The Kopite View

Liverpool’s first game at Anfield under Andoni Iraola ended in disappointment as Monaco came from two goals behind to win 3-2.

The result certainly wasn’t what Liverpool supporters wanted, but pre-season is about much more than the final score.

There were plenty of encouraging signs, particularly in the first half, but there were also some familiar problems that Iraola will need to address before Liverpool begin their competitive campaign.

Here are five things we learned from the defeat to Monaco.

1. Wirtz and Isak look like a real threat

This has to be the biggest positive.

Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak already look capable of forming a seriously dangerous partnership.

Wirtz was arguably Liverpool’s best player, constantly finding space between the lines and looking to make things happen.

Isak, meanwhile, showed exactly why Liverpool wanted him.

His movement, finishing and ability to link play give Liverpool another dimension in attack.

The pair were involved in both of Liverpool’s goals, and although they are still learning how to play together, the early signs are incredibly encouraging.

If Wirtz can consistently find Isak in dangerous positions, Liverpool could have a devastating attacking combination.

2. The Liverpool press is back

There were also encouraging signs of what Iraola wants Liverpool to become without the ball.

The intensity of the press was noticeable, particularly during the opening stages.

Liverpool looked willing to hunt in packs, force Monaco into mistakes and win the ball back quickly.

That aggressive approach should suit the players Iraola has at his disposal.

Szoboszlai’s energy, Wirtz’s intelligence and the pace of players such as Isak and Frimpong could make Liverpool extremely difficult to play against if they can maintain that intensity.

It won’t be perfect immediately, but there were enough glimpses to suggest that supporters could be watching a very energetic Liverpool side this season.

3. Liverpool are still vulnerable on the break and from set pieces

This is where the concerns begin.

Liverpool looked comfortable when they were controlling the game, but once Monaco found a way back into the contest, the Reds looked vulnerable.

The penalty conceded by Van Dijk gave Monaco a lifeline, while Liverpool were unable to deal with the pressure once the momentum changed.

The late winner was another reminder that defensive concentration has to improve.

Iraola will want his side to press aggressively, but that can leave space behind the first line of pressure.

Liverpool therefore have to find the right balance.

They cannot afford to be so aggressive that they leave themselves exposed whenever the opposition manages to beat the press.

Set pieces will also need attention.

These are exactly the sort of details that can turn a dominant performance into dropped points once the competitive season begins.

4. Squad depth remains a concern

Another thing that became apparent is that Liverpool still need greater depth in certain areas.

There is plenty of quality in the starting XI, but injuries and suspensions will inevitably test the squad over the course of a long season.

The second half demonstrated the difference between Liverpool’s strongest players and some of the less experienced options.

Youngsters such as Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz can certainly contribute, but Liverpool cannot expect inexperienced players to carry the team when several established stars are unavailable.

Iraola will need competition for places throughout the squad if Liverpool are going to challenge on multiple fronts.

5. Iraola has plenty to think about

There are now just two weeks to go before the start of the Premier League season.

That means Iraola doesn’t have an enormous amount of time to work everything out.

There were plenty of positives against Monaco, but there were also warning signs.

He needs to improve Liverpool’s defensive organisation, work on defending transitions and set pieces, establish his preferred midfield combination and decide exactly how he wants his attacking players to operate.

The good news is that he has plenty of quality at his disposal.

The challenge now is turning that quality into a consistent team.

Plenty of work, but plenty of excitement

A 3-2 defeat isn’t how Liverpool supporters wanted Iraola’s first Anfield game to finish.

But it would be wrong to panic over a pre-season result.

There were genuine reasons for optimism.

Wirtz and Isak already look exciting.

The press showed real promise.

But there are also areas that need significant work.

Iraola now has two weeks to put the finishing touches to his team before the games start to matter.

And judging by what we saw against Monaco, there could be plenty of twists and turns ahead in this new Liverpool era.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Andoni Iraola’s first match in charge of Liverpool at Anfield ended in disappointment as the Reds suffered a 3-2 defeat to Monaco.

Liverpool looked to be cruising after taking a two-goal lead through Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, but Monaco fought their way back into the contest before Paris Brunner scored a late winner.

Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for Iraola to take from the game.

Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo all made their first appearances of pre-season, while there were further encouraging performances from some of Liverpool’s younger players.

The biggest positive, however, was undoubtedly the developing relationship between Wirtz and Isak.

Here are my Liverpool player ratings.

Starting XI

Alisson — 7/10

A solid return for Alisson after the World Cup.

The Brazilian made some decent saves and looked sharp despite this being his first appearance of pre-season. He could do nothing about Aleksandr Golovin’s penalty.

Liverpool will simply be hoping that their world-class goalkeeper can remain fit throughout the season.

Replaced at half-time by Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Jeremie Frimpong — 6/10

Frimpong looked sharp and his pace immediately provided Monaco with problems.

His attacking instincts are obvious, but he needs to improve his discipline when it comes to staying onside.

There were too many occasions when he was caught beyond the defensive line.

Virgil van Dijk — 6/10

Like Alisson, the captain showed exactly why he remains such an important player for Liverpool.

However, Van Dijk will be disappointed with the penalty he conceded towards the end of the first half.

It gave Monaco a route back into the game when Liverpool had been in control.

Ifeanyi Ndukwe — 7/10

What a composed performance from an 18-year-old centre-back.

Ndukwe looked incredibly assured and rarely appeared fazed by the occasion.

It is a real shame that he cannot play competitive football for Liverpool this season after failing to qualify for a work permit.

His performance will certainly have caught the eye.

Kostas Tsimikas — 5/10

There were some bright moments from Tsimikas, but it remains difficult to see how he gets ahead of Milos Kerkez in the long term.

The Greek left-back needs to improve his final delivery if he is going to force his way into Iraola’s strongest XI.

Dominik Szoboszlai — 7/10

Another impressive all-round performance from Szoboszlai.

He played the one-two with Ryan Gravenberch that helped create Liverpool’s opening goal and looked comfortable both in and out of possession.

His energy could be hugely important to Iraola’s system.

Ryan Gravenberch — 7/10

Gravenberch was excellent in the build-up to Isak’s goal, showing the quality he possesses when he can carry the ball forward and find the right pass.

He also looked comfortable without possession.

A very encouraging display.

Lewis Koumas — 7/10

Koumas really should have scored when he skied an opportunity over the bar in the first half.

However, his work-rate was excellent and it is easy to see why Iraola rewarded him with a starting place.

Starting on the right, the 20-year-old was also involved in Liverpool’s second goal.

A promising performance.

Florian Wirtz — 8/10 ⭐

A class apart.

Wirtz was at the heart of virtually everything Liverpool did well in attack.

He had an early effort saved by Lukas Hradecky but continued to cause Monaco problems throughout the first half.

He initially looked as though he had scored Liverpool’s second before Isak got the final touch.

The German may not have got the goal officially, but it doesn’t matter.

Wirtz is already looking like a player who could become absolutely central to Iraola’s Liverpool.

Cody Gakpo — 7/10

A promising return for Gakpo after missing the early part of pre-season.

He looked dangerous from the beginning, firing an early effort wide, while his header helped create Liverpool’s second goal.

A very encouraging first appearance.

Alexander Isak — 8/10 ⭐

What a way to announce himself at Anfield.

Isak started brightly, showed some excellent touches and then produced a composed finish beyond Hradecky for his first goal.

He then got the final touch for Liverpool’s second.

Two goals and a developing partnership with Wirtz.

Liverpool supporters will certainly want plenty more of that this season.

Substitutes

Giorgi Mamardashvili — 6/10

Made a decent initial save to deny Mika Biereth, but couldn’t keep out the follow-up.

There was little he could do about Monaco’s late winner.

Wataru Endo — 5/10

Made his first Liverpool appearance since February and came on at centre-back.

However, he should have cleared the danger before Biereth scored Monaco’s equaliser.

Luke Chambers — 6/10

Naturally a left-back, Chambers finished the game at centre-back alongside Endo.

A difficult situation to come into, but he looked reasonably comfortable.

Milos Kerkez — 5/10

Replaced Tsimikas and was given the opportunity to build a relationship with Victor Munoz down the left.

However, Kerkez should have done better defensively for Brunner’s late winner.

James McConnell — 5/10

Given around half an hour but struggled to impose himself on the game.

Trey Nyoni — 6/10

Another encouraging appearance from Nyoni.

Fresh from an impressive pre-season tour of the USA, the youngster once again showed why he could be a useful midfield option for Iraola.

Rio Ngumoha — 6/10

Ngumoha once again played on the right and continued to ask questions of the Monaco defence.

The 17-year-old is still adapting to playing on the opposite flank, but his raw ability is obvious.

Victor Munoz — 6/10

A Liverpool debut for Munoz.

The winger showed flashes of his pace and looked capable of causing problems down the left.

There is certainly something to work with.

Calvin Ramsay — 5/10

Came on for Frimpong and finished the game at right-back.

Didn’t have enough time to make a major impact.

Harvey Elliott — 5/10

A lovely reception from the Anfield crowd as Elliott made his return following his loan spell at Aston Villa.

Unfortunately, he didn’t have enough time to make a significant impact on the game.

Federico Chiesa — 5/10

An interesting decision to give Chiesa only 15 minutes.

The Italian has made it clear that he wants to remain at Liverpool, but he will have to fight extremely hard for his place.

He was beaten in the air by Brunner for Monaco’s late winner.

The big positives

Liverpool will be disappointed to have thrown away a two-goal advantage, but the result should not overshadow some of the encouraging signs.

Wirtz looked outstanding.

Isak scored twice.

Gravenberch and Szoboszlai looked impressive in midfield.

Ndukwe showed remarkable composure for an 18-year-old.

And Liverpool now have a front four capable of causing serious problems for opposition defences.

There is still plenty for Iraola to work on, particularly defensively.

But this is pre-season.

The important thing is that Liverpool are beginning to see what this new team can become.

And if Wirtz and Isak continue developing their understanding, there could be plenty of exciting nights ahead at Anfield.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Andoni Iraola’s first game in charge of Liverpool at Anfield ended in defeat as Monaco came from two goals down to beat the Reds 3-2 in an entertaining pre-season friendly.

Liverpool looked excellent for large periods of the first half and raced into a 2-0 lead through Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, giving supporters inside Anfield an exciting glimpse of what the new-look attack could produce.

However, Monaco fought back before half-time and eventually completed the comeback with an 88th-minute winner from Paris Brunner.

The result will obviously be disappointing, but there were plenty of encouraging signs for Iraola to take from the game.

Isak gets off the mark

The biggest talking point before kick-off was the opportunity to see Wirtz and Isak start together.

And it didn’t take long for the new Liverpool striker to make his mark.

Liverpool’s opening goal came after some excellent combination play between Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai around the edge of the Monaco penalty area.

Gravenberch eventually found Isak, who took a touch before producing a composed low finish beyond Lukas Hradecky.

It was exactly the sort of finish Liverpool supporters will want to see from their new No.9.

Clinical.

Calm.

And deadly inside the penalty area.

Wirtz doubles the lead

Liverpool’s second goal was another encouraging moment.

Lewis Koumas initially had an opportunity after meeting Cody Gakpo’s cross, but the Welshman volleyed over.

Koumas then turned provider.

This time he delivered a dangerous ball towards the back post, where Gakpo met it with a downward header.

The resulting scramble looked as though Monaco might survive, but Wirtz was in exactly the right place to poke the ball home from close range.

Two goals from two of Liverpool’s most exciting attacking additions.

It was a first half that left supporters wondering just how dangerous this team could become once Iraola’s ideas are fully implemented.

Monaco fight back

Unfortunately, Liverpool couldn’t maintain that level.

Just before half-time, Virgil van Dijk was adjudged to have fouled Aleksandr Golovin inside the penalty area.

Golovin dusted himself down and converted the resulting penalty to give Monaco hope.

Then, just ten minutes into the second half, the visitors were level.

Mika Biereth’s initial effort was saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili, but the Monaco forward reacted quickest to the rebound and calmly finished.

Suddenly, a game Liverpool had appeared to control had completely changed.

Iraola rings the changes

Iraola made six substitutions on the hour mark, with new signing Victor Munoz among those introduced for his non-competitive Liverpool debut.

The changes disrupted the rhythm of the game somewhat, but Monaco were increasingly dangerous.

Mamardashvili was forced into another excellent save to deny Mamadou Coulibaly, while Oumar Konate fired narrowly wide as the visitors continued to threaten.

Liverpool were now struggling to create the same attacking opportunities they had enjoyed during the first half.

And Monaco eventually found the winner.

With just two minutes remaining, Paris Brunner glanced a header home from a corner to complete the comeback and hand Monaco a 3-2 victory.

Plenty for Iraola to work on

There is no need to panic over a pre-season defeat.

The result is obviously disappointing, particularly after Liverpool had established a two-goal advantage, but these games are about much more than the scoreline.

Iraola will have learned plenty.

The first half demonstrated the attacking potential available to him.

Wirtz and Isak already look like a partnership worth getting excited about.

Gravenberch and Szoboszlai combined well in midfield, while Koumas and Gakpo both made important contributions.

But the second half also highlighted areas that need improvement.

Liverpool became more vulnerable as the game progressed and struggled to regain control once Monaco increased the pressure.

That is something Iraola will undoubtedly want to address.

A promising glimpse of the future

For Liverpool supporters, though, the most encouraging aspect was seeing the new attacking era beginning to take shape at Anfield.

Isak scored.

Wirtz scored.

Munoz made his debut.

Gakpo looked dangerous.

And Iraola got another valuable 90 minutes to assess his squad.

There is still plenty of work to do before Liverpool are ready for competitive football.

But if the first half is anything to go by, there could be plenty of excitement ahead.

Liverpool’s summer friendlies now conclude next weekend with a double-header against Como 1907.

The Monaco defeat will sting, but ultimately it is another important step in Iraola’s preparations.

The foundations are beginning to appear.

And the sight of Wirtz creating and Isak finishing could be one of the most exciting things Liverpool supporters see this season.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Andoni Iraola has named his Liverpool starting XI to face Monaco at Anfield, and there is plenty for Reds supporters to get excited about.

The biggest talking point is undoubtedly the inclusion of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak together from the start.

This is exactly the kind of attacking combination Liverpool fans have been waiting to see.

Liverpool’s starting XI

Alisson; Frimpong, Van Dijk, Ndukwe, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Gakpo, Wirtz, Koumas; Isak.

There is plenty of experience in the side, but Iraola has also given another opportunity to some of Liverpool’s younger players.

Wirtz operating in the No.10 role behind Isak is particularly intriguing.

The German has the creativity and technical ability to find space between the lines, while Isak gives Liverpool a striker capable of stretching defences with his movement.

It will be fascinating to see whether an understanding begins to develop between the pair.

Frimpong provides the attacking threat

Jeremie Frimpong gets another opportunity to demonstrate why he could be such an important player under Iraola.

His pace and attacking instincts should give Liverpool another dimension down the right, while Virgil van Dijk provides the leadership at the heart of the defence.

Tsimikas starts on the opposite side, with the young Ndukwe getting an excellent opportunity alongside the captain.

In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch provide a strong combination of energy, athleticism and technical quality.

Gakpo and Koumas complete the attack

Cody Gakpo starts on the left, while Lewis Koumas gets the opportunity on the opposite flank.

Koumas will be hoping to take advantage of the opportunity and show Iraola that he can contribute to the first-team squad.

With Wirtz operating centrally and Isak leading the line, there is certainly plenty of attacking quality in the starting XI.

Plenty of options on the bench

Iraola also has an incredibly interesting group of players available to him from the bench.

Mamardashvili, Davies, Endo, Kerkez, Chiesa, Elliott, Munoz, Nyoni, Chambers, Ramsay, McConnell, Morrison and Ngumoha are all available.

That means we could see significant changes during the second half, with the likes of Federico Chiesa, Victor Munoz, Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha all capable of making an impact.

It will also be interesting to see whether Milos Kerkez gets minutes after starting some of Liverpool’s previous pre-season matches.

A glimpse of Iraola’s Liverpool

Ultimately, pre-season results are secondary.

What matters today is fitness, understanding and giving Iraola the opportunity to work with the players he is likely to rely upon when the competitive season begins.

And this XI provides another fascinating glimpse into what Liverpool could become.

Wirtz behind Isak.

Frimpong providing width.

Szoboszlai and Gravenberch controlling midfield.

Van Dijk leading the defence.

There is a lot to like about this Liverpool team.

And with Anfield ready to watch Iraola’s new era take another step forward, all eyes will be on Wirtz and Isak.

This is the partnership Liverpool supporters have been waiting to see.

Let’s see what they can produce.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool transfer target Ibrahim Mbaye wasted no time reminding everyone why he is attracting attention.

The Paris Saint-Germain youngster needed just two minutes to find the back of the net against Manchester United in a pre-season friendly, giving PSG an early lead before the game eventually finished 1-1.

And for Liverpool supporters keeping an eye on the club’s transfer targets, Mbaye’s performance was certainly worth watching.

Mbaye makes an instant impact

Scoring within two minutes of kick-off is impressive at any level, but doing it against Manchester United provides an even bigger platform.

Mbaye showed exactly why he is regarded as an exciting young attacking talent, making an immediate impact before PSG were pegged back.

The youngster’s ability to contribute in the final third is one of the qualities that has reportedly caught Liverpool’s attention.

At such a young age, there is naturally plenty of development still to come, but performances like this demonstrate why Europe’s biggest clubs are keeping an eye on him.

Why Liverpool are interested

Liverpool have developed a reputation for identifying young players with enormous potential, and Mbaye fits that profile.

He is still at the beginning of his career, meaning any potential move would be more about what he could become rather than simply what he is today.

That is often where Liverpool have been particularly clever in the transfer market.

Rather than waiting until a player has completely established himself at the highest level, the Reds can look to identify talent early and provide the pathway towards first-team football.

Mbaye’s development at PSG will therefore be fascinating to follow.

A goal Liverpool fans will have noticed

There is obviously a long way to go before we can start talking about Mbaye as a Liverpool player.

A goal in a friendly certainly doesn’t mean a transfer is imminent.

But if Liverpool are genuinely monitoring him, performances like this will only increase the excitement surrounding the youngster.

To score against Manchester United after just two minutes is quite some way to make your presence known.

And Liverpool supporters will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how Mbaye develops from here.

The Reds have already assembled an exciting group of young attacking players, and adding another high-potential talent like Mbaye could make Liverpool’s future even more exciting.

For now, though, the message from Mbaye was simple:

Two minutes. One goal.

Liverpool fans will be hoping there are plenty more moments like that to come from a player who could potentially have a very interesting future at Anfield.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool return to Anfield today as Andoni Iraola takes charge of his first home game as Reds head coach, with Monaco providing the opposition in the final pre-season friendly before the new Premier League campaign gets underway.

And for me, this is the perfect opportunity to get as close as possible to the team Iraola could be considering for the opening game against Newcastle United.

Liverpool’s new senior signings have not all been available during the early stages of pre-season, which has meant that much of the team has looked familiar.

But that is beginning to change.

With more first-team players now returning, we are finally getting a glimpse of what this new Liverpool era could look like.

My Liverpool XI vs Monaco

4-2-3-1

Alisson

Frimpong – Gravenberch – Van Dijk – Kerkez

Szoboszlai – Nyoni

Ngumoha – Wirtz – Munoz

Isak

There are certainly some questions surrounding the exact positions, but this is the XI I would like to see Iraola start with against Monaco.

Alisson and Van Dijk bring experience

Alisson’s return to training is a huge boost for Liverpool.

Having one of the world’s best goalkeepers back between the sticks immediately gives the team greater experience and security.

Then there is Virgil van Dijk.

The Liverpool captain remains hugely important, particularly during a period of transition. With Iraola implementing his own ideas and a number of younger players competing for places, Van Dijk’s leadership could prove invaluable.

Frimpong and Kerkez could be perfect for Iraola

I would also like to see Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez occupying the full-back positions.

Both are naturally aggressive players who can provide width and attack from deep.

That could be particularly important in Iraola’s system.

Liverpool will need players capable of pushing forward quickly and supporting the attacking players, and Frimpong and Kerkez certainly have the attributes to do that.

Nyoni deserves another opportunity

In midfield, I would give Trey Nyoni another chance alongside Dominik Szoboszlai.

Nyoni has been one of the most impressive young players during pre-season and deserves the opportunity to test himself alongside Liverpool’s established stars.

Szoboszlai would provide the energy, intensity and experience, while Nyoni could be given the freedom to show what he can do.

Ryan Gravenberch could also be used in a deeper role, providing Iraola with another option and allowing him to assess how the midfielder fits into his plans.

Wirtz behind Isak

This is the part of the team that really excites me.

Florian Wirtz behind Alexander Isak.

We have already seen encouraging signs of a relationship developing between the two during pre-season, and today’s game at Anfield could provide another opportunity to see what they can produce together. Wirtz scored in Liverpool’s recent defeat to Leeds, while Isak was also involved as the pair showed promising attacking chemistry.

Wirtz has the creativity and intelligence to find pockets of space between the lines.

Isak has the movement to stretch defences and create opportunities for himself and those around him.

If those two can develop a genuine understanding, Liverpool could have something very special.

Ngumoha and Munoz add excitement

I would also like to see Rio Ngumoha given the opportunity on the right, with new signing Victor Munoz starting on the left.

Ngumoha has already shown that he isn’t afraid to take defenders on, while Munoz provides another exciting attacking option.

Cody Gakpo should also be among those getting significant minutes, giving Iraola the chance to change the shape and personnel during the game.

A fascinating afternoon at Anfield

Ultimately, the result today isn’t the most important thing.

This is about getting players closer to full fitness, building relationships and giving Iraola a clearer idea of what his strongest XI might look like.

But there is something particularly exciting about today’s game.

For the first time, Liverpool supporters at Anfield get to see Iraola’s new era beginning to take shape with some of the club’s biggest new additions on the pitch.

And if we get to see Wirtz supplying Isak, Frimpong and Kerkez bombing forward from full-back, Szoboszlai driving the midfield and some of Liverpool’s exciting youngsters alongside them, it could be a fascinating glimpse into the future.

This is my team to face Monaco today.

Alisson; Frimpong, Gravenberch, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Nyoni; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Munoz; Isak.

Now let’s see what Iraola can do with them at Anfield.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There is something genuinely exciting about imagining what Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak could look like together under Andoni Iraola’s tactics.

Both players possess the technical quality to make things happen in the final third, but it is the way their individual strengths could complement each other that makes the prospect particularly intriguing.

Wirtz is at his best when he has freedom to drift into dangerous areas, receive the ball between the lines and combine with teammates around the penalty area.

Isak, meanwhile, gives a team something incredibly valuable: movement.

The Swedish striker can drop into midfield, run in behind the defence, carry the ball himself and link play before arriving in the box.

Put those qualities together and there is the potential for a devastating partnership.

Iraola could get the best out of them

Iraola’s tactical approach makes the idea even more interesting.

His teams are generally aggressive, energetic and willing to attack with intensity. There is an emphasis on creating overloads, moving the ball quickly and making intelligent runs to disrupt opposition defences.

That could suit both Wirtz and Isak perfectly.

Imagine Wirtz receiving possession between the opposition midfield and defence while Isak starts making a run beyond the defensive line.

The defender then faces an impossible decision.

Step forward and leave space for Isak?

Or drop back and give Wirtz the freedom to turn and attack?

That kind of movement could create countless opportunities.

Wirtz supplying Isak

One of the most exciting aspects would be Wirtz’s ability to provide Isak with the service he thrives on.

Wirtz has the vision and technique to play through balls into dangerous areas, while Isak’s movement could constantly stretch defensive lines.

But it wouldn’t necessarily be a one-way relationship.

Isak is technically excellent for a striker of his size and can participate in build-up play, potentially creating space for Wirtz to attack.

If Isak drops towards the ball, Wirtz could make the run beyond him.

If Wirtz drifts wide, Isak could attack the space created centrally.

That interchangeability would make them extremely difficult to mark.

The potential is huge

Of course, none of this guarantees that the partnership would immediately work.

Football is rarely that simple, and both players would have to adapt to Iraola’s demands and to each other.

But that is what makes the prospect so exciting.

Wirtz brings creativity and unpredictability.

Isak brings movement, intelligence and a genuine goalscoring threat.

Iraola could provide the tactical framework to bring those qualities together.

If he can get the balance right, Wirtz and Isak could become the focal point of an incredibly exciting attacking system.

For supporters, watching those two players develop an understanding under an ambitious coach like Iraola could be one of the most fascinating stories of the season.

The ingredients are certainly there for something special.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Manchester City have reportedly made contact with the representatives of Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as they explore the possibility of a move for the Argentina international.

According to Matt Thielen, Mac Allister is on Manchester City’s shortlist of midfield targets should Rodri leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.

It is a development that is certain to catch the attention of Liverpool supporters.

Mac Allister has established himself as a hugely important member of Liverpool’s midfield since arriving from Brighton, developing into one of the key players in Arne Slot’s squad.

City identify Mac Allister as a potential Rodri replacement

Manchester City’s interest appears to be linked directly to the future of Rodri.

The Spain international has been the central figure in City’s midfield for several years, and replacing a player of his importance would be an enormous challenge.

Mac Allister’s ability to dictate play, his technical quality and his intelligence in possession would make him an understandable target.

The 27-year-old has also demonstrated that he can operate in different midfield roles, something that could make him particularly attractive to Enzo Maresca.

However, any potential move would be incredibly difficult to negotiate.

Liverpool have little reason to sell

From Liverpool’s perspective, there would be little incentive to allow Mac Allister to leave.

The midfielder has become an integral part of the team and remains under contract at Anfield.

Liverpool have already had to deal with significant changes to their squad in recent transfer windows, and losing another established first-team player to a direct Premier League rival would be particularly difficult to accept.

There is also the question of whether Mac Allister himself would want to leave.

He has repeatedly spoken positively about his time at Liverpool and appears settled on Merseyside.

A transfer that could get complicated

At this stage, it is important to stress that contact with a player’s representatives does not mean that a transfer is close.

Manchester City are simply exploring their options and Mac Allister is reportedly one of several midfielders on their shortlist.

Much could depend on what happens with Rodri.

If the Spaniard remains at City, interest in Mac Allister may never develop any further.

If Rodri does leave, however, City could become much more aggressive in their search for a replacement.

For Liverpool supporters, this is certainly a situation worth keeping an eye on.

Mac Allister has become far too important to simply consider replaceable, and Liverpool would surely have little interest in strengthening one of their biggest domestic rivals.

The idea of seeing Mac Allister lining up in a Manchester City shirt would undoubtedly be an uncomfortable one for Liverpool fans.

For now, though, this remains one to watch rather than anything approaching an imminent transfer.

But if Rodri does leave the Etihad this summer, Alexis Mac Allister could potentially become one of Manchester City’s most serious midfield targets.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool U21s were held to a 2-2 draw by Huddersfield today, but the result was perhaps less important than another encouraging step in the development of one of the most exciting young players coming through the Reds’ academy.

Ollie O’Connor and Josh Abe were on the scoresheet for Liverpool, with Abe once again providing supporters with plenty of reasons to be excited about his future at the club.

For Abe, this was another valuable experience at U21 level despite still being just 16 years old.

The young winger has already attracted plenty of attention during his time in the Liverpool academy, and his progression over the next couple of seasons will be fascinating to watch.

Abe continues to make his mark

There is something particularly exciting about watching a young player develop when he appears to have that little bit of unpredictability about his game.

Abe certainly possesses that.

He has already demonstrated an ability to make things happen in the final third, and today’s goal against Huddersfield is another example of why Liverpool have such high hopes for him.

The teenager has also experienced something many players his age can only dream of, having been involved with Liverpool’s senior squad during their pre-season tour of the United States.

He came off the bench against Sunderland before starting against Wrexham, giving him an invaluable taste of first-team football at an incredibly young age. (This Is Anfield)

To then return to the U21s and score is another positive sign.

How far can Abe go?

It is obviously far too early to put enormous expectations on Abe, and Liverpool will be keen to allow him to develop naturally rather than rushing him into the first team.

But that doesn’t mean supporters cannot get excited.

Liverpool’s academy has a proud history of producing players capable of making the step up to the senior side, and Abe has already shown enough to suggest that he could be one of the names worth keeping a very close eye on.

The club’s official academy profile lists him as a winger, while his performances at youth level have already earned him recognition as one of the brighter attacking prospects in the system. (Liverpool FC)

What makes his development particularly fascinating is the level at which Liverpool are already exposing him.

Playing against older and more physically developed players should provide Abe with challenges that can only help his development.

If he can continue improving his decision-making, physicality and consistency while retaining the attacking qualities that make him such an exciting prospect, there is no telling how high his ceiling could be.

Liverpool supporters should be patient

The temptation with any highly-rated academy player is to immediately start talking about first-team football.

Liverpool supporters have seen it before.

But the best thing for Abe right now is simply to keep playing, learning and developing.

He has plenty of time.

What matters is that he continues to progress through the age groups and takes every opportunity that comes his way.

Today’s goal against Huddersfield is another small step on what could become a very exciting journey.

There is no guarantee that Abe will eventually become a Liverpool first-team regular — football rarely works that way — but the early signs are certainly encouraging.

And that is what makes watching his development so fascinating.

Liverpool may have another very special academy talent on their hands.

For now, we should simply enjoy watching Josh Abe grow.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There have been plenty of exciting Liverpool signings over the years.

World-class players.

Club legends.

Players who went on to win everything at Anfield.

But sometimes, there is a different feeling when a player arrives.

That feeling that tells you:

This guy is special.

And that’s exactly how I felt when Liverpool signed Luis Suárez.

Now, looking at Bradley Barcola, I’m getting that same feeling again.

I Had a Feeling About Suárez

When Liverpool signed Suárez in January 2011, I remember thinking there was something different about him.

You could see it immediately.

The way he moved.

The confidence.

The aggression.

The ability to create something from absolutely nothing.

He wasn’t simply another talented forward.

He had that unpredictability that makes defenders nervous.

And eventually, he became one of the best players in the world.

Barcola Gives Me the Same Feeling

That’s why I’m so excited about the possibility of Bradley Barcola becoming a Liverpool player.

I know comparisons with Suárez are enormous.

I’m not saying Barcola is going to become Suárez.

Nobody can predict that.

But I’m talking about the feeling you get watching a player.

Barcola has something.

The pace.

The confidence.

The directness.

The ability to take defenders on.

And most importantly, that feeling that something could happen every time he gets the ball.

Liverpool Need That Again

For years, Liverpool supporters had the privilege of watching Mohamed Salah provide that feeling.

Every time Salah received the ball, you expected something.

A goal.

An assist.

A run behind the defence.

A moment of brilliance.

Now Liverpool are entering a new era.

And Barcola could become one of the players responsible for creating that excitement again.

Imagine Him in Iraola’s Liverpool

This is perhaps the most exciting part.

Andoni Iraola wants Liverpool to play with intensity, aggression and speed.

Barcola is built for that type of football.

Imagine Liverpool winning the ball high up the pitch.

Wirtz receives it between the lines.

Isak starts running in behind.

And Barcola is flying down the opposite flank.

That is the kind of football Liverpool supporters have been waiting to see again.

Fast.

Aggressive.

Unpredictable.

Exciting.

The Difference Between Good and Special

There are plenty of good footballers.

There are plenty of talented players.

But very few have that ability to make you sit forward in your seat whenever they get the ball.

Suárez had it.

Salah had it.

And I believe Barcola has the potential to have it too.

That’s why the reported fee doesn’t necessarily frighten me as much as it might some supporters.

If Liverpool genuinely believe Barcola can become one of the best wingers in world football, then the biggest mistake could actually be not signing him.

I Could Be Wrong

Of course, there are no guarantees.

Football doesn’t work like that.

A player can look extraordinary at one club and struggle somewhere else.

Barcola would have to adapt to Liverpool.

He would have to handle the pressure.

He would have to perform consistently.

And he would have to develop further.

But sometimes you have to trust what your eyes are telling you.

And when I watch Barcola, I see a player who could become something special.

The Most Exciting Signing in Years?

Liverpool have signed some incredible players since Suárez.

Virgil van Dijk.

Alisson Becker.

Mohamed Salah.

Sadio Mané.

And many others.

But if Barcola arrives at Anfield, I genuinely believe he could be the most exciting Liverpool signing since Suárez.

Not necessarily because he is already the best player.

But because of what he could become.

When I saw Suárez arrive, I knew I was watching someone special.

And I have that same feeling about Barcola.

Maybe one day we’ll look back and say:

“We knew.”

Because sometimes, you just know.

And right now, I really believe Bradley Barcola could be one of those players.

Jamie (The Kopite View)