news-engine

Liverpool rounded off their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 victory over Como at Anfield, with Cody Gakpo and debutant Jérémy Jacquet getting the goals in an encouraging final outing before the Premier League season begins. After the earlier behind-closed-doors meeting finished 0-0, this was a much more positive performance from Andoni Iraola’s side in front of the Anfield crowd. There were plenty of positives to take — particularly in the first half — but Liverpool also had to show a different side of their game after the break. Gakpo gives Liverpool the lead Liverpool started with far greater intensity than in the earlier meeting. The Reds pressed higher up the pitch, moved the ball with greater purpose and looked much more dangerous in the final third. That pressure eventually paid off as Cody Gakpo opened the scoring. The Dutchman continues to look like an important attacking option for Iraola and showed his ability to make an impact in the penalty area. It was the perfect start for Liverpool. Jacquet caps dream debut with a goal The story of the first half was undoubtedly Jérémy Jacquet. Making his Liverpool debut, the French defender looked extremely comfortable alongside Virgil van Dijk. He was composed in possession, strong in the challenge and showed excellent positioning. Then, just before half-time, he produced the perfect way to cap his first appearance. Jacquet scored Liverpool’s second goal. A debut. A goal. And a hugely impressive performance. Liverpool couldn’t have asked for much more from their new defender. Wirtz and Isak provide plenty of excitement There was understandably plenty of attention on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. The pair showed glimpses of the relationship that Liverpool supporters are hoping develops into something special. Wirtz looked to operate between the lines and find space, while Isak continually threatened with his movement. There is obviously still plenty of work to do before the pair are completely familiar with each other’s game, but the potential is enormous. Liverpool had to defend in the second half The second half was a different challenge. With Liverpool leading 2-0, Como pushed forward in search of a way back into the match. That meant Liverpool had to spend far more time defending and, at times, were forced deeper than they would have liked. It was actually a useful test for Iraola’s team. We know Liverpool want to press high and dominate possession, but they won’t be able to control every match for 90 minutes. There will be occasions when opponents have sustained periods of pressure. The important thing was that Liverpool stood firm. Como couldn’t find a way through, and the Reds protected their two-goal advantage until the final whistle. Araújo impresses on his Liverpool debut Another major positive from the second half was Ronald Araújo. The Uruguayan defender came on for his Liverpool debut and immediately looked at home. He was aggressive in the challenge, composed defensively and showed the physicality that made him such an attractive addition to Iraola’s squad. With Como putting Liverpool under more pressure after the break, Araújo was given a proper test. And he passed it. His ability to defend one-on-one and deal with physical pressure could prove extremely valuable once competitive football begins. Having Van Dijk, Araújo and Jacquet competing for places gives Iraola some serious options at centre-back. The midfield looked more balanced Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai also had an important role to play. The pair provided energy and helped Liverpool control the game during the first half, while also offering protection to the defence. That balance was particularly important once Como began pushing forward. Liverpool’s midfield has been one of the biggest talking points throughout pre-season, so seeing the team look more compact will be encouraging for Iraola. Ngumoha continues to excite Rio Ngumoha once again showed why there is so much excitement surrounding him. The teenager was willing to take on defenders and attack with confidence. At just 17, expectations need to be managed, but his natural ability and directness are impossible to ignore. He looks increasingly comfortable around the first team. A clean sheet to finish pre-season After some worrying defensive performances during pre-season, Liverpool can be delighted with another clean sheet against Como. And this wasn’t simply a case of Liverpool dominating from start to finish. They had to defend for significant periods in the second half and showed the resilience required to protect their lead. That could be just as important as the attacking football we saw before the break. A positive way to end pre-season There is still work for Iraola to do. Liverpool will face a completely different challenge when they travel to Newcastle for their Premier League opener next Sunday. But this was an encouraging final rehearsal. Gakpo scored. Jacquet scored on his debut. Araújo impressed on his debut. Wirtz and Isak showed glimpses of their potential. The midfield looked more balanced. And, most importantly, Liverpool defended their lead when Como came back at them. The final whistle brought an end to Liverpool’s pre-season campaign with a deserved 2-0 victory. Now the friendlies are over. Next stop: Newcastle. The real test begins. Jamie (The Kopite View) Think You Know Liverpool FC? Put your Liverpool knowledge to the test with The Liverpool FC 100-Question Quiz Book! With 100 questions covering Liverpool legends, Anfield, European nights, trophies, managers and famous moments, how many can you get right? 🏆 100 questions ⚽ 10 quiz rounds 🔴 Full answers included 🎯 Perfect for Liverpool fans 👉 Test your Liverpool knowledge — get the quiz book here for just £3.99.