Liverpool have already played their first friendly against Como today, with the behind-closed-doors fixture ending in a goalless draw.
Now attention turns to Anfield, where Liverpool will face Como again in front of the supporters.
This is the game I’m really looking forward to.
With the Premier League season almost here, I want to see signs that Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool are beginning to take shape.
Here are five things I want to see against Como.
1. A high press and exciting attacking movement
The biggest thing I want to see is the football Iraola has promised.
Intensity.
Liverpool should be aggressive without the ball, press Como high up the pitch and look to win possession in dangerous areas.
But the attacking movement needs to be just as exciting.
I want to see players constantly moving, interchanging positions and making runs beyond the Como defence.
Liverpool shouldn’t be afraid to take risks.
This is the perfect opportunity for Iraola to show supporters what his football can look like.
2. Wirtz and Isak combining
This is probably the one I’m most excited about.
Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
Liverpool have spent huge money to bring two players of exceptional quality together, and now we want to see what they can do as a partnership.
Wirtz operating between the lines.
Isak stretching the defence.
Wirtz finding those little pockets of space.
Isak making runs in behind.
And hopefully, the German creating chances for the Swedish striker to finish.
If those two can develop a genuine understanding, Liverpool could have one of the most dangerous attacking partnerships in the Premier League.
3. A midfield that dominates and protects the defence
This is absolutely crucial.
We’ve seen Liverpool look vulnerable when their midfield gets stretched during pre-season.
I want to see something different against Como.
I want Liverpool’s midfield to control the game.
Whether Iraola goes with Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister or another combination, I want to see the midfielders winning the ball, keeping possession and protecting the centre-backs when Liverpool push forward.
It’s all about balance.
Liverpool need to be aggressive, but they cannot leave huge spaces behind them.
If the midfield can provide that protection, Iraola’s attacking football becomes much easier to implement.
4. Full-backs that impress defensively AND offensively
This is another area I’m watching closely.
Liverpool’s full-backs are going to be incredibly important in Iraola’s system.
I want to see them providing width and joining attacks, but I also want to see them defending properly.
There’s no point having four or five players flying forward if the opposition can simply exploit the space they’ve left behind.
Can Liverpool’s full-backs recover quickly?
Can they win their one-on-one battles?
Can they provide quality deliveries?
Can they combine with the wingers?
And perhaps most importantly — can they know when to attack and when to stay?
That decision-making could be vital this season.
5. A central defence that looks solid
Finally, I want to see Liverpool look difficult to break down.
We’ve seen enough defensive vulnerability during pre-season.
Now I want to see a centre-back pairing that looks calm, organised and commanding.
With Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araújo and Jérémy Jacquet all available, there is plenty of quality for Iraola to work with.
Araújo’s debut is particularly exciting.
The Uruguayan has the physicality, aggression and versatility to become a hugely important player for Liverpool.
But I want to see the entire defensive unit working together.
Good communication.
A sensible defensive line.
No unnecessary gaps.
And, most importantly, no cheap goals conceded.
This is the test
The first Como game was useful for giving players minutes.
But this is the one I’m really interested in.
Anfield.
The supporters.
The stronger Liverpool team.
And one final opportunity to see what Iraola’s Liverpool could look like before the Premier League begins.
I don’t expect everything to be perfect.
But I want to see identity.
I want to see the high press.
I want to see Wirtz and Isak developing an understanding.
I want to see the midfield control games.
I want to see the full-backs contribute at both ends.
And I want to see a defence that gives us confidence.
If Liverpool can produce all five against Como, I’ll be going into the Newcastle opener feeling very optimistic about what this team can achieve.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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