Left-back Aaron Cresswell says new boys Luke Chambers and Elliott Hewitt are settling into the squad well. The 22-year-old says last week’s training camp close to Eindhoven was good for team bonding.
Cresswell was impressed with central defender Luke Chambers, who recently signed on a free transfer from Nottingham Forest: "He showed what a good player he is. He’s a good on the ball, good in the air, he’s a good all-round centre-half and a good leader. I think he’s settled in very well and I think he’ll have a good season.”
Also on the trip but not yet ready to play, having undergone hip operations while with Macclesfield was new right-back Elliott Hewitt.
Cresswell feels the Wales U21 international will have benefited from tagging along despite not having been involved in the games: "He’s come along with the boys to Holland, he’s working with Matt [Byard] and Alex [Chapman] in the physio room.
"I think he’s out for a month or two, I’m not sure, but he’s settled in well as well. He’s only 18 and hopefully he’ll be fit and ready soon.”
Last summer’s signing from Tranmere can empathise with Hewitt having been through similar experiences a year ago: "I was in the same position I was in when I came here. I’d never been away from Liverpool and I don’t think he’s ever moved from where he was. He’s just got to get his head down and work hard, like we’ve all got to do.”
Overall, the Liverpudlian believes the trip was a worthwhile exercise: "It’s always nice to get away with the whole team because we’re in and around one another 24/7.
"Down at the hotel where we’ve been staying there are good facilities, loads of tennis, table tennis, good food. We’re all together all the time, so it’s been good.
"But we’ve always had a good spirit around the place,” he added. "There are a few experienced players, a few younger players and I’m sure the gaffer will bring in a few more before the season starts and we can all gel together.”
Goalkeeper Scott Loach signed from Watford while the squad was in Holland and arrived at his Ipswich hotel on Sunday night ahead of Monday training and tweeted: "The new era begins."
Tottenham midfielder Massimo Luongo is set to join on a season-loan loan from Tottenham in the next few days.