James Milner, Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez (U19s) were all handed home debuts by Liverpool and the trio got off to a winning start at Anfield with a 1-0 defeat of Bournemouth.
In the first-ever league meeting between the sides, the newly-promoted Cherries started brightly and defender Tommy Elphick saw a goal ruled out from one of numerous corners won in the early stages.
But the hosts, who also started with Adam Lallana and Jordon Ibe (U20s), gradually gained a foothold and on 26 minutes, from Jordan Henderson’s whipped cross, Christian Benteke opened his Liverpool account with a prodded finish from close range.
Moments later the impressive Henderson almost doubled the Reds’ lead with a dipping half-volley but the ball flew just over Artur Boruc’s bar.
Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner in action against Bournemouth
Yet that was to be Henderson’s last meaningful act as the England midfielder was forced off with a knock shortly after half-time.
The visitors continued to threaten and Matt Ritchie twice went close – his first effort on the hour mark crashing against the post from 18 yards.
Liverpool were also denied by the woodwork late on as Benteke hit the bar from Clyne’s well-placed cross, but the hosts held on to record their second straight Premier League victory.
“It was special atmosphere, but we knew it would be tough,” said Milner. “Bournemouth are a good team who press high and put pressure on.
“We know we can play better, there is room for improvement and we will need time for people to gel and know how each other play, but we’ve won two out of two.”
Of the 220 Premier League starters in the second round of fixtures, 66 are eligible to play for England (30 per cent). The 2014-15 average was 36.3 per cent and for the 2015-16 season so far, the average is 31.6 per cent.
