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

Jurgen Klopp’s side fielded a team that could be expected to start the Premier League opener at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge on Sunday. 

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

And though questions will still be asked of Liverpool’s defence, their attacking play was accomplished and this was a good workout for Klopp’s men.

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

Liverpool claimed a 3-1 win against SV Darmstadt at Deepdale on Monday evening in their final pre-season warm-up match ahead of the new Premier League season

Mohamed Salah (right) scored the first for Liverpool after just five minutes, poking home from close range

Just three minutes after Salah scored the Reds’ first goal, Diogo Jota (right) scored their second. 

Jota is in terrific form.

Diogo Jota has been the star player for Liverpool this preseason, with another goal here to cap off a successful trip of Singapore.

Jota missed significant time last season due to a couple of lengthy injury layoffs, but he will play an important part this season.

He started both games of the Singapore tour on the left wing, but he played the most of this game as a No 9, with Mo Salah and Luis Diaz on either side of him.

It was also a pleasant outing for Jota. With his pushing and brilliant runs off the ball to create space for teammates, the 26-year-old led from the front and was at the center of every Liverpool assault.

He is almost certain to start against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, when Liverpool kick off their Premier League season, and his return to full fitness will be like a new signing for Klopp’s men.

Diaz has a point to make.

Diaz, like Jota, came into this preseason with a point to prove following an injury-plagued season last year. And it appears like the upcoming season will be crucial in determining Diaz’s future at Anfield.

Diaz is a superb ball dribbler who can easily get past two or three players – but the Colombian still leaves something to be desired when it comes to finishing.

He may be a lethal player for Klopp if he can add goals and assists to his all-around convincing attacking play this season.

Diaz, on the other hand, took his goal incredibly well after a ferocious corner from Dominik Szoboszlai. Diaz could have added more as he continued to put himself in perilous situations.

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Luis Diaz (pictured) wrapped up the scoring for Liverpool netting their third goal of the match

Diaz had an excellent game, taking his goal beautifully and putting the ball into the net, but he could have added more during the game.

Midfield tribulations

Liverpool’s lack of midfielders has been a recurring topic this summer, following the unforeseen departures of former captain Jordan Henderson and fellow seasoned professional Fabinho.

Fans have been concerned about the club’s lack of a No. 6 midfielder after three bids for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia were turned down, with Curtis Jones filling in as a holding midfielder in both friendlies on the Singapore tour.

However, Jones did not play this match due to a slight injury, so Alexis Mac Allister started in the deep-lying position.

The Argentine, a natural offensive midfielder, did little wrong and commanded play from deep, but it is a concerning sight for Reds fans on the eve of the league season to see how thin they seem.

Gakpo’s adaptability is critical.

Cody Gakpo partnered Szoboszlai in midfield, and Klopp is believed to appreciate his adaptability, with the Dutchman currently playing on both sides, as a central striker, and in a deeper role.

He told Mail Sport last week that he doesn’t mind where he plays as long as he’s on the field – but his adaptability is strengthening his case to start games.

Gakpo played well here, with many scorching deep runs, and it appears that the deeper position helps him to receive more touches and impact games.

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Cody Gakpo (right) played in midfield alongside Dominik Szoboszlai, and his versatility is making his case to start in games stronger

Ben Doak (pictured) again impressed for Liverpool, coming on to cause all sorts of problems for Darmstadt’s defence

Liverpool will now face Chelsea in their first Premier League encounter on Sunday. 

Doak is a rising star in the making.

During pre-season, Klopp has given numerous kids minutes, but the standout has been Ben Doak, the young Scottish winger.

Doak came on again here and caused all sorts of difficulties for Darmstadt’s defense after scoring against Leicester and impressing with a lightning-quick cameo against Bayern Munich in Singapore.

After Salah took a break in the second half, the 17-year-old took his place on the right wing, and he demonstrated his natural willingness to rush at defenders with direct, difficult darts into the box. He may have added an assist for better finishing.

Doak will expect to see some action on Thursday nights with Liverpool playing in the Europa League this season, as Klopp is unwilling to risk his big-hitters.

Doak has come a long way since arriving from Celtic for £600,000 a year ago, but judging by his pre-season performances, this is just the beginning.