Liverpool has significantly eased concerns about their defensive depth following a strong pre-season performance and strategic signings. Jeremy Jacquet, who made his unofficial debut in a friendly against Como, played a pivotal role in the team's 2-0 victory.
Two weeks prior, the team faced defensive challenges with several players injured and unavailable. However, the return of Virgil van Dijk, the signing of Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona, and Jacquet's assured performance have reshaped the defensive outlook. Araujo also featured in the match against Como. Giovanni Leoni, another young defender, is nearing the end of his rehabilitation from a knee injury and is expected to return by late September.
Jacquet, acquired from Rennes for a reported £60 million agreement reached in January, demonstrated composure and capability in his first match since February. He played a key part in building from the back, a tactical approach favored by manager Iraola, and capped his performance by scoring Liverpool's second goal against the Italian side. While acknowledging it is early days and Jacquet, 21, needs time to adapt to a new league after missing part of the previous season with a shoulder issue, his initial showing has been highly encouraging.
With defensive concerns addressed, Liverpool's focus shifts to strengthening their wide forward positions. Cody Gakpo, who scored Liverpool's opening goal and assisted Jacquet's, has been linked with a move to Tottenham, though the club has stated no plans to sell. The team is actively pursuing Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola and has also been in talks for Ibrahim Mbaye. Neither Barcola nor Mbaye featured for PSG in their friendly match on Sunday night, indicating potential movement in transfer negotiations.
New signing Victor Munoz, who arrived from Osasuna, also made a positive impression in a training match and a cameo appearance. He is competing for a starting role alongside Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha for the upcoming league opener against Newcastle. Additionally, forward Lewis Koumas has caught the manager's eye during pre-season.
The return of Alexander Isak is also being viewed as akin to a new signing. After a difficult first season marked by injuries and underperformance, Isak has appeared sharp in pre-season training and in the friendly against Como. Despite hitting the post early in the match, his fitness and form suggest he could be a key player for Liverpool this season, especially in light of Mohamed Salah's reduced goal-scoring reliance.
The upcoming league opener against Newcastle, Isak's former club, presents an immediate opportunity for him to make a significant impact.