Liverpool have named a very strong starting XI for the second friendly against Como at Anfield, and there is plenty for supporters to get excited about.
With the Premier League season now just around the corner, Andoni Iraola has selected a side that gives us a much better indication of how he could approach the opening weeks of the campaign.
Liverpool XI
Alisson
Frimpong – Van Dijk – Jacquet – Kerkez
Gravenberch – Szoboszlai
Wirtz
Ngumoha – Isak – Gakpo
Subs: Davies, Muñoz, Araújo, Nyoni, Koumas, Ndiaye, Wright.
Wirtz and Isak start together
This is the combination everyone will be watching.
Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are both in the starting XI.
Liverpool supporters have been desperate to see more of these two together, and tonight gives us another opportunity to see whether they can develop the understanding that could make them so dangerous this season.
Wirtz has the creativity to unlock defences, while Isak’s movement gives him an obvious target to find.
If those two click, Liverpool could have something very special.
Ngumoha gets another huge opportunity
Another player I’m particularly interested in is Rio Ngumoha.
The teenager starts against Como and gets another opportunity to show Iraola that he can contribute to the first team this season.
There has been plenty of discussion about whether Liverpool are asking too much of Ngumoha, particularly with the youngster potentially being relied upon in a position he hasn’t always played.
Tonight is another chance for him to show what he can do.
His pace and willingness to attack defenders could give Liverpool another dimension.
Jacquet partners Van Dijk
At the other end of the pitch, Jérémy Jacquet starts alongside Virgil van Dijk.
This is an exciting opportunity for the young French defender.
With Ronald Araújo on the bench, Iraola has plenty of options at centre-back.
But Jacquet starting alongside Van Dijk is particularly interesting because the Liverpool captain’s experience could help the youngster settle into life at Anfield.
After some defensive concerns during pre-season, this is an opportunity for Liverpool to show greater organisation.
Kerkez and Frimpong start at full-back
Liverpool’s full-back situation is another area worth watching.
Milos Kerkez starts on the left, while Jeremie Frimpong starts on the right.
Both players are naturally aggressive and enjoy getting forward, which should suit Iraola’s attacking philosophy.
But there is an obvious question:
Can they provide the defensive balance Liverpool need?
With both potentially pushing forward, Gravenberch and Szoboszlai will have an important job protecting the centre-backs.
Gravenberch and Szoboszlai in midfield
This could be another fascinating tactical experiment.
Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai form the midfield.
We’ve spoken a lot about whether these two could form the double pivot Liverpool need under Iraola.
Tonight gives them another opportunity to demonstrate that they can combine energy and creativity with defensive discipline.
Can they dominate Como?
Can they protect Van Dijk and Jacquet?
And can they give Wirtz the freedom to influence the game?
That’s something I’ll be watching closely.
A much stronger Liverpool side
After the 0-0 draw in the first friendly, this is a completely different proposition.
Alisson.
Van Dijk.
Wirtz.
Isak.
Gakpo.
Gravenberch.
Szoboszlai.
This is much closer to the Liverpool team we could see when the Premier League begins.
And with Araújo, Muñoz and Koumas among the substitutes, Iraola has plenty of options to change the game.
This is the test I’ve been waiting for
The first Como match was about fitness and giving opportunities to players further down the squad.
This is different.
This is the chance to see Iraola’s Liverpool.
I want to see the high press.
I want to see Wirtz and Isak combine.
I want to see Gravenberch and Szoboszlai control the midfield.
I want to see Kerkez and Frimpong contribute at both ends.
And above all, I want to see Van Dijk and Jacquet give Liverpool a solid foundation.
The Premier League opener against Newcastle is now only a week away.
Let’s see what Iraola has been building.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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