Andoni Iraola has warned Liverpool cannot sustain the exact levels shown in their recent friendly against Monaco as the club heads into the final phase of pre-season with questions over the centre-back partnership and fitness concerns for new recruits.
Countdown to the Premier League
With a double-header against Como scheduled for 16 August and the Premier League campaign starting at Newcastle in two weeks, Iraola underlined the narrow margin for error as he prepares his squad for competitive action.
The defeat to Monaco exposed selection dilemmas at the back. Virgil van Dijk returned from an extended post-World Cup break to start alongside a mixture of options: the match featured Alisson and Cody Gakpo in earlier phases, an 18-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe at centre-back, and ended with Luke Chambers and Wataru Endo tasked with seeing the game out.
Ndukwe — described as a terrific talent — faces administrative obstacles that will likely force him out on loan for the season because of work permit issues. That leaves Iraola weighing experience against potential as he seeks a stable partner for Van Dijk.
Signings and setbacks
Liverpool's defensive frame-up is further complicated by summer business. Ronald Araújo, 27, has completed his medical and his season-long loan move from Barcelona is nearing completion, with an option to buy reported at around £47.2m. Meanwhile, young recruit Jeremy Jacquet, 21, has yet to be involved in full training after joining from Rennes.
"Jeremy Jacquet, we were in doubt whether to put him in. We decided not to, but he should be fine for the next one. It's taking a bit more time than we were expecting."
Iraola’s assessment of Jacquet is candid: the defender suffered a shoulder injury in February and has been managing a minor knee problem recently. The manager hinted the club judged it prudent to withhold him from the Monaco fixture but expressed optimism he could feature against Como.
Attackers deliver, but the gap remains
Offensively, the arrivals who cost a combined fee of £225m last summer — Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak — continue to vindicate their price-tags in pre-season. Wirtz operated in the number 10 role behind Isak and was singled out as Liverpool’s best performer against Monaco, while Isak claimed the opening goal with a composed finish.
"I think we agreed that me and Flo [Florian Wirtz], we both got a touch on the ball,"
The pair’s chemistry offers Iraola a clear attacking template, but defensive frailties and rotation necessities mean the manager cannot yet rely on the same fluency across a full campaign.
- Two pre-season games remaining: double-header vs Como on 16 August.
- Premier League opener: at Newcastle in two weeks.
- Key defensive issues: partner for Virgil van Dijk undecided; Ifeanyi Ndukwe likely to be loaned due to work permit; Jeremy Jacquet not yet fit.
Where the balance lies
Iraola must balance protecting players returning from an international summer with the need to build a coherent defensive unit. The fact Liverpool finished the Monaco match with Chambers and Endo at centre-half illustrates a lack of settled pairing — and, for a side with title aspirations, consistency at the back is non-negotiable.
Ronald Araújo’s expected arrival should ease some of that strain in the centre, offering a proven option who has operated at the highest level. Yet Araújo’s move is not formally complete while Jacquet’s delayed integration keeps another potential asset on the sidelines.
With the season’s curtain-raiser approaching, selection headaches remain. Iraola has offensive reassurance in Wirtz and Isak but must rapidly find a footing at the other end of the pitch if Liverpool are to convert pre-season promise into early-season points.
| Player | Situation |
|---|---|
| Virgil van Dijk | Returned from break; likely starter |
| Ifeanyi Ndukwe | 18; strong talent but will likely go on loan (work permit issues) |
| Ronald Araújo | Medical complete; season-long loan with option (~£47.2m) |
| Jeremy Jacquet | Not in full training; shoulder injury in Feb and recent knee problem |
The coming week will be decisive. If Araújo’s move is finalised and Jacquet returns to full training, Iraola’s defensive options will broaden. If not, the manager faces a tactical puzzle before competitive fixtures begin — and with high expectations from supporters, tolerance for early instability will be thin.
