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Andoni Iraola singles out three Liverpool stars as boss addresses problem area Liverpool defeated Como 2-0 in their final pre-season match on Sunday and Andoni Iraola was particularly impressed with the new-look defence, who provided a much-needed boost Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola hailed his new-look defence after they provided a much-needed boost in a 2-0 pre-season win over Como on Sunday. Goals from Cody Gakpo and Jeremy Jacquet ensured the Reds went into their first Premier League game of the season with renewed confidence. Liverpool endured a tricky tour of the United States, with new boss Iraola desperately short of defenders. Iraola was forced to field Ifeanyi Ndukwe, 18, Luke Chambers, 22, and Mor Talla Ndiaye, 18, in pre-season, with Virgil van Dijk given a break after the World Cup, Joe Gomez ruled out early on, Jacquet not ready after injury and Giovanni Leoni also still 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. With Gomez and Leoni fighting to get fit, it is a race between Jacquet - a £55million signing from Rennes - and Ronald Araujo, a loan signing from Barcelona. FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page Jacquet got the nod from the start against Como and got on the score sheet with a tap-in before being replaced by Araujo at half-time. Both players took the opportunity to catch Iraola's eye, along with right-back Jeremie Frimpong. Asked if he was impressed by his two new centre-backs, Iraola replied: "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. "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." 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 in his frustration at the lack of incoming players in the summer transfer window, with defence and wide areas obviously short. "I think we need a little bit this feeling of finishing with a clean sheet, winning the game," he added. "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 some unanswered questions over their squad. The Reds are still chasing an elite attacker, with a move for Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola still on the cards. Join our LFC WhatsApp community and get all the latest LFC news, views, transfer gossip and more, as it happens We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts. This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.