Liverpool supporters could be in for a very interesting afternoon on Sunday, with Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araújo both expected to be available for the Reds’ final pre-season friendly against Como at Anfield.
Barring any late fitness problems, both defenders are set to make their Liverpool debuts.
And for Andoni Iraola, it could be the first opportunity to see two of his new defensive options in a match situation.
Jacquet officially joins first-team training
One particularly encouraging development is that Jeremy Jacquet officially joined Liverpool’s first-team training at the AXA today.
The young French centre-back has impressed during his time with the club and is now taking the next step towards becoming part of Iraola’s senior squad.
Sunday could therefore be a hugely exciting moment for Jacquet.
Walking out at Anfield for the first time in a Liverpool shirt is something he will never forget.
Araújo finally gets his chance
Ronald Araújo’s arrival has also generated plenty of excitement.
The Uruguayan defender brings considerable experience and physicality to a Liverpool defence that has undergone significant changes.
He is aggressive, powerful and comfortable defending in one-on-one situations.
But supporters haven’t yet had the chance to see him in a Liverpool shirt.
That could change on Sunday.
Araújo and Jacquet — a glimpse of the future?
The possibility of seeing both players involved against Como is particularly interesting because Liverpool are clearly looking towards the future with their defence.
Virgil van Dijk remains the leader, but Liverpool need to develop a new generation of centre-backs around him.
Araújo could provide experience and physical presence, while Jacquet represents a hugely exciting young prospect.
And then there is Giovanni Leoni, who could also have a major role to play in Liverpool’s defensive future.
Suddenly, the centre-back department looks very different.
Iraola has plenty to think about
The Como friendly could therefore be more than simply the final game of pre-season.
It could give Iraola valuable information about how his new defenders fit into his system.
Liverpool are expected to play aggressively under the new manager, which puts enormous demands on the defence.
The centre-backs have to defend large spaces.
They need pace.
They need to be comfortable stepping forward.
And they need to react quickly when possession is lost.
Araújo and Jacquet will have the opportunity to show exactly what they can offer.
An exciting Sunday at Anfield
Liverpool supporters have already had plenty to get excited about this summer.
Now they could finally get their first look at two more new defensive additions.
Jeremy Jacquet.
Ronald Araújo.
Two players at very different stages of their careers, but both potentially important to Iraola’s Liverpool project.
If there are no late fitness issues, both should make their Liverpool debuts against Como on Sunday at Anfield.
And I can’t wait to see them.
After all the transfer speculation and anticipation, we finally get to see what these new players can actually do in a Liverpool shirt.
The new-look Liverpool defence is starting to take shape.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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