Liverpool started the Andoni Iraola era at Liverpool with a 4-2 victory against Sunderland in Nashville.
Liverpool opened the scoring after 13 minutes when Kiernan Morrison was found by Harvey Elliott. Enzo Le Fee scored an incredible goal to bring the game back level, where it finished 1-1. Liverpool fell behind shortly after the break, but a brilliant Szoboszlai chest down and volley brought it back to 2-2.
Federico Chiesa and Lewis Koumas goals late on gave a 4-2 victory to the Reds.
Liverpool need a centre back… now!
Liverpool are currently going into the season with Joe Gomez as third-choice centre-back. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Gomez’s quality, but once again his injury record let him down. He lasted only seven minutes in his run as captain. Liverpool cannot go into the season relying just on Van Dijk and Jacquet, who still isn’t fully fit.
Dominik Szoboszlai is Liverpool’s key man this season
Szoboszlai was Liverpool’s most important player last season, but from his 45-minute appearance against Sunderland he has proved how important he will be under Andoni Iraola. Not only did he score an incredible goal for the second, but he also showed that he is going to be the man leading the press from midfield for Andoni Iraola. This led to the fourth goal with his press getting the ball back on transition and giving space for Lewis Koumas to capitalise.
Liverpool’s right back problems continue
Centre back is not the only position that Liverpool have problems looking ahead. Jeremie Frimpong started the game at right back and while his skills naturally support the attacking style of the game. He made a mistake on the ball which led to the second Sunderland goal. While this will happen with his attacking flair, it is also important to consider the injury record that he had last season, along with poor injury records for Connor Bradley and Joe Gomez
Ngumoha could be a Liverpool hero this season
Ngumoha didn’t get the final product on the day, but he showed exactly why Thomas Tuchel wanted him around the England camp before the World Cup. His lightning fast dribbling and flair were on show. With it still being early in the youngster’s preseason this will come naturally as we head into the Premier League.
Iraola has shown consistently that he can bring through exciting wing talents during his time at Bournemouth.
Is Heavy Metal Football back?
The first signs are positive for the style that we will see as Liverpool fans under Andoni Iraola. The team pressed hard and Sunderland were a game further into their preseason but the Liverpool youngsters dealt with it well.
While style was a big factor that led to dissatisfaction under Arne Slot last season, fans will be excited to see Iraola ball going ahead.
