Andoni Iraola’s assessment following Liverpool’s 4-2 loss to Leeds in Chicago on Sunday was revealing. “It’s not the result you want, but I think it was probably the most valuable friendly we’ve played,” he acknowledged. “We had positive moments in the first half and negative ones in the second. We’ve gained a lot from this game and can draw some important conclusions to address our issues.”
If there’s a pressing concern, it’s Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities. Across three matches in the USA, the team conceded six goals, four of which were scored by Leeds in just 25 minutes during the second half. In that game, Liverpool initially employed a backline consisting of Jeremie Frimpong, Luke Chambers, Ifeanye Ndukwe, and Milos Kerkez, but finished the match with Calvin Ramsay, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Ndukwe, and Kostas Tsimikas.
While Liverpool’s youthful defense managed to hold Wrexham to a clean sheet just days earlier, they were severely tested against Premier League rivals Leeds and their notable striker, Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Kerkez is the only player from that lineup expected to be a regular starter this season. Captain Virgil van Dijk is back in training, but the squad currently lacks the depth to compete effectively. In less than three weeks, Van Dijk will need a central defensive partner when Liverpool opens their Premier League campaign at Newcastle.
Concerns linger for Iraola as neither Joe Gomez nor Giovanni Leoni may be available, and new signee Jeremy Jacquet has yet to make an appearance during this tour as Liverpool carefully manages his recovery. Iraola has consistently described his defense as “thin,” a situation exacerbated by the exits of seasoned defenders Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate.
Although Jacquet and Leoni are promising talents, they’re untested, and Gomez’s injury history raises doubts about counting on him to fill gaps in the defense. Sporting director Richard Hughes attended the friendlies in Nashville and New York, but he was absent in Chicago, indicative of the issues facing the team.
To bolster the defense, Liverpool needs to acquire at least one player capable of playing as a center-back and potentially as a right-back, especially since Conor Bradley is still a while away from returning. Last season, both Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai were tried as emergency right-backs, a situation that must not be repeated. Ideally, the club needs an experienced player in that position.
After the match against Leeds, Szoboszlai commented, “You’ll have to ask the manager about my role moving forward. I played in many positions last season. Let’s see what happens. Ideally, I’d love to play in midfield, but if needed at right-back, I’m willing to do that.”
Former Liverpool captain Phil Thompson noted that Iraola will look to rely more on his experienced players, both old and new. “When Jurgen Klopp won the league, you had leadership from players like Jordan Henderson and James Milner, along with Virgil, Alisson, Mo Salah, and even Trent Alexander-Arnold stepping into leadership roles,” he remarked. “That leadership has lessened, and new voices will be needed, especially with some good players having left. The dressing room must be united, creating clear player rules, because in tough times, strong voices are vital. Right now, it’s mainly Virgil and Alisson. Others, like Szoboszlai, need to step up, and I believe they will.”
Bradley Barcola remains a key target
Bradley Barcola has netted 39 goals in 152 appearances for PSG [Getty Images]
When BBC Sport interviewed Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan in New York, it was clear that FSG is committed to investing in the team’s success.
With Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool has a solid midfield lineup. Both Szoboszlai and Gravenberch signed new contracts this year, and Iraola hopes to bring out the best in Mac Allister, who had an underwhelming season previously.
Curtis Jones’ potential transfer to Inter Milan appears to be progressing, with Liverpool open to negotiating a sale around £35 million. However, such a deal may hinge on the situation of Trey Nyoni, 19, who has excelled during pre-season. Fortunately, both Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic are back in training, though the status of Harvey Elliott remains uncertain.
Liverpool previously expressed interest in Adam Wharton, with competition from other clubs for the Crystal Palace midfielder. A more pressing need is in the forward position, with PSG’s Bradley Barcola identified as Liverpool’s primary target after missing out on Yan Diomande. Liverpool has already signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34 million.
While it may be premature to label Barcola as a direct successor to Mohamed Salah, a signing valued at £145 million by PSG would certainly make a significant statement. Liverpool is open to a deal closer to £100 million, with Barcola reportedly interested in joining the club.
In light of Salah’s departure, expect to see more from 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha on the right flank. He appeared much more at ease on his preferred left side against Leeds but possesses the capability to excel on both flanks, fitting the style of a manager who values versatility in wingers.
Both Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have made promising starts to their pre-season, while a decision awaits on Federico Chiesa, who aims to secure his place in the squad despite rumors linking him back to Italy.
Highly-touted 19-year-old Kieran Morrison had a successful tour, scoring the inaugural goal of the Iraola era, and is expected to be loaned out depending on squad depth. In the coming weeks, more young talents are likely to be sent out on loan.
In June, it was reported that Tottenham among various clubs are monitoring Cody Gakpo’s situation, although any potential transfer hinges on Liverpool securing a replacement. With four years remaining on his contract, the Netherlands international would not come cheaply.
Liverpool views Gakpo as a reliable attacker in the Premier League capable of fitting into different roles. With Hugo Ekitike sidelined for the season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, parting ways with Gakpo would be a significant decision.
Mike Gordon, the FSG president and principal owner of Liverpool, was present in Chicago on Sunday. Like all associated with the club, he witnessed the thrill of the Iraola era during the first half before recognizing the pressing need for reinforcements in the squad.