Liverpool’s pre-season programme is now complete, and focus has turned fully to the Premier League as Andoni Iraola’s side prepare to face Newcastle United. As of 20 September 2026, the standout story from the warm-up schedule remains Jeremy Jacquet’s eye-catching debut against Como, and the manager’s verdict on that performance still shapes selection talk heading into the Newcastle test. This update brings that story up to date.
Jacquet Shines on Anfield Debut as Pre-Season Concludes
Liverpool wrapped up their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 win over Como at Anfield. It was a tidy finish to the summer’s preparations, and it also produced two notable debuts.
Jeremy Jacquet started the match and scored a first-half goal, giving the home crowd an early reason to cheer. Fellow new arrival Ronald Araujo then came on for the second half, making his own first appearance in a Liverpool shirt. Between them, the pair gave supporters a first proper look at two of the club’s summer signings in competitive conditions.
For Jacquet in particular, the outing carried extra weight. It was his first game since February, so simply getting through 45 minutes was a milestone in itself before the goal arrived on top.
Iraola Blown Away by Special Liverpool Defender
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Iraola made no attempt to hide his admiration for what he had just watched. “I think he had such a good first game that it’s almost dangerous!” the manager said, a remark that captured both his delight and his caution about expecting the same standard every week.
Iraola expanded on why the timing of the performance made it stand out. “But I think it’s good because he hadn’t played a game since February. So he played his first 45. I think he also finished in a good place. He scored a goal in front of the fans at Anfield. That is always special, your first game at Anfield,” he said, as detailed in our original report on Iraola’s comments.
That framing matters. A player returning from months out and scoring on his first appearance at Anfield is a rare combination, and it explains why Iraola reached for the word “dangerous” rather than simple praise.
How Andoni Iraola Assesses Jeremy Jacquet Ahead of Newcastle
Andoni Iraola expects Jacquet to start alongside Virgil van Dijk against Newcastle United, and his public comments show a manager keen to set a high bar without piling on pressure. Iraola has been careful to pair his praise with realistic expectations for a young defender still adjusting to English football.
Explaining the standard he wants Jacquet to chase, Iraola said: “We will put the level there for him [gestures up high], ‘this is your level and this is what we expect from every game.'” It is a clear message: the Como display was not a ceiling, but a marker.
At the same time, Iraola has been open about the learning curve ahead. “I’m very happy for him and now we wish he can continue and he can grow. We know he will make mistakes. He is very young, new in the Premier League. We have to accept this. But we trust him,” he said. That balance of high expectation and patience looks set to define how Jacquet is managed as he steps into a starting role against Newcastle.
What Happens Next for Jacquet and Liverpool
With pre-season now behind them, Liverpool’s attention turns fully to league fixtures, and Jacquet looks set to be involved from the start against Newcastle. Iraola’s comments make clear he sees the centre-back pairing with Van Dijk as the next step in the youngster’s development, rather than a one-off reward for a good pre-season goal.
The wider picture around Liverpool’s start to the season has already been covered in detail, including the club’s opening league fixture, as set out in our earlier report, and their run in the domestic cup, which we covered in our earlier report on that game. Both results form part of the broader context Iraola is weighing as he builds his defensive options for the months ahead.
For now, the message from the manager is consistent. Jacquet has earned his chance through a debut that few could have scripted, but Iraola is managing expectations carefully, aware that a single outstanding performance does not guarantee a smooth run in the Premier League. Newcastle will offer the clearest early test yet of whether that first impression can be repeated under different pressure.
