Andoni Iraola has named his Liverpool starting XI to face Monaco at Anfield, and there is plenty for Reds supporters to get excited about.
The biggest talking point is undoubtedly the inclusion of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak together from the start.
This is exactly the kind of attacking combination Liverpool fans have been waiting to see.
Liverpool’s starting XI
Alisson; Frimpong, Van Dijk, Ndukwe, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Gakpo, Wirtz, Koumas; Isak.
There is plenty of experience in the side, but Iraola has also given another opportunity to some of Liverpool’s younger players.
Wirtz operating in the No.10 role behind Isak is particularly intriguing.
The German has the creativity and technical ability to find space between the lines, while Isak gives Liverpool a striker capable of stretching defences with his movement.
It will be fascinating to see whether an understanding begins to develop between the pair.
Frimpong provides the attacking threat
Jeremie Frimpong gets another opportunity to demonstrate why he could be such an important player under Iraola.
His pace and attacking instincts should give Liverpool another dimension down the right, while Virgil van Dijk provides the leadership at the heart of the defence.
Tsimikas starts on the opposite side, with the young Ndukwe getting an excellent opportunity alongside the captain.
In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch provide a strong combination of energy, athleticism and technical quality.
Gakpo and Koumas complete the attack
Cody Gakpo starts on the left, while Lewis Koumas gets the opportunity on the opposite flank.
Koumas will be hoping to take advantage of the opportunity and show Iraola that he can contribute to the first-team squad.
With Wirtz operating centrally and Isak leading the line, there is certainly plenty of attacking quality in the starting XI.
Plenty of options on the bench
Iraola also has an incredibly interesting group of players available to him from the bench.
Mamardashvili, Davies, Endo, Kerkez, Chiesa, Elliott, Munoz, Nyoni, Chambers, Ramsay, McConnell, Morrison and Ngumoha are all available.
That means we could see significant changes during the second half, with the likes of Federico Chiesa, Victor Munoz, Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha all capable of making an impact.
It will also be interesting to see whether Milos Kerkez gets minutes after starting some of Liverpool’s previous pre-season matches.
A glimpse of Iraola’s Liverpool
Ultimately, pre-season results are secondary.
What matters today is fitness, understanding and giving Iraola the opportunity to work with the players he is likely to rely upon when the competitive season begins.
And this XI provides another fascinating glimpse into what Liverpool could become.
Wirtz behind Isak.
Frimpong providing width.
Szoboszlai and Gravenberch controlling midfield.
Van Dijk leading the defence.
There is a lot to like about this Liverpool team.
And with Anfield ready to watch Iraola’s new era take another step forward, all eyes will be on Wirtz and Isak.
This is the partnership Liverpool supporters have been waiting to see.
Let’s see what they can produce.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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