Liverpool completed their pre-season preparations for the start of the Andoni Iraola era with two games on Sunday.
The first, a forgettable 0-0 in a 70-minute runout against Italian side Como, was followed by a 90-minuter against the same side later in the day.
Defender Jeremy Jacquet made his first appearance since his move from Rennes after recovering from injury, impressed in defence and even got on the scoresheet, much to the delight of the Kop.
Cody Gakpo, linked with a move away, also scored while Victor Munoz also gave a good account of himself.
So with Iraola’s first Premier League game in charge coming against Newcastle United on Sunday, what did we learn?
Andy Jones and Gregg Evans look at the talking points.
Where does Jacquet fit in?
Jeremy Jacquet stood tall on his first game in red and showed those watching exactly why Liverpool were so keen to acquire his services.
The 21-year-old impressed from the first minute with his composure on the ball, ability to wriggle out of tight spaces and blistering recovery speed.
After missing most of the summer with a minor knee injury sustained as he was recovering from a shoulder injury, it wouldn’t have been a surprise if he was a little rusty.
Instead, he marshalled the defence alongside Virgil van Dijk without ever looking flustered.
The Kop even began singing his name as early as the 16th minute and by half-time, when he was replaced, he was the player generating the most discussion after scoring the second goal.
Not everything about his performance was perfect, but when he did fall out of position or lose his opponent, he was quick to recover. There were key interceptions, last-ditch tackles, and a handful of rapid sprints that were particularly eye-catching.
With Ibrahima Konate out the door and starting a new chapter at Real Madrid, there’s a chance for Jacquet to flourish providing he can stay fit. After a display like that, he will be expected to start the Premier League opener at Newcastle on Sunday ahead of Ronald Araujo, who was steady on his debut after a half-time introduction.
Gregg Evans
How is Gakpo looking this summer?
As supporters continue to wait for a breakthrough in the pursuit of Bradley Barcola, the man who could end up making way if he arrives reminded everyone watching of his qualities.
Cody Gakpo suffered a dip in form last season and has been constantly linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, who are interested in the Dutchman but yet to make any meaningful progress.
This summer, though, Gakpo has returned with a spring in his step and backed up a solid display against Monaco last week with another good performance here.
In this victory, he showed a combination of close skill and clever decision-making before scoring the opening goal with a powerful finish.
When he plays with such direct, attacking poise, he’s a real handful and an important source of goals. If he does stay on board, then Liverpool need him to find the form that made him such a hit in the 2024-25 title-winning season.
(Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
However, until the window closes, he’ll continue to be a hot topic. As well his best friend at Liverpool, Curtis Jones, who, unlike Gakpo, has failed to make an impact under Iraola so far. Liverpool said Jones was suffering with a hip injury that “wasn’t worth risking” last week and again it was enough to keep him out as he completed an individual session at the AXA Training Centre.
The midfielder’s future remains uncertain as he’s now into the final year of his contract and no closer to extending. Inter Milan have tried to sign him this summer but are yet to reach Liverpool’s €40million valuation and his absence continues to raise discussions about whether he’ll still be at the club next month.
Gregg Evans
How did Munoz look?
While there were few fireworks in Liverpool’s first friendly, the performance of summer signing Victor Munoz offered further encouragement about the threat he can offer to Iraola’s side.
The 23-year-old made his first start after a 30-minute cameo in the 3-2 defeat to Monaco last weekend. While he struggled to impose himself in that match, he was Liverpool’s main source of creativity during his 45 minutes on the pitch.
Almost immediately we saw some of Munoz’s standout traits. On three minutes, he received the ball out wide, twisted and turned away from the opposition defender and crossed for Trey Nyoni, who headed wide.
Munoz has had a good pre-season sinc ehis move (Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Two minutes later, from a standing start, he showed off his speed and acceleration to race past a defender to the byline, but his low cross was blocked for a corner. There was a similar moment in the second half when he skipped past two Como challenges before forcing another corner.
The end product was the main element that he was lacking, but the creativity was there. He nearly found Federico Chiesa with a through ball in the first half and then the pair connected in the second half when Munoz’s near post cross was flicked on by the Italy international into the arms of the goalkeeper.
There seemed to be an early understanding with midfielder Alexis Mac Allister — who made his first appearance in pre-season, clocking up 59 minutes — as the Argentina international looked to play the ball in behind Como’s right full-back for Munoz to run on to.
His day was not over, either as he played 17 minutes in the second game. This time he played on the right flank, highlighting the versatility he has.
It remains early days, but given Liverpool’s attack was so devoid of pace and dynamism last season, he will offer Iraola something different that should cause opposition problems.
Andy Jones
