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FSG must complete two Liverpool transfers to fix major Andoni Iraola concern Liverpool's first home pre-season game under Andoni Iraola ended in defeat and the Reds need to take action in the transfer market. Andoni Iraola will be well aware that pre-season results matter little, yet that is not to say there were no lessons to be drawn from Liverpool's first home match under the Spaniard. The fact that Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz both got on the scoresheet against Monaco, for example, is a significant fillip. Should the Reds manage to keep the duo fit and in form over the coming months, goals and chances will flow freely. They are, in many respects, the defining factor in Liverpool's prospects this season. Young centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe caught the eye too, while the likes of Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk shook off the rust. The latter conceding a penalty is hardly a worry; far better it happens now rather than in a match that truly matters. Iraola will, however, equally recognise that considerably more work remains to be done. As talented as they undoubtedly are — and given their combined cost of £241 million, the Liverpool side will be constructed around them — Isak and Wirtz cannot carry the entire attacking responsibility alone. New recruit Victor Munoz, making his first appearance at Anfield, impressed when introduced from the bench, while Rio Ngumoha's potential is by now well documented. Looking further ahead, securing deals for the likes of Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye would represent a considerable boost to the forward line, though time is pressing. The imminent addition of Ronald Araujo can only strengthen the defensive options, and gradually, the shortcomings are being addressed. Transfer business continues apace. Lewis Koumas, despite performing admirably here, and Ndukwe, who excelled once more, will be absent from the squad at St. James' Park and afterwards. The defender lacks the necessary work permit, while the attacker is not yet ready to step in for Mohamed Salah and will surely move on. EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page However, beyond that, this starting line-up bore some resemblance to what Liverpool's first XI might look like in the coming weeks. It proved highly encouraging, therefore, that when Liverpool were at their best, the signs looked positive. Isak and Wirtz linked up effectively, and the side's formation is developing nicely. As Iraola acknowledged post-match, however, the challenge now is maintaining those standards. Improved fitness levels will assist, but further reinforcements are equally vital. "I think it was quite similar to the game we played against Leeds," Iraola admitted. "I think we played a really good first half, especially the first 30 minutes, but right now, probably, we don't have much more in terms of the level required." That represents a concern just a fortnight before the campaign begins, yet on the pitch, Liverpool's preferred XI is progressing in the right direction. Off it, additional numbers are essential - though everyone recognises that. Further work is required in midfield and attack, with the squad's shallow depth again highlighted by Monaco's second-half turnaround. Bringing in Barcola and Mbaye would massively help Iraola.