Johnson’s injury, however, was the only disappointment for Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, whose side recorded their first clean sheet in their warm-up campaign against the best opposition they have faced. Victory was secured thanks to goals from Andy Carroll and Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

Looking sharper than at any point during pre-season, Liverpool made an eye-catching start to the game with a series of moves that were all about short, sharp passes and quick movement off the ball to create space.

It almost paid dividends after four minutes when Stewart Downing burst to the by-line and fizzed in a cross that whizzed between a posse of Valencia defenders but was just a fraction too far away from Carroll, who was lurking at the back post.

Early blow: Glen Johnson speaks to manager Kenny Dalglish after limping off with a hamstring injury

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