caught goalkeeper Melker Ellborg off his line with a low finish from distance.<\/p>\n

New signings Tarik Muharemovi\u0107 (\u00a35.0m) and Harry Wilson (\u00a36.5m) both made their first starts for Leeds after debuting from the bench against Wrexham. Muharemovi\u0107 looked assured in the heart of the back three and settled into Farke\u2019s system quickly. Farke said this on Muharemovi\u0107:<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a promising young man, full of talent and unbelievable potential. For him, the sky\u2019s the limit. You could see his quality shine through in each and every moment of the game. His calmness, his body language, how smart he reads the game and the many interceptions of the ball. For his first outing together with his teammates in such a complicated game, it was a class appearance.\u201d \u2013 Daniel Farke on Tarik Muharemovic<\/p>\n

Wilson also showed flashes of quality before making way at half-time.<\/p>\n

There were also encouraging signs from Gabriel Gudmundsson (\u00a34.5m), whose combination play with Daniel James (\u00a35.0m) regularly caused problems down the left after the break. Jayden Bogle (\u00a34.5m) almost doubled Leeds\u2019 lead after a surging run from right wing-back. His low effort flashed agonisingly wide of the far post. James was then presented with an even better opportunity but fired straight at Ellborg from inside the box with the goal at his mercy.<\/p>\n

Defensively, Leeds looked much improved after conceding three goals to Wrexham. Sunderland created very little throughout the contest, with Alex Cairns only called into action on a handful of occasions. Joe Rodon (\u00a34.5m) also made back-to-back starts after featuring in both halves against Wrexham. The Wales international was one of his side\u2019s standout defender options in FPL last season.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Noah Okafor (\u00a36.0m) and Brenden Aaronson (\u00a35.5m) remain unavailable following their World Cup involvement. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (\u00a36.0m) has returned to team training after a minor injury setback, but this fixture came too soon for the striker. Jaka Bijol (\u00a35.0m) also remains sidelined with a knee injury.<\/p>\n

Off the pitch, Leeds also appear close to strengthening their goalkeeping department. Reports suggest a move for James Trafford (\u00a35.0m) is nearing completion following Illan Meslier\u2018s (\u00a35.0m) departure earlier this summer.<\/p>\n

SUNDERLAND<\/p>\n

Sunderland XI:\u00a0Ellborg, Hume (Lightfoot 63), Ballard (Hjelde 45), O\u2019Nien (Seelt 63), Reinildo (Je Jones 63), Mukiele (Proctor 63), Browne (Diarra 63), Rigg (Sadiki 63), Mundle (Angulo 45, Ogunsuyi 84), Le F\u00e9e (Adingra 63), Brobbey (Tutierov 37)<\/p>\n

SCOUT NOTES <\/p>\n

Sunderland were narrowly beaten by Leeds United but produced another encouraging display under R\u00e9gis Le Bris, who again deployed a 4-2-3-1 system after using the same shape against York City and Liverpool.<\/p>\n

The biggest boost came with the return of several World Cup stars. Brian Brobbey (\u00a36.0m) made his first Sunderland start after joining up with the squad earlier this week, while Habib Diarra (\u00a35.5m), Noah Sadiki (\u00a35.0m) and Nilson Angulo (\u00a35.0m) all returned to the matchday squad as substitutes. Simon Adingra (\u00a36.0m) also featured after missing the defeat to Liverpool.<\/p>\n

Brobbey almost marked his first start with a goal inside the opening half. Reinildo (\u00a34.5m) delivered an inviting low cross into the six-yard box, but the Dutch striker couldn\u2019t sort out his feet and failed to convert from close range. The loose ball then fell kindly for Enzo Le F\u00e9e (\u00a36.0m), whose powerful effort flew wide as Sunderland squandered their best opportunity of the evening.<\/p>\n

The striker\u2019s outing ended shortly before half-time following a collision with Rodon. Some feared the withdrawal was injury-related, but Le Bris commented when asked about this post-match:<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was expected to be substituted after 30 minutes, but he negotiated five more minutes.\u201d \u2013 Regis Le Bris on Brian Brobbey<\/p>\n

Timur Tutierov replaced Brobbey and continued his impressive pre-season. After catching the eye against York City and Liverpool, the Ukrainian forward again looked lively, twice going close with headers inside the penalty area. Both opportunities came from excellent deliveries, with Chris Rigg (\u00a35.0m) and Adingra providing the service.<\/p>\n

Le F\u00e9e also carried his good form into another friendly after scoring a superb long-range strike against Liverpool. He remained Sunderland\u2019s main creative spark alongside Rigg. Rigg had a lot of positives to say on Le F\u00e9e after the game: <\/p>\n

\u201cEnzo is unbelievable and it\u2019s a privilege to play anywhere near him on the pitch. I think we have a good connection and hopefully it can get better during the season.\u201d \u2013 Chris Rigg on Enzo Le Fee<\/p>\n

Trai Hume (\u00a34.5m) continued to offer an attacking outlet and forced a deflected effort narrowly wide before the break.<\/p>\n

Despite falling behind early, Sunderland responded well and enjoyed several promising spells of possession. Leeds goalkeeper Cairns was eventually called into action to deny both Trey Ogunsuyi and Tutierov late in the match, while the Black Cats limited Leeds to relatively few clear-cut opportunities after Nmecha\u2019s eighth-minute opener.<\/p>\n

Omar Alderete (\u00a35.0m), Granit Xhaka (\u00a35.5m), Arthur Masuaku (\u00a34.0m) and Thomas Meunier (\u00a34.5m) are still building their fitness, while Jocelin Ta Bi remains unavailable after being unable to travel to the United States because of visa issues.<\/p>\n

Although Sunderland have now lost consecutive friendlies, there were plenty of positives once again. Tutierov continues to strengthen his case for more first-team involvement, while Le F\u00e9e has carried his creativity into pre-season after an encouraging debut Premier League campaign. Brobbey\u2019s first start was another important milestone, even if his evening ended earlier than expected.<\/p>\n

LIVERPOOL 1-0 WREXHAM<\/p>\n

\"FPL<\/p>\n

Goal: Ngumoha<\/p>\n

Assists: Szoboszlai<\/p>\n

Liverpool XI:\u00a0Mamardashvili, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Elliott, Abe, Nyoni, Chambers, Ramsay, Scanlon, Koumas, Ndukwe<\/p>\n

Subs:\u00a0Woodman, Davies (76), Jones (46), Tsimikas (46), Frimpong (63), McConnell (63), Morrison (46), Ngumoha (46), Ndiaye (76), Wright (63), Sonni-Lambie (76)<\/p>\n

SCOUT NOTES <\/p>\n

Liverpool made it two wins from two under Andoni Iraola after edging past Wrexham 1-0 in New York, with Rio Ngumoha (\u00a36.0m) netting the winner after his strike took a decisive deflection.<\/p>\n

Iraola again used the fixture to spread minutes across his squad, naming a starting XI made up largely of academy players and youngsters. Among the recognised first-team names, only Milos Kerkez (\u00a35.5m), Dominik Szoboszlai (\u00a37.5m) and Harvey Elliott (\u00a35.5m) started. The second half saw the introductions of Kostas Tsimikas (\u00a35.0m), Curtis Jones (\u00a35.5m), Ngumoha and, later, Jeremie Frimpong (\u00a35.5m) as Liverpool\u2019s senior contingent gradually increased.<\/p>\n

Liverpool\u2019s biggest concern remains at centre-back. Joe Gomez (\u00a35.0m) was ruled out after suffering a muscle injury against Sunderland, while Jeremy Jacquet (\u00a35.0m) was not yet ready to feature. That again left youngsters filling key defensive roles. Andoni Iraola said this on Gomez:<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe has a muscle injury. I think it\u2019s going to be impossible to have him for the start of the season.\u201d \u2013 Andoni Iraola on Joe Gomez<\/p>\n

Despite the lack of recognised centre-backs, Liverpool recorded their first clean sheet of pre-season. Iraola acknowledged his side are short in that department but praised the performances of his young defenders: <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re pretty thin in the centre-back position. The only real centre-backs we have right now are Mor and Ify, who are 18 years old. The team has showed composure and solidity at the back.\u201d \u2013 Andoni Iraola<\/p>\n

There was better news elsewhere, with Iraola confirming Virgil van Dijk (\u00a36.5m) has resumed training after his extended summer break.<\/p>\n

Although Liverpool dominated possession, clear-cut chances proved difficult to create. Wrexham fashioned the better openings, producing five big chances to Liverpool\u2019s one, but the Reds eventually found a breakthrough late on through Ngumoha.<\/p>\n

The 17-year-old, who enjoyed plenty of first-team exposure last season, once again caught the eye after coming on at half-time. Normally deployed from the left, Ngumoha started on the right flank before drifting across the front line, and Iraola admitted he wants his wingers to become comfortable operating on either side. Iraola also said this about him after the match:<\/p>\n

\u201cI normally encourage my wingers to have the ability to play both sides. If you can play on both sides, it\u2019s easier for you to get minutes.\u201d \u2013 Andoni Iraola<\/p>\n

One of Liverpool\u2019s standout performers was Szoboszlai, despite operating in a deeper midfield role. The Hungarian still influenced much of Liverpool\u2019s attacking play. He produced two key passes that led directly to shots and supplied the assist for Ngumoha\u2019s winner. He also tested the goalkeeper twice, with one effort on target. Szoboszlai now has one goal and two assists from his opening two pre-season appearances. He continues to look sharp, even from a deeper role.<\/p>\n

Iraola also offered an insight into how he plans to use Florian Wirtz (\u00a37.5m) once the German joins the squad after his World Cup break:<\/p>\n

\u201cI see him more probably in that position behind the striker.\u201d \u2013 Andoni Iraola on Florian Wirtz<\/p>\n

The Liverpool boss also revealed Alexander Isak (\u00a39.0m) is expected to make his first pre-season appearance against Leeds United:<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope he can have some minutes against Leeds. He\u2019s going to be massive for us this season.\u201d \u2013 Andoni Iraola on Alexander Isak<\/p>\n

Liverpool\u2019s youngsters impressed again. However, the lack of senior centre-backs remains a concern. The returns of Van Dijk and Jacquet should help. Ngumoha took his chance well. Szoboszlai impressed again from a deeper role. Both look in good form ahead of the new season.<\/p>\n

\"Fantasy<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Liverpool, Leeds United, Bournemouth and Sunderland were all in pre-season action on Thursday, as preparations for the 2026\/27…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":722157,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[235506,238663,218,238664,29903,101,238665,238666,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-722156","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-football","tag-bournemouth-scout-notes","tag-calvert-lewin-injury","tag-football","tag-liverpool-fpl","tag-scout-notes","tag-sports","tag-sunderland-fpl","tag-sunderland-v-leeds","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/722156","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=722156"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/722156\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/722157"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=722156"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=722156"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=722156"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}