Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola praised his new-look defence after a 2-0 pre-season win over Como on Sunday, with goals from Cody Gakpo and Jeremy Jacquet giving the Reds a boost ahead of the Premier League season.
Defensive crisis eases
Liverpool had a difficult tour of the United States, with Iraola short of defenders. He was forced to field teenagers Ifeanyi Ndukwe, 18, and Mor Talla Ndiaye, 18, as well as Luke Chambers, 22, with Virgil van Dijk rested after the World Cup, Joe Gomez injured, Jacquet not ready after injury, and Giovanni Leoni rehabilitating from a long-term knee injury.
With Ibrahima Konate released on a free transfer at the end of last season, there is a place up for grabs alongside Van Dijk in central defence for the 2026/27 campaign. Jacquet, a £55million signing from Rennes, and Ronald Araujo, a loan signing from Barcelona, are competing for the spot.
Jacquet and Araujo impress
Jacquet started against Como and scored with a tap-in before being replaced by Araujo at half-time. Both players impressed Iraola, as did right-back Jeremie Frimpong.
Asked if he was impressed by his two new centre-backs, Iraola said: "Yes, both of them. I think Jeremy played really well. Also Ronald played really well when he came in. When you have two new faces, first game for both, they do so well."
He added: "It was also a very good performance of Jeremie Frimpong, playing 90 minutes as a right-back, helping us offensively but closing very well his side also. So, some good performances at the back."
Clean sheet a confidence boost
The win over Como came after a 4-2 defeat by Leeds and a 3-2 loss against Monaco in pre-season. Iraola has been vocal about the lack of incoming players in the summer transfer window, with defence and wide areas short.
"I think we need a little bit this feeling of finishing with a clean sheet, winning the game," he said. "Still, the first half has been better than the second, but at least we kept our organisation, our composure and we found a way to finish with a clean sheet, 2-0. I think we needed this feeling before we start."
Liverpool begin their 2026/27 campaign against Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday, with the Reds still chasing an elite attacker, including a possible move for Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola.
