Liverpool beat Sunderland 4-2 in their opening friendly of pre-season, offering glimpses of Andoni Iraola's system. The side moved the ball quicker, kept a compact shape, and showed positive counter-pressing. Youth players and new teenage centre-backs Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye adapted well. However, the lineup was far from a Premier League starting XI, and major questions remain about the squad's composition.
Goalkeeper – Alisson
Alisson is the most reliable option when fit, though he has missed games through injury in recent seasons. He has failed to make more than 35 appearances in any of the last three campaigns. Backup options include Freddie Woodman, who signed a new long-term contract, and Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is expected to stay as backup.
Right-back – Jeremie Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong was inconsistent last season, but Liverpool have few alternatives. Conor Bradley is out long-term with a knee injury, Calvin Ramsay is likely to leave, and Joe Gomez picked up an injury in the friendly. Iraola has lamented the lack of defensive depth.
Centre-backs – Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk remains first-choice in the final year of his contract extension. His new partner appears to be Jeremy Jacquet, who arrived from Rennes and took Ibrahima Konaté's No.5 shirt after Konaté moved to Real Madrid. Jacquet is an excellent aerial defender but has fewer than 60 senior appearances and no Premier League experience. He needs time to develop, and another centre-back who can also cover right-back is a must.
Left-back – Milos Kerkez
Milos Kerkez was Liverpool's best defender for parts of last season after a choppy start. He was dropped in favour of Andy Robertson for the Scot's final games, but Kerkez is expected to be first-choice under Iraola. Kostas Tsimikas provides backup.
Central midfielders – Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai
Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones miss out. Gravenberch gets the nod for his physicality and ball-carrying, while Szoboszlai was Liverpool's player of the season. The midfield lacks a player focused on control and shutting out opponents. Wataru Endo remains an important squad player, but neither he nor Trey Nyoni are starting-calibre at the required level.
Attacking midfielder – Florian Wirtz
Wirtz contributed seven goals and 10 assists in all competitions last season. He is well-primed to improve under Iraola, though his best position is yet to be determined. He could play as a No.10 or a wide playmaker, leaving Szoboszlai in a deeper role.
Right winger – Rio Ngumoha
The wings were a major weakness last season. Rio Ngumoha has 30 senior appearances, six fewer than new signing Victor Munoz, but is already settled in the squad. He is eager to play on the right despite being a left winger. Liverpool are looking to sign a proven right winger, possibly Bradley Barcola.
Left winger – Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo has 50 goals in 180 appearances for Liverpool, but his Premier League record of 32 goals and 18 assists in 127 games is not stellar. He has been ineffective at times and faces competition from Munoz and Ngumoha. He is still Liverpool's highest-calibre winger but questions remain over his consistency.
Striker – Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak was Liverpool's most expensive signing but struggled last season, breaking his leg against Spurs. He showed improvement at the World Cup but concerns linger over his fitness and stylistic fit. He is a creative No.9 who drifts left, adding congestion. Hugo Ekitike is still recovering from an Achilles injury, leaving Federico Chiesa as backup.
Season outlook
If the season started immediately, six players would still be on leave, and Jacquet is being managed carefully. Even without transfers, the starting XI should beat most Premier League teams, but the squad is severely undercooked. Liverpool are in a rebuild, with Gakpo as top scorer highlighting the scale of the problem. With good investment, they could challenge for the title, but without it, Europa League qualification is a more likely outcome.
