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)
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