Liverpool’s 4-2 victory over Sunderland may have only been a pre-season friendly, but it offered supporters their first real glimpse of what life under Andoni Iraola could look like.
The scoreline was entertaining, but the biggest talking points went far beyond the goals.
Here are six things that immediately stood out.
1. Liverpool Are No Longer Afraid to Go Long
One of the first things many supporters noticed was how quickly Liverpool were prepared to play direct.
Almost immediately after Sunderland kicked off, Giorgi Mamardashvili launched the ball long instead of insisting on building patiently from the back.
It was a small moment, but one that symbolised a significant tactical shift.
Last season Liverpool often became predictable in possession, repeatedly trying to play through every press regardless of the situation.
Against Sunderland, there already appeared to be a greater willingness to mix things up.
Sometimes the simple option is the best option.
2. The Intensity Has Returned
Perhaps the biggest positive of the evening was Liverpool’s work without the ball.
The pressing looked far more aggressive than it did for much of last season.
Players closed opponents down quickly, hunted in packs and looked determined to force mistakes high up the pitch.
It is still early days, but the energy that defined Jurgen Klopp’s best teams already appeared much closer to returning.
3. Fluid Football Replaces Predictability
Liverpool looked noticeably more flexible in possession.
Rather than remaining fixed in one position, players rotated constantly.
Curtis Jones drifted across midfield and defence.
Harvey Elliott moved inside.
Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez were encouraged to push forward.
It created uncertainty for Sunderland and made Liverpool far less predictable than they often looked last season.
4. The Full-Backs Already Look Better
One of the most encouraging tactical developments involved Liverpool’s full-backs.
Instead of simply hugging the touchline, they were able to attack much more dangerous areas because other players rotated intelligently behind them.
If this continues, it could finally unlock the full potential of both Kerkez and Frimpong.
They looked far more involved in attacking situations than they often were last season.
5. Harvey Elliott Could Have a Future After All
Harvey Elliott returned from his loan spell looking sharp.
The fluid nature of Iraola’s football could suit him perfectly.
Because he is comfortable playing centrally or out wide, Elliott may become exactly the type of versatile player this system requires.
Rather than being disadvantaged by not having one natural position, his flexibility could become one of his biggest strengths.
6. Squad Depth Is Already Being Tested
Unfortunately, the evening also brought an immediate reminder that Liverpool’s defensive depth remains a concern.
Joe Gomez’s early injury was the last thing anyone wanted to see.
With Jeremy Jacquet still being eased back after injury and Giovanni Leoni continuing his recovery, Liverpool suddenly look very light at centre-back once again.
It only reinforces Iraola’s recent comments that further defensive reinforcements are needed before the transfer window closes.
A Very Promising Start
It would be foolish to draw sweeping conclusions from one pre-season friendly.
Fitness remains the priority and stronger tests lie ahead.
But there were already several encouraging signs.
Liverpool looked:
● More direct.
● More intense.
● More flexible.
● More aggressive.
Above all, they looked like a team trying to play with purpose again.
There is still plenty of work to do, but Andoni Iraola’s first match offered supporters genuine reasons for optimism.
If this performance is an indication of what is to come, Liverpool fans may have plenty to look forward to this season.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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