McAllister: How Liverpool will benefit from playing in the ICC
Liverpool FC ambassador Gary McAllister believes Jürgen Klopp's side will benefit from the tough competition they will face in the International Champions Cup this summer.
July will see the Reds play two games in the United States against Chelsea and AC Milan before taking on Barcelona in August at a European venue yet to be decided.
And McAllister insists the high calibre of opposition will stand as a good test for Klopp's men ahead of the start of the 2016-17 campaign.
Speaking from New York, where the details of the pre-season tournament were announced on Tuesday, McAllister told Liverpoolfc.com: "The big thing for Jürgen is the quality of the competition he's got, because the line-up in this competition is fierce, [with] obviously some of the best clubs in the world.
"As an ex-player, I always found pre-season games could be a little bland and you're always looking to the first game of the season, but this level of game and competition in pre-season is going to be a fantastic experience for the players. I'm sure they'll love it."
Liverpool took part in the ICC back in 2014 when they played four games on the east coast of the USA and were met by fanatic support from American Reds.
McAllister believes the travelling contingent can expect a similar reception on the other side of the country when they visit.
He added: "Everywhere Liverpool go, I'm always amazed by the support Liverpool have.
"Over the years of playing against Liverpool, I always thought I knew loads about Liverpool Football Club, I thought I knew everything, but it's not until you come to these places and these countries and see how massive the club is.
"The support will be equally as huge on the west coast as it is on the east coast."