Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Italian side Como in a pre-season friendly at Anfield on Sunday as new defender Jeremy Jacquet scored on his unofficial debut.
The 21-year-old French center-back, who joined the Premier League club from Ligue 1 side Rennes following a £60 million transfer agreement struck in January, scored Liverpool's second goal shortly before being substituted.
Jacquet was making his first match appearance since February 7 after missing the second half of last season with Rennes due to a shoulder injury. Seconds into the game at Anfield, the young defender demonstrated calm composure under pressure by stepping past two approaching attackers with his first touch.
Dutch winger Cody Gakpo scored Liverpool's opening goal before setting up Jacquet's strike against Como, who are managed by former Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas and will compete in the UEFA Champions League this season after overachieving in Italy.
Jacquet was replaced in a planned substitution by Ronald Araujo, who signed for Liverpool on a season-long loan from Barcelona earlier this week. The versatile Uruguay international defender made his first appearance for the Merseyside club as manager Iraola saw his primary pre-season defensive concerns disappear ahead of the Premier League opener against Newcastle United.
Defensive Crisis Resolved Ahead of Newcastle Opener
Just two weeks ago, Liverpool faced a severe personnel shortage in central defense that threatened to leave the squad unprepared for the new season. Team captain Virgil van Dijk had not yet returned from an extended break after summer international duty, leaving the backline stretched.
Injury problems further compounded the issue. Joe Gomez was sidelined alongside Conor Bradley, Jacquet, and 19-year-old Italian defender Giovanni Leoni. Meanwhile, promising youngster Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who impressed during Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States, was unavailable for official competitive matches because he lacked a work permit.
The defensive landscape has transformed significantly ahead of the trip to St James' Park. Van Dijk has returned to action and remains the most durable and reliable member of the squad in terms of match availability.
In addition to Araujo's arrival and Jacquet's return, young defender Leoni is progressing into the final stages of rehabilitation following a major knee injury. The 6ft 5in Italian center-back is targeting a return to action by the end of September. Liverpool officials regard both Jacquet and Leoni as two of the brightest young defensive talents in world football, offering strong encouragement for the club's long-term future beyond Van Dijk.
Pursuit of PSG Duo Barcola and Mbaye
With central defensive options stabilized, Liverpool transfer chiefs have shifted their focus toward reinforcing the forward line before the summer transfer window closes.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has emerged as Liverpool's primary target. Liverpool executives have been holding negotiations with the French and European champions regarding a potential deal for Barcola, as well as his PSG teammate Ibrahim Mbaye.
Neither Barcola nor 18-year-old forward Mbaye was named on the substitutes' bench for PSG in their Sunday night fixture. Liverpool face a decisive week in talks as the club seeks to secure long-term attacking depth and address the eventual task of replacing Mohamed Salah's goalscoring output.
Gakpo, who started on the left wing against Como, has been subject to widespread interest from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Although Liverpool maintain they have no plans to sell the Netherlands international, that position could be tested if a deal for Barcola is completed.
New arrival Victor Munoz has also added competition in wide areas following his transfer from Spanish La Liga club Osasuna this summer. The 22-year-old Spaniard was part of Spain's World Cup winning squad in the United States, although he did not feature on the pitch during the tournament.
Munoz impressed earlier on Sunday during a 0-0 training match at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre complex in Kirkby before making a cameo appearance against Como at Anfield. He is currently competing with Gakpo and teenage forward Rio Ngumoha for a starting spot on the wing against Newcastle.
Welsh forward Lewis Koumas is also pushing for involvement after catching Iraola's eye during pre-season training. Koumas spent last season on loan with Championship side Hull City, where he was on the bench as the Tigers won the play-off final at Wembley Stadium. Although several rival clubs are tracking Koumas for a potential transfer, he could be handed a first-team opportunity at Liverpool.
Alexander Isak Form Ahead of St James' Park Return
Striker Alexander Isak delivered a sharp pre-season performance against Como, playing 83 minutes before being replaced by academy forward Will Wright.
The Sweden international joined Liverpool from Newcastle United in a high-profile £125 million transfer last summer but suffered a difficult first campaign at Anfield. After arriving short of match fitness, Isak suffered a broken fibula in December that restricted him to just four goals in 22 appearances across all competitions.
Isak has shown encouraging form throughout pre-season following a positive World Cup tournament under Sweden head coach Graham Potter. Against Como, the forward struck the post early in the first half and displayed significantly sharper movement and physical condition than at any point during his debut season.
With Liverpool unable to rely exclusively on Salah's goals, Isak's form is expected to play a central role in determining the success of Liverpool's upcoming campaign. The Swedish striker will have an immediate chance to make a mark when Liverpool open their Premier League season against his former club Newcastle next week.
