Well, I have to say, I really like the look of this Liverpool team.
Andoni Iraola has made four changes for tonight’s Champions League trip to LASK, but the biggest talking point for me is the opportunity he has handed to two of Liverpool’s young talents.
Trey Nyoni starts in midfield, while Rio Ngumoha gets another chance to impress in attack.
There is also a start for Lewis Koumas up front, with Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola supporting him.
It’s an interesting selection from Iraola, particularly with Liverpool needing a response after the defeat to Manchester City at Anfield.
Liverpool’s confirmed starting XI
Liverpool will line up with Alisson in goal, with Jeremie Frimpong, Ronald Araújo, Jérémy Jacquet and Kostas Tsimikas making up the defence.
Ryan Gravenberch partners Nyoni in midfield, while Ngumoha, Wirtz and Barcola play behind Koumas.
The full team is:
Alisson; Frimpong, Araújo, Jacquet, Tsimikas; Nyoni, Gravenberch; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Barcola; Koumas.
The substitutes are Mamardashvili, Woodman, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Muñoz, Chambers, McConnell, Danns, Sonni-Lambie and Lucky. Liverpool confirmed the selection ahead of the match in Austria.
Nyoni and Ngumoha are the ones I’m watching
I’ve said before that I want Liverpool to give their youngsters genuine opportunities when they deserve them, rather than simply bringing them on for the final few minutes when a game is already decided.
Tonight gives Nyoni another chance to show what he can do in midfield.
He is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and has shown that he is willing to take responsibility. These are exactly the sorts of games that can help a young midfielder grow, particularly when he is playing alongside someone with Gravenberch’s experience.
I’m not expecting Nyoni to run the game, but I want to see him play with confidence, demand the ball and make himself useful when Liverpool are trying to control possession.
Ngumoha is another player I’m delighted to see starting.
His direct running gives Liverpool something different. He is willing to take defenders on, attack space and try to make things happen rather than always playing the safe pass.
Of course, he is still developing, and we shouldn’t expect him to produce something spectacular every time he plays. But these opportunities matter.
If Iraola believes they are good enough to start a Champions League match, let’s see what they can do.
Wirtz and Barcola need to make things happen
There is also a big opportunity for Wirtz and Barcola.
Both players have enormous ability, but Liverpool need more consistent attacking output from them.
Wirtz has shown glimpses of his quality, while Barcola offers pace and the ability to beat defenders. The challenge is turning that talent into chances, goals and assists.
With Koumas leading the line, I want to see the three of them combining more effectively.
Koumas has gained valuable minutes with Wales during the international break, and this is another chance for him to make his case for a bigger role at Liverpool.
He doesn’t need to do everything himself. If Wirtz can find him in dangerous positions and Barcola can stretch the defence, Liverpool should have opportunities to threaten LASK.
But they need to make those opportunities count.
Van Dijk gets a rest as Iraola rotates
The other major talking point is Virgil van Dijk being named among the substitutes.
After the demands of the international break and Liverpool’s busy schedule, giving the captain a rest makes sense, particularly with more important matches coming quickly.
Jacquet starts again, with Araújo alongside him. That partnership will be worth watching, especially as Liverpool continue to develop their defensive understanding.
Frimpong and Tsimikas provide attacking options from full-back, although their positioning will need to be sensible to avoid leaving the centre-backs exposed.
I also like having Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Alexis Mac Allister available on the bench. Iraola has experienced options if the match isn’t going to plan.
Liverpool need a response in Europe
Let’s not forget the importance of tonight’s match.
Liverpool opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid, and a second win would put them in a strong position in the league phase.
The defeat to Manchester City means there is pressure to respond, but I don’t want Liverpool to approach this as though they need to fix everything in one evening.
They need to play with energy, move the ball quicker and show more conviction in the final third.
Most importantly, they must respect LASK. Playing away in Europe is never something to take lightly, and Liverpool cannot afford to assume the result will take care of itself.
My verdict
I’m pleased with this selection.
Nyoni and Ngumoha get important opportunities, Koumas leads the attack, and Wirtz and Barcola have another chance to build their understanding.
Van Dijk and Mac Allister are available if needed, while Jacquet and Araújo get another chance to strengthen their partnership.
I want to see Liverpool play with confidence and give their young players the freedom to express themselves.
A win is the priority, but a convincing performance would be just as welcome after the disappointment against City.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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